Heidevolk

Employing a bold and atmospheric blend of folk, pagan, and Viking metal, Dutch decibel marauders Heidevolk were originally founded under the name Hymir in 2002. Drawing inspiration from nature, Germanic mythology, and the history of Gelderland -- a lore-rich province in the central Netherlands -- the group began playing live in 2003, and in 2005 they issued their debut studio LP, De Strijdlust Is Geboren. An EP, Wodan Heerst, arrived in 2007, followed by a pair of Napalm-issued full-lengths, Walhalla Wacht and Uit Oude Grond, in 2008 and 2010, respectively. 2012's Batavi was a narrative-driven affair that saw the group detailing the turbulent history of an ancient Germanic tribe, while 2015's Velua drew inspiration from the densely forested hills of the group's homeland. In 2018 the band released their sixth studio long-player, Vuur Van Verzet, again via Napalm. ~ James Christopher Monger