Five years since the release of their much-acclaimed album, “Vuur Van Verzet”, Dutch Folk / Pagan Metallers HEIDEVOLK return with their seventh studio album entitled “Wederkeer”, due for release on February 24th, 2023 via Napalm Records. The band also shared a music video for the first album single, “Klauwen Vooruit”, that immediately kicks off with the raw pagan metal power HEIDEVOLK are loved for, merging folkloric soundscapes, fast-paced riffs and ultralarge choirs.
The band comments: “We’re incredibly excited to present you the first song and music video of our new album. ‘Klauwen Vooruit’ (The Hunter’s Claw) brings you the story about the extraordinary pact between Wolf and Raven. A bond between predator and scavenger where ravens alert wolves to nearby prey. The wolves respond to the raven’s call, kill the prey, eat their share and leave the carcass for the ravens to feast on… And there is more coming up, a lot more!“
In a world of myths, nature and legends of the Veluwe, Netherlands, the concept album is a powerful odyssey of the Self, deeply rooted in Metal and folklore. “Wederkeer” (meaning to “return” or “revive”) invites the listener to take a step back from the incessant barrage of media and stimuli and look inside, find out who we are, what is driving us, what our values are, and what we’ve learned from life up until now.
“After an unprecedented five year wait since ‘Vuur Van Verzet’ we are back with our new album.“ the band continues. “ ‘Wederkeer’ will take you on an introspective journey through stories about growing up and crafting your own path. From hunting the aurochs to gain it’s untamed courage, to the mental struggles in the depth of a crisis. From the shield-wall to protect kith and kin, to the fierce fight of a senseless battle. We wrapped these stories in furious Μetal songs and folkloric soundscapes and we can’t wait to share it all with you!“
Recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities, mixed by Joost van den Broek and mastered by Darius van Helfteren, the addition of various folk musicians on vocals, violins, cello, bukkehorns and more traditional medieval instruments make WEDERKEER not only a bombastic folk and pagan metal record at its best, but a glorious album return of HEIDEVOLK!
“Wederkeer” track listing:
- Hagalaz
- Drink met de Goden (Walhalla)
- Klauwen Vooruit
- Schildenmuur
- De Strijd Duurt Voort
- Oeros
- Wederkeer
- Ijzige Nacht
- Raidho
- Ver Verlangen
- Holda
- Zoervuur
You can watch the official video for “Klauwen Vooruit” below:
