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{{Short description|Dutch Christian black metal band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{multiple issues|
{{multiple issues|
{{Primary sources|date=December 2010}}
{{Primary sources|date=December 2010}}
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| origin = [[The Hague]], Netherlands
| origin = [[The Hague]], Netherlands
| instrument =
| instrument =
| genre = [[Unblack metal]], [[extreme metal]], [[Viking metal]]
| genre = [[Unblack metal]], [[extreme metal]], [[viking metal]]
| occupation =
| occupation =
| years_active = 1999–present
| years_active = 1999–present
| label = Whirlwind Records (2009)<br/>Fear Dark Records (2000–2008)
| label = Fear Dark, Whirlwind
| associated_acts = [[Heidevolk]], Argonath
| associated_acts = [[Heidevolk]], Argonath
| website = [http://www.slechtvalk.com slechtvalk.com]
| website = {{URL|slechtvalk.com}}
| current_members = Shamgar<br/>Ohtar (Jesse Vuerbaert)<br/>Grimbold<br/>Premnath<br/>Seraph<br/>Dagor
| current_members = Shamgar<br/>Ohtar<br/>Premnath<br/>Seraph
| past_members = Hydrith<br/>Fionnghuala<br/>Sorgier<br/>Gerben<br/>Tom
| past_members = Hydrith<br/>Fionnghuala<br/>Sorgier<br/>Dagor<br/>Tomrair<br/>Hamar
}}
}}


'''Slechtvalk''' (the Dutch word for [[peregrine falcon]]) is a [[Christian]] [[Viking metal]] band from the Netherlands, formed in 1999. Previously signed to Fear Dark Records and currently to Whirlwind Records, the group has released four albums, a split-CD with [[Kekal]], a single and a DVD. The second album, ''[[The War That Plagues the Lands]]'', reached No.&nbsp;2 at Lowland's Top 50 Metal Charts. The third album, ''[[At the Dawn of War]]'', coincided with the release of a live-DVD, ''Upon the Fields of Battle'', a maxi single for "Thunder of War", and was named one of ''[[HM Magazine]]''{{'s}} "100 best [[Christian metal]] albums of all time". The band's fifth album, ''[[Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide]]'', was released on December 20, 2016.
'''Slechtvalk''' (the Dutch word for [[peregrine falcon]]) is a [[Christian metal|Christian]] [[black metal]] band from the Netherlands, formed in 1999. Previously signed to Fear Dark Records and currently to Whirlwind Records, the group has released five albums, a split-CD with [[Kekal]], a single and a DVD. Their second album, ''The War That Plagues the Lands'', reached No.&nbsp;2 at Lowland's Top 50 Metal Charts. Their third album, ''At the Dawn of War'', coincided with the release of a live-DVD, ''Upon the Fields of Battle'', a maxi single for "Thunder of War", and was named one of ''[[HM Magazine]]''{{'s}} "100 best [[Christian metal]] albums of all time". The band's fifth album, ''Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide'', was released on December 20, 2016.


==History==
==History==


===''Falconry''===
[[Image:Slechtvalk1.jpg|thumb|right|Frontman Shamgar at Fear Dark Fest 2008]]
[[Image:Slechtvalk1.jpg|thumb|right|Frontman Shamgar at Fear Dark Fest 2008]]
Slechtvalk began as a solo project in 1997 by singer/guitarist Shamgar, formerly of Ascension and Mordax.<ref name=musicmight>{{cite web|last=Born|first=R.|title=Slechtvalk|url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/netherlands/haag/slechtvalk|publisher=[[MusicMight]]|accessdate=8 June 2011}}</ref> The project was first called '''Dommer''' (1999–2000), before Shamgar finally settled on Slechtvalk. The debut album, ''[[Falconry (album)|Falconry]]'', was released in 2000 by the now-defunct Dutch label Fear Dark which had bands such as [[Eluveitie]], Royal Anguish, Taketh and [[Kekal]] on its roster.
Slechtvalk began as a solo project in 1997 by singer/guitarist Shamgar, formerly of Ascension and Mordax.<ref name=musicmight>{{cite web|last=Born|first=R.|title=Slechtvalk|url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/netherlands/haag/slechtvalk|publisher=[[MusicMight]]|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916205510/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/netherlands/haag/slechtvalk|archive-date=September 16, 2012}}</ref> The project was first called '''Dommer''' (1999–2000), before Shamgar finally settled on Slechtvalk. The debut album, ''Falconry'', was released in 2000 by the now-defunct Dutch label Fear Dark which had bands such as [[Eluveitie]], Royal Anguish, Taketh and [[Kekal]] on its roster.


''Falconry'' was received positively,<ref name=musicmight /> and Dutch metal magazines such as Aardschok interviewed Shamgar. As a result of this exposure, Shamgar was in the position to form a band, and was joined by soprano singer Fionnghuala, folk singer and rhythm guitarist Ohtar (also with Dutch [[folk metal]] band [[Heidevolk]]), bassist Nath, drummer Grimbold, keyboardist Sorgier, and dancer Meallá.<ref name=musicmight />
''Falconry'' was received positively,<ref name=musicmight /> and Dutch metal magazines such as Aardschok interviewed Shamgar. As a result of this exposure, Shamgar was in the position to form a band, and was joined by soprano singer Fionnghuala, folk singer and rhythm guitarist Ohtar (also with Dutch [[folk metal]] band [[Heidevolk]]), bassist Nath, drummer Grimbold, keyboardist Sorgier, and dancer Meallá.<ref name=musicmight />


===''The War That Plagues the Lands''===
[[Image:Occultfest 2010 - SAT - Slechtvalk - 05.JPG|thumb|Guitarist Seraph, Occultfest 2010]]
[[Image:Occultfest 2010 - SAT - Slechtvalk - 05.JPG|thumb|Guitarist Seraph, Occultfest 2010]]


In 2002, Slechtvalk released their second full-length album, ''[[The War That Plagues the Lands]]''. As a teaser they first released [[Chaos & Warfare|a split CD]] with [[Kekal]] from Indonesia (also signed on Fear Dark);<ref name=musicmight /><ref name=Discs>{{cite web |author=[[Kekal]] |title=Kekal Discography |url=http://www.kekal.org/discography.php |publisher=Kekal.org |accessdate=2011-03-04}}</ref><ref name=bobfest /> each band recorded four songs and a cover (Slechtvalk covered [[Antestor]]'s "Kongsblod", from ''[[The Return of the Black Death]]''). ''The War That Plagues the Lands'' was well received.
In 2002, Slechtvalk released their second full-length album, ''The War That Plagues the Lands''. As a teaser they first released [[Chaos & Warfare|a split CD]] with [[Kekal]] from Indonesia (also signed on Fear Dark);<ref name=musicmight /><ref name=Discs>{{cite web |author=Kekal |author-link=Kekal |title=Kekal Discography |url=http://www.kekal.org/discography.php |publisher=Kekal.org |access-date=March 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name=bobfest /> each band recorded four songs and a cover (Slechtvalk covered [[Antestor]]'s "Kongsblod", from ''[[The Return of the Black Death]]''). ''The War That Plagues the Lands'' was well received.


===''At the Dawn of War''===
[[Image:Occultfest 2010 - SAT - Slechtvalk - 11.JPG|thumb|right|Premnath at Occultfest 2010]]
[[Image:Occultfest 2010 - SAT - Slechtvalk - 11.JPG|thumb|right|Premnath at Occultfest 2010]]
In 2005, the band released their third album, ''[[At the Dawn of War]]'', with a more [[Symphonic metal|symphonic]] sound and elements of folk metal. The band also incorporated more war and fantasy themes to their live shows and began dressing in medieval warrior costumes. That same year Slechtvalk released a live-DVD, ''[[Upon the Fields of Battle]]'', filmed at the club Hedon Zwolle; a music video for "Thunder of War" (also released as a maxi single) received some airplay at local music channels. The band toured several European countries with [[Frosthardr]]. In 2010, ''[[HM Magazine]]'' listed ''At the Dawn of War'' as number 60 on its "100 best [[Christian metal]] albums of all time".<ref name="HM_Top_100_Metal">{{cite journal |last=Van Pelt |first=Doug |authorlink=Doug Van Pelt |date=August 2010 |title=Top 100 Christian metal albums of all time |journal=[[HM Magazine]] |issn= 0161-973X |url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/booklet.pdf |format=pdf |volume= |issue= |page=25 |doi= |pmid= }}</ref>
In 2005, the band released their third album, ''At the Dawn of War'', with a more [[Symphonic metal|symphonic]] sound and elements of folk metal. The band also incorporated more war and fantasy themes to their live shows and began dressing in medieval warrior costumes. That same year Slechtvalk released a live DVD, ''Upon the Fields of Battle'', filmed at the club Hedon Zwolle; a music video for "Thunder of War" (also released as a maxi single) received some airplay at local music channels. The band toured several European countries with [[Frosthardr]]. In 2010, ''[[HM Magazine]]'' listed ''At the Dawn of War'' as number 60 on its "100 best [[Christian metal]] albums of all time".<ref name="HM_Top_100_Metal">{{cite journal |last=Van Pelt |first=Doug |author-link=Doug Van Pelt |date=August 2010 |title=Top 100 Christian metal albums of all time |journal=[[HM Magazine]] |issn= 0161-973X |url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/booklet.pdf |page=25 }}</ref>


During early 2006 the band was joined by Grimbold's brother Seraph as a guitarist, as Ohtar was not able to continue playing the guitars due to a chronic wrist injury. In July 2006, Fionnghuala left the group to focus on her classical music career. Slechtvalk began writing new material and announced that the music would take a more technical and brutal approach.
During early 2006 the band was joined by Grimbold's brother Seraph as a guitarist, as Ohtar was not able to continue playing the guitars due to a chronic wrist injury. In July 2006, Fionnghuala left the group to focus on her classical music career. Slechtvalk began writing new material and announced that the music would take a more technical and brutal approach.
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In February 2007, the bassist Nath was removed from the line-up: Ohtar, who was able to play again, picked up on bass. In late 2007, keyboard-player Hydrith announced his departure to focus more on his family. Since then, Slechtvalk performed without keyboards (playing their more extreme songs) or with session-musicians.
In February 2007, the bassist Nath was removed from the line-up: Ohtar, who was able to play again, picked up on bass. In late 2007, keyboard-player Hydrith announced his departure to focus more on his family. Since then, Slechtvalk performed without keyboards (playing their more extreme songs) or with session-musicians.


⚫
In April 2009, the band signed with German-based Whirlwind Records. ''An Era of Bloodshed'', a compilation album of the band's past material, with two unreleased promotional songs, was released in October 2009, Whirlwind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whirlwind-records.com/en/about/news/news-einzelanzeige/article/168/slechtvalk-kommen-an-bord/ |title=Slechtvalk kommen an Bord! |publisher=Whirlwind Records |date=April 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510161355/http://www.whirlwind-records.com/en/about/news/news-einzelanzeige/article/168/slechtvalk-kommen-an-bord/ |archive-date=May 10, 2009 }}</ref> Nath—now known as Premnath—re-joined the band as a keyboard-player. The band did a European tour to promote the new album. The tour came to life through financial support from fans, for which the band asked via SellaBand.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mauce.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2420&Itemid=1 |title='Slechtvalk' now on 'Sellaband' |publisher=The Metal Resource}}</ref>
===''A Forlorn Throne''===
⚫
On April 2009, the band signed with German-based Whirlwind Records. In October 2009, Whirlwind released a compilation album of the band's past material titled ''[[An Era of Bloodshed]]'' with two unreleased promotional songs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whirlwind-records.com/en/about/news/news-einzelanzeige/article/168/slechtvalk-kommen-an-bord/ |title=Slechtvalk kommen an Bord! |publisher=Whirlwind Records |date=2009-04-17}}</ref> Nath—now known as Premnath—re-joined the band as a keyboard-player. The band did a European tour to promote the new album. The tour came to life through financial support from fans, for which the band asked via SellaBand.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mauce.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2420&Itemid=1 |title='Slechtvalk' now on 'Sellaband' |publisher=The Metal Resource}}</ref>
The band went to Sweden's Studio Mega in late 2009 with producer Johan "the ant" Örnborg to record their fourth full-length album titled ''[[A Forlorn Throne]]''. It was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, and the cover artwork as well as a new logo was designed by Raymond Swanland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mauce.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2592&Itemid=1 |title=New 'Slechtvalk' Band Logo |publisher=The Metal Resource |date=March 27, 2010}}</ref>
The band went to Sweden's Studio Mega in late 2009 with producer Johan "the ant" Örnborg to record their fourth full-length album titled ''[[A Forlorn Throne]]''. It was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, and the cover artwork as well as a new logo was designed by Raymond Swanland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mauce.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2592&Itemid=1 |title=New 'Slechtvalk' Band Logo |publisher=The Metal Resource |date=March 27, 2010}}</ref>


⚫
In 2014, the band released pre-orders for their upcoming album. After that there was no more information until 2016, when the band released a lyric video for the new song "We Are", announcing the album, ''Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide'', would be released on December 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indievisionmusic.com/music-videos/slechtvalk-we-are/|title=Slechtvalk - We Are|publisher=Indie Vision Music|first=Mason|last=Beard|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016}}</ref>
===''Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide'' ===

⚫
In 2014, the band released pre-orders for their upcoming album. After that there was no more information until 2016, when the band released a lyric video for the new song "We Are", announcing the album, ''Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide'', would be released on December the 20th of the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indievisionmusic.com/music-videos/slechtvalk-we-are/|title=Slechtvalk - We Are|publisher=Indie Vision Music|first=Mason|last=Beard|date=November 28, 2016|accessdate=November 28, 2016}}</ref> The Metal Archives concluded their review of the album with “It partly slays, but can also get so darn generic” and gave it a rating of 67%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Slechtvalk/Where_Wandering_Shadows_and_Mists_Collide/617155/Lane/454 |title=The Metal Archives review of Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide}}</ref> This is in line with Metal Exposures rating of 7 out of 10.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://metal-exposure.com/cd-reviews/album-reviews-2016/slechtvalk-wondering-shadows-mists-collide/|title=Metal Exposures review of Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide }}</ref>
On June 28, 2024, the band announced on their Facebook page the departure of their drummer Hamar due to a desire to be with family.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/share/p/SgYGbQu68PGK6rzv/</ref> Following this announcement, in September the band announced their upcoming new album ''At Death's Gate'', which was released on Halloween 2024.<ref>https://themetalonslaught.com/2024/09/03/slechtvalk-new-album-date-revealed/</ref><ref>https://www.frontview-magazine.be/en/news/slechtvalk-set-to-release-at-deaths-gate-on-october-31st</ref>


==Festivals==
==Festivals==
In addition to local shows in the Netherlands, Slechtvalk has appeared at several heavy metal [[music festival]]s such as [[Elements of Rock]] in Switzerland,<ref>{{cite web|title=VENI DOMINE Confirmed For Switzerland's ELEMENTS OF ROCK Festival|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/veni-domine-confirmed-for-switzerland-s-elements-of-rock-festival/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|accessdate=8 June 2011|date=13 December 2003}}</ref> Bobfest in Sweden,<ref name=bobfest>{{cite web|title=Bobfest V - Bands|url=http://www.bobfest.org/bobfest2003/Bands/bands.html|publisher=Bobfest.org|accessdate=8 June 2011}}</ref> Nordic Fest in Norway,<ref>{{cite web|title=TOURNIQUET Confirmed For Norway's NORDIC FEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tourniquet-confirmed-for-norway-s-nordic-fest/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|accessdate=8 June 2011|date=22 September 2008}}</ref> and Interregnum Fest in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=ARTHAUN, GRABAK Confirmed For Germany's INTERREGNUM FEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/carthaun-grabak-confirmed-for-germany-s-interregnum-fest/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|accessdate=8 June 2011|date=30 October 2007}}</ref>
In addition to local shows in the Netherlands, Slechtvalk has appeared at several heavy metal [[music festival]]s such as Elements of Rock in Switzerland,<ref>{{cite web|title=VENI DOMINE Confirmed For Switzerland's ELEMENTS OF ROCK Festival|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/veni-domine-confirmed-for-switzerland-s-elements-of-rock-festival/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|access-date=June 8, 2011|date=December 13, 2003}}</ref> Bobfest in Sweden,<ref name=bobfest>{{cite web|title=Bobfest V - Bands|url=http://www.bobfest.org/bobfest2003/Bands/bands.html|publisher=Bobfest.org|access-date=June 8, 2011}}</ref> Nordic Fest in Norway,<ref>{{cite web|title=TOURNIQUET Confirmed For Norway's NORDIC FEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tourniquet-confirmed-for-norway-s-nordic-fest/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|access-date=June 8, 2011|date=September 22, 2008}}</ref> and Interregnum Fest in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=ARTHAUN, GRABAK Confirmed For Germany's INTERREGNUM FEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/carthaun-grabak-confirmed-for-germany-s-interregnum-fest/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]]|access-date=June 8, 2011|date=October 30, 2007}}</ref>


==Lineup==
==Lineup==
[[Image:Slechtvalk2.jpg|thumb|Ohtar and Shamgar live at Fear Dark Festival 2008.]]
[[Image:Slechtvalk2.jpg|thumb|Ohtar and Shamgar live at Fear Dark Festival 2008.]]
;Current members
;Current members
*Shamgar (Mark Geertsema) – lead vocals, guitar (2000-present), bass, drums, keyboards (2000-2002)
*Shamgar (Mark Geertsema) – lead vocals, guitar (2000–present), bass, drums, keyboards (2000-2002)
*Seraph (Jos Lucas) – guitar (2010-present)
*Seraph (Jos Lucas) – guitar (2010–present)
*Ohtar (Jesse Vuerbaert) – vocals (2011-present), guitar, backing vocals (2002-2011) <small>(does not tour)</small>
*Ohtar (Jesse Vuerbaert) – vocals (2011–present), guitar, backing vocals (2002-2011) <small>(does not tour)</small>
*Premnath (Premnath Gonesh) – keyboards (2010-present), bass (2002-2010)
*Premnath (Premnath Gonesh) – keyboards (2010–present), bass (2002-2010, 2024–present)
*Grimbold – drums, backing vocals (2002-present)
*Dagor – bass (2011-present)


;Former members
;Former members
*Hydrith – keyboards (2005-2007)
*Hydrith – keyboards (2003-2007)
*Fionnghuala – soprano (2002-2010)
*Fionnghuala – soprano (2002-2010)
*Sorgier – keyboards (2002-2010)
*Sorgier – keyboards (2002-2003)
*Dagor (Nick van Liempd) – bass (2011–2021)
*Tomrair (Cullen Toner) - bass (2021-2024)
*Grimbold (Jan-Paul Lucas) – drums, backing vocals (2002-2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mauce.nl/site/slechtvalk-drummer-grimbold-to-quit-after-17-years-seeking-replacement/|title='Slechtvalk' Drummer 'Grimbold' to Quit After 17 Years, Seeking Replacement|website=The Metal Resource|date=May 11, 2017|access-date=February 11, 2018}}</ref>
*Hamar (Joël de Jong) – drums (2017–2024)


'''Timeline'''
'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:16
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:16
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:210 top:10 right:20
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:10 right:20
Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/2000 till:01/14/2017
Period = from:01/01/2000 till:08/01/2024 #it is best not to use auto-updating timelines as it can cause problems when the graphic updates on a daily basis
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2000
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2000
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Colors =
Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:voc2 value:lavender legend:Soprano_Vocals
id:voc2 value:claret legend:Additional_Vocals
id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_Vocals
id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_Vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars
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bar:Premnath text:"Premnath"
bar:Premnath text:"Premnath"
bar:Dagor text:"Dagor"
bar:Dagor text:"Dagor"
bar:Tomrair text:"Tomrair"
bar:Sorgier text:"Sorgier"
bar:Sorgier text:"Sorgier"
bar:Hydrith text:"Hydrith"
bar:Hydrith text:"Hydrith"
bar:Grimbold text:"Grimbold"
bar:Grimbold text:"Grimbold"
bar:Hamar text:"Hamar"


PlotData =
PlotData =
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bar:Shamgar from:01/01/2000 till:end color:vocals
bar:Shamgar from:01/01/2000 till:end color:vocals
bar:Shamgar from:02/01/2002 till:end color:guitar width:3
bar:Shamgar from:02/01/2002 till:end color:guitar width:3
bar:Fionnghuala from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:voc2
bar:Fionnghuala from:02/01/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:voc2
bar:Ohtar from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:guitar
bar:Ohtar from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2005 color:guitar
bar:Ohtar from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:bass width:7
bar:Ohtar from:06/01/2007 till:04/01/2011 color:bass
bar:Ohtar from:04/01/2010 till:04/01/2011 color:bass
bar:Ohtar from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:voc2 width:3
bar:Ohtar from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:backing width:3
bar:Ohtar from:04/01/2010 till:04/01/2011 color:voc2 width:3
bar:Ohtar from:04/01/2010 till:04/01/2011 color:voc2 width:3
bar:Ohtar from:04/01/2011 till:end color:voc2
bar:Ohtar from:04/01/2011 till:end color:backing
bar:Seraph from:04/01/2010 till:end color:guitar
bar:Seraph from:04/01/2006 till:end color:guitar
bar:Premnath from:02/01/2002 till:04/01/2010 color:bass
bar:Premnath from:02/01/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:bass
bar:Premnath from:04/01/2010 till:end color:keys
bar:Premnath from:08/01/2009 till:end color:keys
bar:Dagor from:04/01/2011 till:end color:bass
bar:Dagor from:04/01/2011 till:06/04/2021 color:bass
bar:Sorgier from:02/01/2002 till:01/01/2005 color:keys
bar:Sorgier from:02/01/2002 till:01/01/2003 color:keys
bar:Hydrith from:01/01/2005 till:06/01/2007 color:keys
bar:Hydrith from:01/01/2003 till:06/01/2007 color:keys
bar:Sorgier from:06/01/2007 till:04/01/2010 color:keys
bar:Grimbold from:02/01/2002 till:10/01/2017 color:drums
bar:Grimbold from:02/01/2002 till:end color:drums
bar:Grimbold from:02/01/2002 till:10/01/2017 color:backing width:3
bar:Grimbold from:02/01/2002 till:end color:backing width:3
bar:Hamar from:10/01/2017 till:06/28/2024 color:drums
bar:Tomrair from:04/01/2022 till:02/12/2024 color:bass
}}
}}


==Discography==
==Discography==
*''[[Falconry (album)|Falconry]]'' (2000)
*''Falconry'' (2000)
*''[[The War That Plagues the Lands]]'' (2002)
*''The War That Plagues the Lands'' (2002)
*''[[At the Dawn of War]]'' (2005)
*''At the Dawn of War'' (2005)
*''[[A Forlorn Throne]]'' (2010)
*''[[A Forlorn Throne]]'' (2010)
*''[[Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide]]'' (2016)
*''Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide'' (2016)
*''At Death's Gate'' (2024)


===Other releases===
===Other releases===
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*''Upon the Fields of Battle'' (DVD, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
*''Upon the Fields of Battle'' (DVD, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
*''Thunder of War'' (CD-single, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
*''Thunder of War'' (CD-single, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
*''[[An Era of Bloodshed]]'' (compilation album, 2009)
*''An Era of Bloodshed'' (compilation album, 2009)
*''We Are'' (single, 2016)
*''We Are'' (single, 2016)
*''Paralyzed by Fear'' (single, 2024)


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite book|last=Meelhuysen|first=Vincent|title=The Encyclopedia of Dutch Black Metal|year=2004|pages=89–90|location=Rotterdam}}
*{{cite book|last=Meelhuysen|first=Vincent|title=The Encyclopedia of Dutch Black Metal|year=2004|pages=89–90|location=Rotterdam}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.slechtvalk.com}} {{en icon}}
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[[Category:Unblack metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Unblack metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Viking metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Viking metal musical groups]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the Netherlands]]

Latest revision as of 12:53, 31 October 2024

Slechtvalk
Slechtvalk at Occultfest 2010
Slechtvalk at Occultfest 2010
Background information
Also known asDommer
OriginThe Hague, Netherlands
GenresUnblack metal, extreme metal, viking metal
Years active1999–present
LabelsFear Dark, Whirlwind
MembersShamgar
Ohtar
Premnath
Seraph
Past membersHydrith
Fionnghuala
Sorgier
Dagor
Tomrair
Hamar
Websiteslechtvalk.com

Slechtvalk (the Dutch word for peregrine falcon) is a Christian black metal band from the Netherlands, formed in 1999. Previously signed to Fear Dark Records and currently to Whirlwind Records, the group has released five albums, a split-CD with Kekal, a single and a DVD. Their second album, The War That Plagues the Lands, reached No. 2 at Lowland's Top 50 Metal Charts. Their third album, At the Dawn of War, coincided with the release of a live-DVD, Upon the Fields of Battle, a maxi single for "Thunder of War", and was named one of HM Magazine's "100 best Christian metal albums of all time". The band's fifth album, Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide, was released on December 20, 2016.

History

[edit]
Frontman Shamgar at Fear Dark Fest 2008

Slechtvalk began as a solo project in 1997 by singer/guitarist Shamgar, formerly of Ascension and Mordax.[1] The project was first called Dommer (1999–2000), before Shamgar finally settled on Slechtvalk. The debut album, Falconry, was released in 2000 by the now-defunct Dutch label Fear Dark which had bands such as Eluveitie, Royal Anguish, Taketh and Kekal on its roster.

Falconry was received positively,[1] and Dutch metal magazines such as Aardschok interviewed Shamgar. As a result of this exposure, Shamgar was in the position to form a band, and was joined by soprano singer Fionnghuala, folk singer and rhythm guitarist Ohtar (also with Dutch folk metal band Heidevolk), bassist Nath, drummer Grimbold, keyboardist Sorgier, and dancer Meallá.[1]

Guitarist Seraph, Occultfest 2010

In 2002, Slechtvalk released their second full-length album, The War That Plagues the Lands. As a teaser they first released a split CD with Kekal from Indonesia (also signed on Fear Dark);[1][2][3] each band recorded four songs and a cover (Slechtvalk covered Antestor's "Kongsblod", from The Return of the Black Death). The War That Plagues the Lands was well received.

Premnath at Occultfest 2010

In 2005, the band released their third album, At the Dawn of War, with a more symphonic sound and elements of folk metal. The band also incorporated more war and fantasy themes to their live shows and began dressing in medieval warrior costumes. That same year Slechtvalk released a live DVD, Upon the Fields of Battle, filmed at the club Hedon Zwolle; a music video for "Thunder of War" (also released as a maxi single) received some airplay at local music channels. The band toured several European countries with Frosthardr. In 2010, HM Magazine listed At the Dawn of War as number 60 on its "100 best Christian metal albums of all time".[4]

During early 2006 the band was joined by Grimbold's brother Seraph as a guitarist, as Ohtar was not able to continue playing the guitars due to a chronic wrist injury. In July 2006, Fionnghuala left the group to focus on her classical music career. Slechtvalk began writing new material and announced that the music would take a more technical and brutal approach.

In February 2007, the bassist Nath was removed from the line-up: Ohtar, who was able to play again, picked up on bass. In late 2007, keyboard-player Hydrith announced his departure to focus more on his family. Since then, Slechtvalk performed without keyboards (playing their more extreme songs) or with session-musicians.

In April 2009, the band signed with German-based Whirlwind Records. An Era of Bloodshed, a compilation album of the band's past material, with two unreleased promotional songs, was released in October 2009, Whirlwind.[5] Nath—now known as Premnath—re-joined the band as a keyboard-player. The band did a European tour to promote the new album. The tour came to life through financial support from fans, for which the band asked via SellaBand.com.[6] The band went to Sweden's Studio Mega in late 2009 with producer Johan "the ant" Örnborg to record their fourth full-length album titled A Forlorn Throne. It was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, and the cover artwork as well as a new logo was designed by Raymond Swanland.[7]

In 2014, the band released pre-orders for their upcoming album. After that there was no more information until 2016, when the band released a lyric video for the new song "We Are", announcing the album, Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide, would be released on December 20.[8]

On June 28, 2024, the band announced on their Facebook page the departure of their drummer Hamar due to a desire to be with family.[9] Following this announcement, in September the band announced their upcoming new album At Death's Gate, which was released on Halloween 2024.[10][11]

Festivals

[edit]

In addition to local shows in the Netherlands, Slechtvalk has appeared at several heavy metal music festivals such as Elements of Rock in Switzerland,[12] Bobfest in Sweden,[3] Nordic Fest in Norway,[13] and Interregnum Fest in Germany.[14]

Lineup

[edit]
Ohtar and Shamgar live at Fear Dark Festival 2008.
Current members
  • Shamgar (Mark Geertsema) – lead vocals, guitar (2000–present), bass, drums, keyboards (2000-2002)
  • Seraph (Jos Lucas) – guitar (2010–present)
  • Ohtar (Jesse Vuerbaert) – vocals (2011–present), guitar, backing vocals (2002-2011) (does not tour)
  • Premnath (Premnath Gonesh) – keyboards (2010–present), bass (2002-2010, 2024–present)
Former members
  • Hydrith – keyboards (2003-2007)
  • Fionnghuala – soprano (2002-2010)
  • Sorgier – keyboards (2002-2003)
  • Dagor (Nick van Liempd) – bass (2011–2021)
  • Tomrair (Cullen Toner) - bass (2021-2024)
  • Grimbold (Jan-Paul Lucas) – drums, backing vocals (2002-2017)[15]
  • Hamar (Joël de Jong) – drums (2017–2024)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
  • Falconry (2000)
  • The War That Plagues the Lands (2002)
  • At the Dawn of War (2005)
  • A Forlorn Throne (2010)
  • Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide (2016)
  • At Death's Gate (2024)

Other releases

[edit]
  • Chaos & Warfare (split-CD with Kekal, 2002 Fear Dark Records)[2]
  • Upon the Fields of Battle (DVD, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
  • Thunder of War (CD-single, 2005 Fear Dark Records)
  • An Era of Bloodshed (compilation album, 2009)
  • We Are (single, 2016)
  • Paralyzed by Fear (single, 2024)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Born, R. "Slechtvalk". MusicMight. Archived from the original on September 16, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  2. ^ a b Kekal. "Kekal Discography". Kekal.org. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Bobfest V - Bands". Bobfest.org. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ^ Van Pelt, Doug (August 2010). "Top 100 Christian metal albums of all time" (PDF). HM Magazine: 25. ISSN 0161-973X.
  5. ^ "Slechtvalk kommen an Bord!". Whirlwind Records. April 17, 2009. Archived from the original on May 10, 2009.
  6. ^ "'Slechtvalk' now on 'Sellaband'". The Metal Resource.
  7. ^ "New 'Slechtvalk' Band Logo". The Metal Resource. March 27, 2010.
  8. ^ Beard, Mason (November 28, 2016). "Slechtvalk - We Are". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  9. ^ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/SgYGbQu68PGK6rzv/
  10. ^ https://themetalonslaught.com/2024/09/03/slechtvalk-new-album-date-revealed/
  11. ^ https://www.frontview-magazine.be/en/news/slechtvalk-set-to-release-at-deaths-gate-on-october-31st
  12. ^ "VENI DOMINE Confirmed For Switzerland's ELEMENTS OF ROCK Festival". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. December 13, 2003. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  13. ^ "TOURNIQUET Confirmed For Norway's NORDIC FEST". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. September 22, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  14. ^ "ARTHAUN, GRABAK Confirmed For Germany's INTERREGNUM FEST". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. October 30, 2007. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  15. ^ "'Slechtvalk' Drummer 'Grimbold' to Quit After 17 Years, Seeking Replacement". The Metal Resource. May 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  • Meelhuysen, Vincent (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dutch Black Metal. Rotterdam. pp. 89–90.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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