Vetrar Draugurinn is a Dutch band formed around song writer / guitar player Eric Hazebroek
(Stream of Passion); show casing his unique style of incorporating melancholic melodies with heavy,
downtuned riffs and his eye for subtle detail and diversity. After Stream of Passion’s demise in 2016
Eric needed a new challenge to continue.
Despite the Icelandic name, the band came to life in the Netherlands. To complete the line-up Eric
asked the help of 4 talented, experienced musicians/friends, namely the angelic yet dark voice of
Marjan Welman (Autumn, Ayreon), versatile drummer Jim van de Kerkhof (All for Nothing), fellow 8
stringed guitar player Thomas Cochrane (Hologram Earth, Ancient Rites), and long-time collaborator
Arjan Heijden (Manifest, Daeonia) on bass. Their goal is to make music from the heart, melancholic
and gloomy, intense and fragile at some places, massive and loud in others.
Eric explains: “Throughout my 26 years as an aspiring and semi-professional musician, I grew into the
role of songwriter more and more. During my time in Daeonia (Candlelight Records 1997-2001)
I became the sole contributor for the first time and learned a lot about subtle details in melody and
atmosphere. The Saturnine (2003 – 2013) was the band in which this came to existence the most.
With a strong work ethic we were playing in the name of the song, disguished our technical abilities
underneath a blanket of beautiful melodies. I’m not here to show off my guitar-playing (others are
way better than I am). I’m here to make beautiful music.”
For 10 years Eric was part of the Dutch/Mexican progressive symphonic metal band Stream of
Passion, with whom he toured several times all over Europe and even played shows in far away
places like Russia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, and the United States. During those years he released 3
full-length albums with the band and a live DVD. Stream of Passion also launched an incredibly
succesful crowdfunding campaign for the recording of their final studio album in 2013, which grossed
near to 200% of their goal.
2017 Saw the start of this brand new band and a brand new adventure, venturing into the next
chapter of a musical journey. First a limited edition EP was as an introduction, with a tremndous
response to follow. After which a full-length album was recorded during 2018, which will see the light
of day in 2019. “Hinterlands” contains 11 songs that will drag you into their travels and darkness.
Vetrar Draugurinn is here to give you a glimpse of light in the dark forest, a little bit of warmth in the
long wintery night.
VETRAR DRAUGURINN is:
Marjan Welman (vocals), Eric Hazebroek (guitars), Thomas Cochrane (guitars), Arjan Heijden (bass), Jim van de Kerkhof (drums)
For all bookings, please contact: bookings@darkskiescoming.nl