In Scandinavia, it was common for metal bands to sing in their own language for some time and to be inspired by their own history and mythology. The Netherlands lagged behind for a while, but for a number of years now the Gelderse Heidevolk has proven that metal and the Dutch language can complement each other perfectly. For this fourth album, the group was inspired by the Batavians, the people who
… lived two thousand years ago in what is now the Netherlands, who at the time traded with and revolted against the Romans. Characteristic of the sound of Heidevolk is the polyphonic vocals, in Dutch. Sometimes the language sounds a bit swollen but it actually fits. Just like the primal cries (ooh!) With which some choruses are used. Batavi is a varied metal record on which influences from thrash, black, folk and traditional metal (think Iron Maiden) come together. It is music that hopefully will also be heard outside the swampy delta of the Batavians. (PdK)more
