Dutch Heavy Metal

by u/Gheeman

Buckle up, turn on the music and enjoy! Welcome to a primer on Dutch heavy metal. This is going to be my second write-up, following my first one on early Korean heavy metal. I really enjoyed writing it and it got received well, so I decided to do another one. About what? Mexico crossed my mind, Greece sounded interesting as well. But I decided to do it on something I actually wanted to do for a long time, heavy metal from my home country of The Netherlands. I knew a fair share of bands from here already, so I had to dig a little harder to reveal what was still unknown for me. In here I'm going to share most of what I know and what you should know about Dutch heavy metal, also some other obscure stuff. There is some quite popular stuff you might've heard of but we have our deal of obscurity as well, so hopefully you'll find some new stuff in here to enjoy!

When you think of Dutch heavy metal, some bands might have already crossed your mind. We have our garbage can of popular folk/symphonic acts, and we are known for our death metal powerhouses. Pestilence being one of my favorite overall death metal acts by one of the greatest frontman, Martin van Drunen. He left the band in 1990 and entered Asphyx, death/doom legends. Sinister, Altar, and Thanatos are other big names from the death scene. For our little dust snufflers here I present Creepmime, a proggy death/doom metal act that sounds like Bolt Thrower. But where are not here for the extreme stuff, no. Just like my previous primer, I'm going to dive in the early stuff covering only trad/speed/power metal here.

The Netherlands lies between two of the greatest heavy metal countries, Germany and the UK. It's obvious that a lot of hard rock and heavy metal music ended up here, some acts have a similar sound like our German neighbors. Heavy metal arrived not too late here, a lot of bands already started out in the mid and late 70's. Even though heavy metal exploded in the 80's, a lot of bands didn't get the success you'd expect. For a tiny country between two giants, many bands stayed in obscurity even in their own country. Overall the history is not too interesting, no inspiring tales or stories of oppression and corruption (thankfully), just your average first world country with punks and rebellious teens. Influences from home were present as well, bands started to play heavier music in the early 70's like BZN. This is from their album The Bastard from 1971, they later strayed away from their hard rock sound into pop which made them hugely popular in The Netherlands. Golden Earring is also a huge name here and they have released tons of albums, heading back as far as 1965. Some more historical goofs, here is a fun little documentary about Metallica visiting our north state Friesland in 1984. Twisted Sister was touring and Metallica was headlining outside of the US for the first time.

Now let's dive into the heavy metal music, I have collected over 40 bands here, so you'll be good for days and days! But to make it a little easier to swallow I have ordered it, starting off with the most essential and well known stuff and further diving into obscurity. Now don't be fooled by the ordering too much, as some lower and more obscure bands may have better material than higher up more known bands.

1st Tier

Let's kick off with probably one of the most well known bands on this list, Picture. Some people say it was the first true heavy metal band from the country, but I disagree since they hail from 1979 and we have earlier bands here. However earlier bands never really came out with full albums yet so you can probably give them credit for the first true heavy metal album. Their first self titled album was released in 1980, you might also know them for their better work like Eternal Dark from 1983. Later on they strafed a little more towards a hard rock sound, and these guys are still active to this day.

Bodine is another popular act thriving an early heavy metal sound. Formed in 1978 and released their first self titled album in 1981. It's funny because I always see their albums in my local record stores, but never really cared enough to jump into them up until writing this. I always though they were more of a rock group that we also have a lot here, like Vandenberg or Zinatra. Upon listening it seems they have some pretty cool stuff. Just like Picture they were one of the few bands that broke out of The Netherlands with some success internationally. They released three albums and eventually split up in 1984.

Next up is Vault, formed in 1979. First released No More Escape in 1983. This is their only full length album, however their Sword of Steel demo from 1985 was re-released as album in 2002. Improved quality and great song writing with that typical European heavy metal sound to it, worth checking out.

Take a deep breath here. Formed in 1984, this is speed/power act Defender. This is one of my favorite released from The Netherlands, their only EP from 1987, City Ad Mortis. Galloping rhythms, killer riffs and amazing guitar work. The vocalist does a great performance, fun thing is that nowadays he uses those pipes for yelling at teens as a school principle. I mean, just listen to those guitar harmonies on the title track. This album is a must listen for Dutch heavy metal.

From the north, this is Vortex. Formed in 1979, they have released several demos before releasing their first EP Metal Bats in 1985. More known for their first full length a year later, Open The Gates. If you like hilarious 80's video clips, you should totally check out the video for the title song, Open The Gates. Beside the goof, it's pretty solid heavy metal!

Also one of the more successful and well known bands was Vengeance. Formed in 1983 and released their first self titled album a year later. Just like Bodine, this is a band I see quite often in my local record store mistaken it for rock. It's your typical feel good, loving, party lyrical themed band, but it's fun stuff. We Shall Rock, Love Lies Bleeding, Rock'n'Roll Shower, are just some examples of song titles to give you an impression. They released up to 10 studio albums and are still active to this day.

Here we have Future Tense, formed in 1979. They never released a full album, but a kick ass EP in 1984, Condemned to The Gallow. Their demo Battle of Metal from 1983 was send all around the world and eventually Brian Slagel from Metal Blade Records caught an eye on it. The manager of the band Together did a lot of promoting for the band in the US and it got received well. Because of this, together with Hellhammer, Future Tense were the first European bands that got featured on the compilation Metal Massacre, number 5 if you were wondering.

From 1980, this is Proud Existence. Fine ass heavy metal that has traces of both USPM and German speed metal. Their only release comes from 1988, The Trial.

I like the pace we're on, so here is speed/power metal act Martyr. Their best work has to be their debut album from 1985, For The Universe. A year later the came with their second album, Darkness at Time's Edge. Split up in 1989 and reunited in 2005, releasing two more albums.

The next band is Attila. They were formed in 1983 and play some nice and energetic power metal. Attila showed what they were capable of with their first EP, Weapons of Extermination from 1986. Two years later they followed up with another EP, Violent Streets. In 1989 they released their first full length album, Triad. After this they have released two more full length albums, great band to check out if you like speed and melody.

Another act in the same vein, but a little thrashier, is Mandator. These guys were formed in 1983 under the name of Mysto Dysto. Starting out as Mysto Dysto they released only one album, The Rules Have Been Disturbed from 1986. The next year they changed names and released their first Mandator album in 1988, Initial Velocity. One year later they released another album and then split up, but they reformed in 1993 and are still active to this day.

These guys started out somewhere in the 70's, but it's unknown exactly when. Former known as Bliand, this is Dark Wizard. Under the name of Bliand they have released two demos, one originating from 1979. In 1983 they changed their name to Dark Wizard and came with a string of demos before releasing their first EP in 1984, Devil's Victim. Straight forward heavy metal along the lines of our German neighbors. Their only full length came out one year later, Reign of Evil. Personally I prefer the EP though.

2nd Tier

One of the earliest bands on here from 1975, this is Eme.. no, Warr.. wait. This band started out as Trash. Released a demo in 1976 and in 1979 the band changed their name to Warrior. Under the name of Warrior they have released one demo in 1984, and in the same year the band changed their name to Emerald as you might know them best for, if you know them at all. Bert Kivits is the vocalist in all of the bands and it's kind of a hit-or-miss thing with him. Personally I love his vocal performance, sort of snarly but not rough, instead high pitched falsetto hitting. Emerald released their first album in 1985, Down Town. The album features songs seen on the previous released demos from the other bands, like their classic tracks D-Day, Suicide and Iron on Iron. The album got a re-issue in 1999 under the name of Iron on Iron, with a different cover as well.

Question. What do you get when Crimson Glory, Fates Warning and Dream Theater get a baby? That's right, you get prog/power act Elegy. The band was formed in 1986, released a handful of demos and didn't came out with an album up until 1993. Labyrinth of Dreams sparks with beauty and elegance, great songs and a wonderful vocal performance. The next year they followed up with Supremacy, also worth checking out. After that point I kind of stopped caring and they lost me. A year after their second album they released Lost (see the joke I just made? Seriously though I stopped listening). If you enjoy them you can go ahead and listen to the rest, they have released a total of 7 albums but are currently on hold.

Here we have a band with a goofy name, Angus. Don't be fooled by it, because these guys are good. Angus was formed in 1983 and released their debut album in 1986, Tracks of Doom. The albums opens with a nice instrumental track and continues into great heavy metal goodness. Continuing with their epic stuff, a year later they followed up with their second album, Warrior of The World. That makes you think of Manowar? Cool, then you have to stick around.

Next up is Vopo's, formed in 1978. Now this band feels a little odd in this list since they started out as more of a punk band, which you can clearly hear on their debut album from 1981, Dead Entertainment. In 1983 they released their second album, Conquer. This is heavy metal, but you can still hear their punk roots. Still active to this day, but playing more in the direction of crossover/thrash.

You might know this one, since it was album of the week a while ago. From 1982, Allied Forces. Released four demos until coming with their one and only studio album in 1987, The Day After. This is fun and playful heavy metal.

This here is the only band on this list that sings in their native tongue, the band Vandale, these guys had connections with the before mentioned hard rock act Zinatra. I honestly can't really stand to hear my own language in this music, it sounds so weird and unnatural to me. Personally I love it when bands sing in French or Spanish even more, but this sounds kinda wrong to me. The first song is called friends from the bar, and since I can understand what they sing about it's so cheesy, like our horrible folk music. However don't let that influence this band, since they rock pretty good. They were formed in 1979 under the name of Pharao, but changed it a year later and dropped their first album in 1981, Schandale (scandals). The next year they released their second album, Stale Verhale (tales of steel). Besides these two albums they have a couple of singles. The band split up in 1984 and reunited in 2008, still active today.

Next up is Jewel, they were formed in 1982 under the name of Sword. First released a single with two songs in 1983, it's good heavy metal and worth checking out. If you know the band Thruster you get a brief idea of what this sounds like. In 1986 they changed their name and played more melodic speed metal. Their first EP came two years later, La Morta!. Followed up by their only full length Revolution in Heaven from 1991. It's not as good as their Sword single, but still worth checking out since it's pretty solid speed metal with excellent guitar work.

Here we have Sad Iron, formed in 1979. The band split up a few years later, and in their active time released only one album in 1983, Total Damnation. Don't pay attention to that one review on MA with 45%, it's great heavy metal and you should check this album out. One thing I wanna point out is the cover art, doesn't it look familiar to some other albums? They reformed in 2012 and released their second album in 2016, The Antichrist, with yet another familiar face on the cover. It can't just be me who sees this right?

If it's not dirty enough for you, there I got something for you. This is Asgard, formed in 1983 under the name of Angel Dust. They released three demos and changed their name in 1985. These guys play raw speed metal in the veins of their German neighbors with acts like Vectom and Iron Angel. Asgard only released one single studio album in 1986, In The Ancient Days. They sing about everything evil and the lyrics are rather cheesy, but do you really want sophisticated and meaningful lyrics or do you just want to break stuff? I thought so.

Formed in 1982 and split up in 2003, this is Hammerhawk. The Break Loose EP was their first release in 1984, speed metal with a classic touch to it. They later came with their first full length in 1991, Welcome Home, We Expected You. Personally the vocals really turn me off with this band so I never got into them, in a way it reminds me of Lemmy (which I also don't really like, sue me). However my opinion shouldn't turn you off to check it out for yourself.

It's funny to realize bands from my own country to come from places I actually know well, like Together from 1978. This was the band I've mentioned before by Future Tense. This is small band that released two demos before releasing their only 4-song EP in 1985, Playing Games. It was released on Mausoleum Records, known for bigger and better titles. Nothing outstanding, but fun heavy metal.

3rd Tier

From 1975 being also one of the earliest and former known as Scratch, this is Avalon. They changed their name in 1980 and split up in 1989. In this time they only released an EP in 1986, The Third Move. However in their active time, they have changed line-up a ridiculous amount of eleven times! It's said they also have an unreleased demo, from God knows when.

So we've talked about Emerald and Bert Kivits, here is another project of his known as the melodic heavy metal band Stash. If you started this write-up with the music then you notice this is the band from that song. They only released a demo in 1987, but I couldn't live with myself if I was damned not to include them here. Every song is a highlight, with a great vocal performance and kind of cheesy but amazing song writing. I discovered this demo in the summer last year and it has become one of my favorite releases ever. I love this demo so much, I highly recommend to check it. Listening to it brings up the memories of the hot shining sun, ice cream, that one girl... let's not get off track here, next!

This is Highway Chile, a traditional act formed in 1980. They have some EP's, some singles, and their first studio album dropped in 1983, Storybook Heroes. Before splitting up in 1985 they released the album Rockarama, heading towards a more rock orientated sound. The band officially got active again in 2001, but released their third album in 1991. In 2008 they released a new album and this band is still active today.

A short lived band here, Blackout, they formed in 1982 and split up again in 1984. In that time they released their only album Evil Game in 1984. Personally this record doesn't do much for me.

Another short lived band is Secuder, formed in 1981 and only 3 years active. In that time they released their only self titled full length album. It's a nice album with a classic sound to it, give it a listen!

Here we have melodic act Elise, energetic and catchy heavy/power metal. Formed in 1985, they released some demos before they came with their first and only record, No Time For Masquerade in 1990. This album is really fun, so make sure to check it out.

Formed in 1982, this is Warwick. They never released anything besides one demo in 1982 and a single in 1983. However, this stuff is great and worth a listen for our obscure heavy metal lovers. The quality isn't great obviously, but that shouldn't scare you off. Also make sure to check out the single, it's so catchy!

Next is Gilgamesj from 1975. These guys were signed to Rave-on Records, also known for Sortilège and H-Bomb. They only released an EP, Take One from 1984. After 20 years the band split up and are active again since 2009.

So, we have our own Manowar if that name excited you. Introducing to you Valkyrie, a short lived epic heavy metal band that was only active from 1984 till 1986 and never played a single live show. These guys have only one demo released in 1986, Deeds of Prowess. It's one of these obscure bands with literally one demo and nothing else, but it's a pretty good one. If you enjoy Manilla Road, throw it in a blender with Conan the Barbarian, Wagner, combat and fantasy lyrics, then you'll sure enjoy this little goofy band as well. Just look at these guys, how could I not include them?

This is Lady, an obscure band formed in 1981. They have released nothing but one EP known as The Ladykiller EP in 1982. This is some solid classic heavy metal and worth checking out if you like early NWOBHM acts.

Also from 1981, here we have Nexus. The only release they have on their name is Gonna Find Out from 1982. Nothing memorable honestly, but still a pretty fun album nonetheless with a nice old sound to it.

Same story as with Warwick, this is Villain. They have only released one demo in 1983, and a few years later one single. It's from the Rare & Obscure Metal Archives, so you know what you get into.

We have our own kind of Manowar, but we also have our Exciter. Literally, this is Exciter and they were formed in 1980. Not much speed metal as far as the Canadian giant, these guys just play traditional heavy metal. Again, one demo and one single, cool stuff.

Next is Impact, which didn't really make an actual impact. In 1982 they released their debut album, Never Too Young to Rock. They came out with their second album in 1987, The Flag. It's nothing outstanding or new compared to the rest of the bands on this list.

A band with quite an interesting sound is Jackal, formed in 1985. Released a few demos before their debut album came out in 1989, Cry of The Jackal. It has sort of an almost proggy sound to it and kind of has a USPM feeling as well. I think the sound is more unique than the actual song writing, but it's still a nice album anyway with some good guitar work.

Here we have Assassin from 1984. This band has only released three demos, Cease Fire was the first one from 1987. Pretty catchy stuff. In 1988 the band changed the name due to the German thrash act with the same name. The name of the band was changed to Messina and their sound went to thrash metal.

I don't know when this band started, nor when it split up. This is Hardware. This band has only released one studio album and literally nothing more, Heavy Nights from 1988. It's your standard cup of 80's heavy metal, but I think it's quite a fun album.

Another one of these really cool obscure bands is Savage. They were formed in 1981 and split up a short two years later after the bassist passed away in 1983. In their active time they have only released two demos, both with a different singer. It's not much but the music is really good and worth checking out.

One that's a little later than most of the bands on here is Steel Against Steel. This power metal acts was formed in 1987, a time where a lot of bands have already split up. They released two demos and one EP in 1990, From Factory to History. The band quit in 1993.

Well, this was pretty much everything I have to offer you. Of course I don't have everything, I know there is some more stuff out there but this is more than enough for you to know and check out. You might also argue about some bands being in the wrong section, if so leave a comment. I'm going to wrap it up here, it was really fun to fully dive into my own country and write this. I hope you enjoyed this write-up and discover some new and cool bands! Thanks for reading.