Bikes, dikes, wooden shoes and...metal!
The Dutch contribution to metal consists of a few noted names, and a lot of lesser known but still interesting bands. Apart from the gothic-symphonic mainstream (Epica, After Forever) here are some bands and songs worth checking and listening to. Some are pure cult! |
| 1 |  | Ayreon
Into the Electric Castle
The most famous Dutch fantasy progmetal project conducted by Arjen Lucassen. The former Bodine and Vengeance guitarist has accomplished a whole new orchestral universe of metal based music in cooperation with lots of guest appearences from the metal circle and beyond.
Highly recommended: Into the Electric Castle |
| 2 |  | Bodine
Bodine
Early NWOBHM epigons from Holland, active in the period 1978-1984. Their sound is characterized by a greasy, muddy and deep bluesy sound, reminded of Whitesnake, AC/DC or Montrose.
Recommended: 'Freight Train' |
| 3 |  | Celestial Season
Solar Lovers
Experimental doom metal band active from 1991 to 2002. The sound is poetic and sorrowful, full of rich and melodious orchestration over layers of heavy, fuzzy riffing. The vocals are whispered or growled, but always intriguing.
Recommended: ('Soft Embalmer of the Still Midnight' |
| 4 |  | God Dethroned
Bloody Blasphemy
Dutch Black/Death metal band, active since 1991 as the Dutch answer to Slayer.
Recommended: 'The Execution Protocol' |
| 5 |  | The Gathering
How to Measure a Planet?
Well known gothic/doom band from the Dutch city of Oss. Anneke van Giersbergen's beautiful operatic vocals over the experimenting, slowly evolving, but ever doomy and heavy riffs make this a stand out band, even in international context.
Recommended: How to measure a Planet? |
| 6 |  | Pestilence
Spheres
The peak of Dutch prog Death Metal, even highly appreciated in the international metal community. On 1993's classic 'Spheres' album the prog elements sneaked in, catapulting the band into strange, jazzy atmospheres.
Recommended: 'Personal Energy' (proggy side) and 'Out of the Body' (Death side) |
| 7 |  | Picture
Picture
Probably the best product from the Dutch early 80's metal: vital, energetic, bombastic and no nonsense. The debut album has a strong NWOBHM mood.
Recommended: Bombers |
| 8 | | Sword
Excalibur (single)
Formed in 1982 this short lived power/heavy metalband (in 1986 to become the also noteworthy 'Jewel') was really the most talented and promising in my opinion. Classically trained guitar player Henky Backer's playing style is fast, melodious and adventurous: he can shred, play neo classical fast arpeggios and...loves melody and harmony. Check out his website to convince yourself of his versatility!
Bass player is also very nice.
Highly recommended: 'Excalibur' (from 1983 single) |
| 9 |  | Vandenberg
Alibi
In the first place the main project of Dutch guitar master Adrian Vandenberg (former Whitesnake) active between 1981 and 1987. They scored a big hit with the semi ballad Burning Heart. Singer Bert Heerink is ok, and of course the guitar player (who is also responsible for the nice art work on the album cover Alibi) is fantastic!
Highly recommended: Kamikaze (1985 instrumental) |
| 10 |  | Vengeance (NL)
Arabia
A talented, yet commercially polished Dutch hardrock/metal/AOR band starring the young Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon). Thanks to nice production, decent song writing and good musicianship Vengeance could have become a big hit.
Highly recommended: Cry of the Sirens |
| 11 |  | Horizon (NL)
Master of the Game
In 1983-1988 one of the leading melodic/powermetal acts in Holland. Talented singer Shmoulik Avigal and the neat guitar harmonies are ok, but the songs are a bit predictable and safe, pointing at American success.
Recommended: Rock 'n Roll Mind |
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