ALBUM REVIEW: Eigenheid – :NODFYR:

With a decade behind them, :NODFYR: release their latest album, Eigenheid. The title translates to the word identity, and really delves into the history of a people, a place, and individuals. Heavily focusing on the band’s homeland in the Netherlands, specifically the region of Gelderland, will it deliver on it’s name?

Setting the scene, Mijn oude volk starts off with a simple melody that slowly layers with a variety of strings before the big push into the dark and heavy sounds of the full band. Big, powerful vocals are really the only thing that’s going to cut it against this stomping, operatic musical backdrop. Cutting from smashing double bass and black metal influences, Mijn oude volk sways back into the more melodic and tonally operatic sections beautifully. Its story works around the history of those whose actions and religions still influence the band today, in their heritage. There are bags of energy, any ancestor would be pleased to have such a song written in their honour.

Gelre, Gelre is a homage to the region of the Netherlands, Gelderland. It’s got a pretty solid central riff and some very nice variations in staccato and legato, as well as offering a very tasteful solo that really gives this track the whole package. Even if you’re not a native speaker, this is a track you want to chant along with, to be a part of the sense of community and love this song represents.

We’re in for a bit of a moody treat with Wording, with it’s menacing hook and echoing vocals. The soaring sweetness of sweet, high female vocals over-layed on top of the chugging is always a good combination, but :NODFYR: place the more unusual stylistic and instrumental parts in the arrangement to keep you interested. Driekusman might feel like a departure from what you’d expect, but give it a moment to find its groove. A traditional song reimagined and given a beautiful shift in tone, this short track is a really lovely example of how to use style and genre to give a brand-new sense of life to something.

Literally translating to Bloodline, Bloedlijn is a song not just about the ancestors of a place, but the forefathers of the band themselves and the bonds between them. It carries a sense of admiration, wisdom and tranquillity, particularly in its middle section, where things build themselves up slowly, growing in the way that life and knowledge does, with new elements being added all the time into its battering crescendo, where the vocals call out and you’re left with a tingle down your spine. It’s a really personal piece of music, and that shines through.

Getting closer still to the band, Zelk is literally a song about the band themselves. It was one of the first songs the band ever wrote, and is about their own personal history and journey through life. It’s pretty badass, a stomping beat and a sense of might and pride beams from it. Ranging from confident and stoic, to swirling and mystical, to a little more pushy and delightfully aggressive, it’s well worth it’s lengthy run time.

In the vein of a life long journey, Nagedachtenis is themed on that final part, death and loss. One of the heavier tracks not just in nature but in its moody cadence and tone. Your hairs will stand on end with this one. Respectful, bursting with emotion and a powerful sense of love and power, those deep soaring vocals against the sombre chord progression, and another emotionally played solo, it’s a lament for those lost by those left to follow.

Eigenheid weaves a rich tapestry across time and generations. It’s very much a musical journey through the ages, taking inspiration and giving huge respect for the traditions and religions of the past, as well as looking inward to how those cultures have influenced who :NODFYR: are. Not only that, but the recognition that we will all leave our mark one day on those to come, strikes into the beautiful heart of what it means to be human.

Rating: 8/10

Eigenheid is set for release March 5th via Ván Records.

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