Standvast. Groningen present. I reviewed the album Jera: Live 2018 and the album Afkomst with which these gentlemen made their debut and although it was not all fantastically original in terms of black metal, I still put both albums on with some regularity. Long player number two was released earlier this year via Werewolf Promotion: a label that is not known for promoting. Fortunately, I still have contacts with taste who let me know from the Netherlands what to listen to. When the name Standvast was mentioned, I immediately knew what time it was.
One of the big plus points of Standvast is that the Dutch verses are clearly audible and understandable. An example if you are Dutch, especially, or Belgian who does not mind a northern accent. In addition, the lyrics are worth understanding, something that is certainly not a certainty in the metal genre. On Oersymboliek, the first half of the 90s black metal pounds away nicely, without falling into excesses. Bitter and sour, with pounding mid-tempo rhythms and the accompanying acceleration with occasional threatening key embellishment. Fast, aggressive, militant, according to the genre. Dry Darkthrone without too much frills actually (here and there epic female vocals), with old-school Bathory vibes from before Bathory went looking for the Viking epically complete. One that, as mentioned, does indeed sound more militant than the average misanthropic black, because of the use of a very tight drum section, for which Heer Nortfalke is responsible. The all-round production is not sublime, but it is put together in such a way that all instruments are clearly audible, without having to check in great detail whether every note is where it should be. On the song Langs het Noordse Pad, for example, you occasionally hear beautiful bass lines, every now and then. It all contributes to the authentic character of Standvast.
Personally, I especially like the real bonkers, such as Stoic Warrior, where you keep digging your heels deeper into the sand. Standvast is not original at all, has little added value purely musically, but knows how to bring it all in a way that grabs you. Black metal, without frills, militant, sour & bitter as said, largely in Dutch. Fine.
Sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=187-L03sZEk&t=98s
