Schavot – Verstrikt in Halflicht

Band: Schavot
Title: Verstrikt in Halflicht
Label: Void Wanderer Productions & War Productions
Release date: February 27th, 2025
Country: The Netherlands
Format reviewed: High-quality digital recording
Floris Velthuis seems to never sit still. At the end of 2024, he unveiled a new Asgrauw album, and barely two months later, he’s back in the spotlight with a new Schavot release.
Schavot first made waves in 2023 on the compilation Verloren Vertellingen, where Floris contributed two tracks that stood out as some of the finest Dutch releases of the year. Now, he returns with Verstrikt in Halflicht, the project’s third full-length album. For this release, Floris is joined by Daan Bleumink (Duindwaler, Hellevaerder) on vocals and Gerhans Meulenbeld (The Color of Rain, Meslamtaea) on guitar solos, alongside other familiar names from the Dutch black metal scene.
With Verstrikt in Halflicht, Schavot once again takes us back to the roots of black metal, specifically the 1990s. Influences from bands like Obtained Enslavement and Emperor are unmistakable, and Schavot expertly captures the spirit of the second wave while giving it a modern twist.
The album’s lyrical themes are steeped in dark legends and tales from the Low Countries, covering everything from warriors fighting for their lords to mythical creatures from lakes and streams, and peasants suffering under the tyranny of landowners. These narratives perfectly complement the melancholic and atmospheric soundscapes of the album.
The album opens with “Tussen Droom en Werkelijkheid”, which begins with a Bathory-like atmosphere reminiscent of Hammerheart. However, the track quickly erupts into a whirlwind of blast beats and melodic elements. Despite the chaos, the dreamlike undercurrent flows quietly in the background, creating a delicate balance between fury and serenity.

“Geestenjacht” follows with an intense and dynamic opening. Symphonic keyboards provide a layer of calm amidst the storm, while progressive metal-inspired guitar solos weave through the track. The result is a nostalgic feel reminiscent of hearing Emperor or Satyricon during their prime for the first time.
“Strijdend voor het Bestaan” features a striking second vocal performance from Daan Bleumink, who adds depth to the story of a warrior questioning his sacrifices for his lord. This additional layer of narrative makes the track particularly compelling.
The album’s pinnacle is the epic “Waar Schimmen immer Dolen”. Here, spoken word by Miranda Visser (Hellevaerder) elevates the track to greatness. Her voice, combined with the richly layered instrumentation, creates a hauntingly beautiful moment that stands out as one of the album’s finest achievements.
With Verstrikt in Halflicht, Schavot once again proves itself a master of crafting atmospheric black metal. The collaboration between Void Wanderer Productions and War Productions ensures that this album is available in stunning physical format, vinyl, allowing the release to be fully appreciated.
Schavot delivers another impressive album that simultaneously evokes nostalgia and offers a modern take on classic black metal. A must-listen for fans of the genre. 8/10 by Consanguineus
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8/10 To Greatness and Glory!
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