![oerheks – heksen & geesten van brabant [demo]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Oerheks-–-Heksen-Geesten-van-Brabant-Demo-cover.jpg "Oerheks – Heksen & Geesten van Brabant [Demo]")
In many ways, this review for the fourth demo of Oerheks has been a while coming. Mastermind H. had already mentioned last year that he had recorded five demos for this project, but in late February I was still treated by a kind surprise. On the doormat fell an advanced tape version of ‘Heksen & Geesten van Brabant’ and now that the release of a 10” mLP version is imminent, it is finally time to unveil our thoughts on the new music.
In the interview that H. and I did last year, he already mentioned that the fourth demo was different, in atmosphere and in sound. Conceived in just two days, the material is comprised of two songs that together span just over 18 minutes. Making this the shortest Oerheks release so far, it comes with a punchier musical content to match.
Firmly within the realm of atmospheric Black Metal, the previous three demos thus far have brought the home region of Oerheks to light in different ways. From a more adventurous and admiring approach of the first demo, to more melancholic realms on ‘Landschapsanachronism’ and eventually a more distant and observant sound on ‘Valkengebed’, all demos have had their own unique soundscape. ‘Heksen & Geesten van Brabant’ carries on this tradition by taking it to a more harsh, urgent and gloomy direction. Fitting with the theme, it also is the most lyric-driven, bringing the tales of the witches (heksen) and ghosts (Geesten) in the region of Brabant to, well, life.
On side A, ‘Heksen van Brabant (Kwaad uit de Hand, Gif in de Ogen)’ which translates to ‘Ghosts of Brabant (Evil from the Hand, Poison in the Eyes)’ has a raw and ominous character in which the prominent role for the vocals is immediately clear. While the keyboards are still present to enhance the atmosphere, they take a more background role on this demo compared to the guitars. But even with a more urgent approach, H.’s gift to write catchy melodic leads is omnipresent, not just in the uptempo parts but also when a more yearning midtempo section kicks in. I mean, that riff after the short interlude with spoken lyrics about the witches’ circle is typical Oerheks melodicism! As the song progresses it takes some unnerving twists before the beautiful lead is brought back with subtlety. A hauntingly beautiful track, brought with venom. In ‘Geesten van Brabant (Dood is niet Dood, Dood is Leven!)’ we continue in a ghastly manner. It is song with an authentic Norwegian feel, oppressing with mesmerizing riffs, one where through spoken texts and passionate shrieks H. tells the stories of old. The buzzing break with percussion that is layered with a vile riff is magnificent, only bested by the intensely bonechilling section where H. repeatedly chants ‘Dood is niet Dood’. With it, the song crawls under your skin, and straight into your brain.
‘Heksen & Geesten van Brabant’ fits perfectly within the style of atmospheric Black Metal that we have come to adore from Oerheks, even if it indeed approaches the sound from a slightly different angle. More grim and looming, it is every bit as entrancing as all the demos that have come before it and yet another splendid release of this fascinating project.
Oerheks
- Country: Belgium
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Bandcamp
