Heidevolk's 2008 release "Walhalla Wacht" is a collection of high-energy pagan metal anthems delivered with the band's characteristic blend of harsh and clean vocals. The album features prominent use of traditional folk instrumentation layered over driving metal riffs.
- Recorded in the spring of 2007 at the Wild Sound Studio in Amersfoort with producer Nico van Montfoort, "Walhalla Wacht" saw Heidevolk refine their sound from their debut. The album was released by Napalm Records Handels GmbH, a label known for its roster of established and emerging metal acts. "Walhalla Wacht" entered the German Alternative Charts at number 86, marking the band's first appearance on any official music chart.
- The album's title, "Walhalla Wacht," translates to "Valhalla Awaits" in English, reflecting its central themes of Norse mythology and warrior spirit. Lyrically, the album delves into tales of courage, battle, and the afterlife, drawing heavily from Germanic folklore and historical accounts. The band continued to develop their unique vocal dynamic on this record, alternating between aggressive black metal-influenced shrieks and powerful, melodic clean singing.
- "Walhalla Wacht" was reissued in 2010 with updated artwork and bonus tracks, indicating continued interest in the album after its initial release. The album's reception highlighted Heidevolk's growing popularity within the pagan and folk metal communities. It established many of the sonic elements that would become hallmarks of their subsequent releases.
Heidevolk are a folk metal band from Gelderland, Netherlands, known for their lyrical themes rooted in Germanic paganism and ancient history. "Walhalla Wacht" was their second full-length album, released during a period where they were solidifying their place in the European pagan metal scene.
Tracklist
