Velua
Heidevolk · 2015
67 min · 15 tracks · folk metal
Epic folk metal melodies intertwine with powerful vocals, evoking ancient tales and a deep connection to nature and heritage.
Top tracks — play these first
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Winter woede — The opening track sets a dark yet captivating tone, combining atmospheric instrumentals with powerful vocals that draw listeners into the album's thematic depth.
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Herboren in vlammen — This track features intricate guitar work and anthemic choruses that highlight the band's ability to blend melody with powerful storytelling.
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De hallen van mijn vaderen — With its driving rhythm and rich lyrical imagery, this song encapsulates the essence of Heidevolk's exploration of heritage and mythology.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk elements with metal effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a powerful orchestral intro that sets a grand tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive riffs and melodic choruses.
- Several tracks feature dual vocals, with clean singing contrasted against harsh growls, enhancing the epic storytelling aspect.
- The use of traditional instruments alongside electric guitars creates a rich texture, particularly evident in tracks like 'Urth' and 'Velua'.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with climactic moments
- evocative themes of ancient tales
- rich melodies for immersive listening
- ideal for contemplative evening sessions
- engaging storytelling through music
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2015, Velua is Heidevolk's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Batavi in 2012. At this stage, the band was solidifying its presence in the folk metal scene, blending traditional themes with a modern sound while maintaining their distinct Dutch identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Eluveitie· Korpiklaani· Finntroll
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Winter woede 4:16
- 2 Herboren in vlammen 4:45
- 3 Urth 4:45
- 4 De hallen van mijn vaderen 4:19
- 5 De vervloekte jacht 4:41
- 6 Het dwalende licht 4:55
- 7 Drankgelag 4:30
- 8 Velua 4:50
- 9 Een met de storm 4:15
- 10 Richting de wievenbelter 4:45
- 11 In het diepst der nacht 4:35
- 12 Vinland 5:34
- 13 Immigrant Song 2:26
- 14 In the Dutch Mountains 3:32
- 15 Rebel Yell 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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