17th January 2025

Review: “Galgenberg” by Veenlijk

Originally conceived in 2023 as a Black Metal project with Thrash and Speed Metal leaning riffs, Veenlijk (or “Bog Corpses“) evolved with the addition of members with past lives in the Dutch Punk and Post-Hardcore scenes. Deciding to push the sonic boundaries of their genre of choice rather than restrict themselves, the four piece embraced all of their roots, drawing lyrical inspiration from Dutch folk tales for debut EP “Galgenberg” (or “Gallows Hill“). That was recorded, mixed and mastered at Plug Unit, Reeuwijk by Hans Pieters (Sinister, Hail Of Bullets, Epica) after their first show in 2024 and is adorned by artwork from Kalimacabre. A concept record which brings you back to Medieval Amersfoort, to a time where witches still burned at the stake, innocent people where persecuted by the Church and mysterious rituals were performed in the dark parts of the forests…

The sound of unrelenting rain gives a gentle introduction before the caustic screams of vocalist Posthumus ignite the flames of “Egidiuslied“, the restless and relentless blast beats a cold comfort as the barbed riffs and rumbling bass create the shape of this sonic abrasion. As harsh as traditional Scandinavian Black Metal, the devil is in the detail with fleeting moments in transition that toy with the senses like psychological horror movie. You can hear the Post-Hardcore influence bleeding through the bandages to give the atmosphere more depth, the rich and yet sinister melodies of the final moments a soul stirring moment after such a punishing first half. The Black ‘n Roll vibes of “Heksenkring” (or “Witches Circle“) push and pull in a different direction with early Tribulation vibes in the instrumental parts. As the war drums pound, sticks man Ballantine offers up a couple of well worked odd time signatured moments that push the envelope of the avant-garde, however the cut is so vocally sparce it feels as if its unfinished in comparison with the opening cut. That feeling quickly drifts away however as the title track “Galgenberg” (or “Gallows Hill“) brings forth the winds of plague. Another brutal offering with an almost feral vocal performance, it offers up a deep melancholia with some sombre passages of dark lament sandwiched between rousing passages of pummelling percussion. A true assault on the senses in every sense of the phrase, this six minute piece is a Black Metal genre tour de force. While the first and third tracks fit together like glove, the second and four are more experimental with grand finale “Bloedbad” (or “Massacre“) a Black Metal take on Hardcore Punk. Wrapped in violent turbulence and savage aggression, it’s a breakneck speed race to the finish line, soaked in piss and vinegar that sounds like it was recorded live on the floor. All in all a mixed bag of a debut record but with every penny of the admission fee [7.5/10]

Track Listing