REVIEW: MONDVOLLAND – D' Olde Roop

 

MONDVOLLAND – D' Olde Roop

Apollon Records

Genre: Extreme Folk / Black Metal

Upon first inspection of the cover art for D’ Olde Roop, one might anticipate a standard entry into the saturated folk metal genre. To an extent, that initial impression holds ground; however, this debut full-length from the Dutch trio—who have spent the last five years honing their sound through demos and an EP—reveals a more nuanced identity upon closer listening.

The Compositional Balance

While the "folk" elements of the album adhere to familiar territory—utilizing established structures, rhythmic riffs, and deep, reciting clean vocals—the band distinguishes itself through its foundational aggression.

Where many contemporaries relegate metal elements to a secondary role, MONDVOLLAND prioritizes a Black Metal framework. This stylistic choice provides the following:

• Atmosphere: A dark, "frozen" hue that permeates the melodic passages.
• Edge: A level of aggression and bite often missing from more commercial folk releases.
• Balance: An equal distribution between folk melodies and black metal intensity.

Key Characteristics

• The Folk Elements: Consistent with genre standards, featuring traditional melodic "non-metal" touches and clean vocal delivery.
• The Black Metal Influence: Dominant and well-integrated, elevating the compositions from "typical" to "extreme."
• Production: The synthesis of both styles results in a record that feels cohesive rather than fragmented.

Final Verdict: If your interest lies in the intersection of folk and black metal, but you find the current scene lacking in grit, MONDVOLLAND provides a compelling alternative. D' Olde Roop doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it certainly sharpens the spikes.

Christine  Parastatidou