A free festival? I never say no to that, especially when bands like Lemuria and Heidevolk are playing! Folk-metal.nl went to Dessel Swings to see how these bands would play. A special ‘Graspop-stage’ was established in the parish (oh, the irony!), Where different bands would play throughout the day.
The bands that were programmed at Dessel Swings were not not the most exciting to review. It may almost be a certainty that Lemuria and Heidevolk are in for amazing shows..

Lemuria
We started the day with Lemuria. Because the trip was a little longer than planned, we came in halfway through the set. This couldn’t spoil the fun, because Lemuria played a great show. Symphonic metal, with here and there some folky influences. Excellent sound, but the vocals might have been a little harder. The band played enthusiastic, but it was singer Nicholas that drew the attention. A real charmer that could move the entire audience was, even though they stood a little cautious at the back. Another great show of this Belgian gentlemen!
Score: 8/10

Heidevolk
Only after a few other, totally boring, noisy bands had played it was Heidevolk that had its time to shine. And what a great show these guys did again! Everything we can expect from a Heidevolk Show; enthusiastic, passionate and executed to perfection. Although there were musically still some mistakes, the show was close to perfection. Add to that a great setlist with songs like ‘Saksenland’ and ‘Vulgaris Magistralis’, but also ‘Ostara’, Als de dood weer naar ons lacht’ and ‘Nehalennia’ were played. As a bonus we this time we got something unusual. Because after the usual closer ‘Krijgsvolk’, Heidevolk came back for ‘Het bier zal weer vloeien’, something that does not happen often! A nice surprise to crown this great show.
Score: 8.5/10