A short while ago I reviewed the last album of Xiphos (see: here). A great album consisting of a blend of Martial and Neo-classical tunes.
Both vocalists, namely Troy Southgate and Miklos Hoffer, have another project. In June this year they released Vondel’s Lucifer: Second Movement, the follow up of the first Vondel album released almost two decades ago..
I managed to get myself a copy of this strictly limited album, and here we are: me making and you reading this review of their latest output.

I mentioned Xiphos which contained both Martial and neo-classic elements. H.E.R.R. can be seen as a purely Neo-classical outfit. Both Troy and Miklos have the same vocal style as in Xiphos but it is the arrangements and compositions which see to it that they operate in a slightly different genre. Composer Michiel Spapé makes sure the neo-classical arrangements are very good using a colourful set of synthesized instruments.
Together with the two vocalists and translations of words from the Dutch writer Joost van den Vondel they concocted ten intriguing songs about Lucifer. Always a good topic, isn’t it. 

After the intro “By Michiel Spied” “Who Dares, opposes”” starts. It has a playful undertone yet the lyrics suggest otherwise. “We Swear alike by God and Lucifer” has a more serious and sinister undertone.
“Forward ye hosts!” has a playful cadence where the vocals of Miklos are very powerful. Together with the (almost) Martial drums it is a great song to delve into.
“Take courage then” also has the same playful and light-footed character. On this song the vocals of Troy tells the tale while Michiel makes sure that there’s an excellent composition present a very accomplished musician indeed)

The synthetic harpsichord on “The Army longs, prepared” and other arrangements are heavier than its predecessor. Together with the vocals of Miklos the track has a sense of urgency which I really appreciate.
“O, Lucifer save thyself” is a wonderful piece of music were drama and melancholy collide. The vocals of both gents really work on this track, not to mention the composers crafty tunes.
“Stadtholder, why thus disguise thy thoughts?”is a short composition were also both vocalists show their craft. But it is the exceptionally good composition which truly shines here. It sounds like a merry song but don’t let this fool you because again there’s a sinister undertone.

“Advance with Us” has a duration of over seven minutes and clashes between heroism, epicness and drama. It all fits together like a glove. “Let not his guilt be unforgiven” concludes the album were Miklos shines once again.

This album took me a few spins to digest but in the end the album is really enjoyable. The compositions are of very high quality and both vocalists, together in songs or performing alone, make sure that there is more then plenty to discover. Neo-classical is a niche within the huge variety of genres. If you are adventurous and have an open mind (and maybe are a bit tired of listening metal): get yourself a copy as soon as possible. Limited to a hundred copies I reckon this album will soon be sold out.

Quite ballsy that these three gents made an effort and released this album their selves while being distributed by the superb underground label Steinklang. The artwork on the cover of this album is simply beautiful. That’s one reason more to stop listening metal, just for forty minutes, and put this album on your record player. Good stuff which should be listened and enjoyed by a larger audience!!

Score: 8,2 / 10

Release date: 10 June 2025
Label: self released / Steinklang

Reviewer: Erik

Tracklist:

1. By Michael spied
2. Who dares opposes
3. We swear alike by God and Lucifer
4. Forward ye hosts!
5. Take courage then
6. The Army longs, prepared
7. Stadtholder, why thus disguise thy thoughts?
8. Lucifer, save thyself
9. Advance with us!
10. Let not his guilt be unforgiven