Started in 2023 (according to their Facebook), Veenlijk has been making a name for themselves since early 2024 when they were starting to do live shows. Now, early 2025, Veenlijk is ready to unleash their very first release ‘Galgenberg’. The young but ambitious band will release their ‘Galgenberg’ album on the 23rd of January. Veenlijk has been signed by the already established Dutch (black) metal label Void Wanderer Productions and ‘Galgenberg’ will be released on a 50-piece limited tape.

 

Veenlijk is promoting their release in a very unique way. They do it by giving the audience/fans a look into their recording process by showing us a look into their studio which is very unique and intriguing for such a young band to do. I do really like their vlogs in which they also show their improving skills in various ways. It shows progression and a unique insight into their writing/recording process.

 

Besides their excellent promotion as a band, Veenlijk is producing some excellent all-over style (tempo wise) black metal. Ranging from almost doom-like moments to near Dark Funeral-esque fast pacing black metal. It has the known Dutch black metal elements that tend to go more to the punk aspect which you notice with bands like Asgrauw. At some points, especially during the beginning of the ‘Bloedbad’ song, the vocals might be a bit louder in my opinion because I really love the vocals of Veenlijk and they should be way more present in the mix which would, in my opinion, elevate the overall sound of Veenlijk. It would make the band sound more voracious which is what I like in my black metal. A lot of Dutch bands have this demanding screeching overpowering sound which would suit Veenlijk for sure. Besides the vocals, the overall sound is very impressive and excellent for a first release. 

 

For me the track that stands out is the title track of the EP called ‘Galgenberg’. It has the most mature songwriting and overall sound. This is what I love to hear from Veenlijk. The punk elements are very present during the first, (before),  and second part of the song after the melodic intermission with some angelic voices lingering scattered throughout that small intermission. This is without a doubt the song for me on the EP.

 

The complete sound of such a young band has surprised me a lot. Veenlijk did make a unique stamp on the Dutch black metal scene by giving us digital entries in their recording sessions which I would love to see more often from other (established) Dutch bands. It gives a more personal touch to the music for the fans and more of a connection that just releasing an album/ep like there you go. You can feel part of this experience which would gain you more fans so props to that unique approach to promoting your EP.

 

21th of January ‘Galgenberg’ will be released and I highly recommend you to check out the whole EP as soon as it drops through Void Wanderer Productions. I know I will buy the tape for sure and will enjoy it even more through the tape player than by just pressing the space bar through my music program. Keep this sound going guys