Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet (Folter Records)

 This work is the first full length album of this Dutch horde which, in 2005, after a couple of years of silence finally decided to release this black piece under the German label Folter Records. I was greatly impressed, some time ago, by “Moerasghesomp” (Rehearsal Promo 2003), their first release, and I must say “Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet” sounds like the logic progression, with a much elaborated, varied and somewhat mature sound, but still completely faithful to its unholy roots. Traditional Black Metal, with strong melodic/melancholic traces, is what this quintet delivers here, as with “Moerasghesomp”, the influences of bands such Mayhem and Gorgoroth are still completely visible, but the music of Walpurgisnacht moves far away from the mere copy. The variety is a trademark in this album, ranging from fast blasting passages, mid paces melancholic parts to highly epic, intense and quite intricate ones… “Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet” conjugates different elements of the traditional Black Metal sound, such the dark bestiality of Mayhem/Immortal, the obscure, epic and majestic guitar driven atmospheres of early Emperor, the bitterness of Gorgoroth, the and some slight Enslaved-inspired Viking Black Metal touches (just listen to “Verlokt is Verloren”). A interesting detail that catched my attention since the first listened, was the inclusion of “De Kluizenaar”, my favourite track from “Moerasghesomp”, I don’t know if it was re recorded, remastered or something but sounds completely fitting with the entire album. The production is completely ad-hoc with the whole music; well sounding enough but still obscure and definitely never over produced. As you can see, “Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet” is consistent and coherent work full of power, anger, hate and an incredibly feeling worthy of our attention… Good work! (AP)