Release:
Trollmusic 8. Dec. .2017
Info:
With its second album “Heer" (“Noble Man”), ALVENRAD demonstrates that Folk Metal has far more to offer than its doubtful reputation makes believe. The Dutch band interweaves traditional heavy metal, epic hard rock and influences from pioneers like Jethro Tull, Skyclad and Borknagar. In addition, ALVENRAD proves the timeless value of Nordic mythology, drawing main inspiration from a poem of the Poetic Edda, namely the Skírnismál.
First of all, “Heer” is an album recorded by a real band, including real drums played by Ingmar Regeling, most of them recorded on first or second take to keep a fresh vibe. Since the release of the debut album “Habitat" (2014), founding members Jasper Strik and Mark Kwint focused on a rather elaborate concept. Meanwhile, the band has grown from duo to quartet, played its first concert on the eve of the Prophecy Fest 2016. With Thijs Kwint on bass, ALVENRAD already presented five songs from “Heer" live on stage when opening for Empyrium in spring 2017.
Fresh blood in the band, the music has improved on all levels, re-defining folk metal as a vital style open for various influences. On “Heer” you can find traces of traditional / speed / pagan metal combined with the irresistible groove of classic hard rock – just listen to “De Zonne-ever”! Sticking true to its roots, the band has again invited Erik Sprooten (Ancient Rites, guitar), Hanna De Wijs - van Gorcum (nyckelharpa) and Arjan Hoekstra (euphonium) to enrich their lively tunes with personal performances.
The lyrics deal with sexual attraction, love and violence among gods and giants – topics that shape the lives of humans to this very day. ALVENRAD interprets the myth without moralistic finger wagging or ridiculous “heathen” hogwash, but instead presents a thought-provoking tale framed by the forests and heath of the Veluwe, the band’s natural habitat. The album will be released in a box set* and feature the Dutch lyrics as well as the English translations. “Heer” was recorded in the band’s own Luidheim studio, and mixed and mastered by Markus Stock (Empyrium, Sun of the Sleepless et al.) in Studio E, resulting in a remarkably organic sound. The French artist David Thiérrée illustrated the cover in close collaboration with the band, and the result is nothing but a mythological masterpiece. The detailed artwork will be included as poster booklet.
"De Zonne-ever" - Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/VsNJwWvZCSw
Tracklist:
1. De Hoogzit 2. De Raven Wodans 3. Dagen Gaans Heen 4. De Zonne-ever 5. Boom Des Gouds 6. De Herder 7. Fallisch 8. Minneschemering 9. De Groene Tempel 10. Omheind 11. Foreest In Tweelicht (bonus)
Line-up:
Mark Kwint: vocals, guitars, lyrics Jasper Strik: organs, piano, mellotron, vocals Ingmar Regeling: drums Thijs Kwint: bass |