Jan Willem Vink reports on the Christian music scene of The Netherlands

As far as the media is concerned, the Dutch CCM magazine Bottomline cannot be forgotten. Bottomline started last September and since then has become the leading magazine about CCM in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The 80s saw a number of bands who made some impact, but few of them have lasted the distance. One band who stood out above the rest was the Theo Lens Band in the early 80s who even played Greenbelt. The band's release Turning Point' got some rave reviews, and though Theo and his multi-racial band gave some sizzling performances with their funky pop, the lack of recognition and the tiny market in the Netherlands left Lens disappointed. He subsequently left the music scene.

Rob Favier

Other artists strived for and secured a record or CD deal then disbanded soon afterwards. Lose To Win for instance, with a similar musical style to the Theo Lens Band. However, the band was too big to exist in the Netherlands. Frontman Marcel McArthur continued as a solo artist. His solo album 'Face the Music' was released Stateside by Refuge. In the late 80s Marcel McArthur released another solo album called 'Don't Turn Around'. Although Marcel is still active as a musician, a new album is long overdue.

A band that has been known for its longevity is Thesis. Although they have only released one CD, 'Rising In The Wind's Eye', they play an important role, featuring as a house band at many Christian concerts. Thesis has been the support act for diverse American artists visiting the Netherlands, including Julie Miller, Wes King, David Mullen, Larry Norman and Trace Balin.

Target was a band that made quite an impact in the late 80s, early 90s. Their original symphonic rock was featured on their title-less debut followed by a live album, called 'Tot Zoyer' ('So Far'). Just before Target disbanded thousands of people visited their final concerts.

Different people from Target are still very active in the Dutch CCM scene. Ralph van Manen, for example, is probably the Dutch artist who has most potential for international popularity. A few years back Ralph released a CD-single, called "Open Up". Last March his first full length CD, called 'Face The Feeling', was released. Ralph, a pianist, performs both with a band and in an acoustic setting, and is a name to watch out for. Another important performer is Ben Ketting. Ben started out in Design, a trio who in the 80s released an album called 'A Company Of Friends'. After that Ben left and was replaced by Britain's Paul Field! Ben's attitude towards music changed a lot whilst travelling in the third world. Ben was then asked to become keyboards player in Harvest and just recently left this band. Ben, a passionate performer with a lot of integrity, has recorded one album, called 'Asian Skies'.

Ralph van Manen

From the centre of Holland comes Decision-D, a band that plays death metal. They have two albums out, 'Razon De La Muerte' and 'Moratoria', and have made an impression on the secular scene. Lead singer Edwin Ogenio pastors a church full of people from 'alternative' circles. Another alternative band comes from Amsterdam and is No Longer Music. This band has a part in the YWAM ministry among the outcasts in Amsterdam. Over the years NLM's lead singer David Pierce has seen a number of changes in the line-up. They combine their weird stage act with powerful ministry. Currently they travel extensively in the Muslim republics of the former USSR. NLM is not afraid of taking risks; they play anything from Christian festivals to ETA clubs in Spain. NLM have had two albums released, 'No Sex' and 'Hang By Your Feet And Sing'.

Changed from Friesland have produced several albums and toured in different European countries and more recently in the US. Their music could be described as simple, but effective down-to-earth rock 'n' roll. Their last album was called 'Skinny And Naked'. However, Changed have very recently disbanded.

There are a couple of new bands that have CDs out as well. One of them is called Tear Down The Walls. Their debut, 'Precious Stones', is a mixture between funk and rock. Tear Down The Walls feature some seasoned musicians. Other bands creating interest and having CDs are The Next (ska), Echt (Dutch blues/rock) and Overstag (pop). Also, Debbie Lee Ebbe has just released her first CD (pop) called 'No Decision Without You'. Besides these, there are a number of inspirational artists who are doing very well and stand out above the rest.

Elly And Rikkert, a husband and wife duo, were very popular folk singers in the early 70s. After flirting with the occult and all kinds of mysticism, they finally became Christians in 1974. Since then Elly And Rikkert have continued in their own characteristic style. In the first years after their conversion their songs were very biblically orientated but their last few albums are more critical of society. Elly And Rikkert have also made a large number of children's records.

Twice

Some other artists are Esther Tims, Rob Favier and Arjan And Efi Knevel. They have all made a number of albums in Dutch. A duo named Twice released their debut 'Love Is More' last year, singing in both Dutch and English. Their style can be compared to Malcolm And Alwyn and Phil And John.

Recently a number of artists like Marcel McArthur, Esther Tims, Arjan And Efi Knevel and a lot of other new inspirational artists came together and recorded a project called 'Ik Bouw Op U\ with traditional and contemporary songs. This album, featured on the Eden label of Siebren Rijpma (Highlight) has recently been picked up by RCA for secular distribution and promotion.

I discussed the quality of the Dutch bands with Siebren Rijpma and Evert ten Ham (Spoor 7 ). "Many bands send us their demo tapes and ask for our advice," said Evert. "Some of them are making music for the church, which is entertainment for Christians. It has some function but there is no communication with the world."

Siebren commented, "Some people, like No Longer Music, know what they are doing. They produce quality music and know how to communicate. Most bands stop after making a CD or doing a few concerts. They think they can play after learning a few chords and be technically perfect. But music has a lot to do with charisma, energy and image. I don't see much of that. Many Dutch artists are seeking an identity. Americans know what to answer when you ask them who they are. The Dutch remain silent."