The world needs Vanderbuyst now more than ever. The fun has been taken out of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. In their native Netherlands, the red light zones have become cesspools of human trafficking. One by one, the coffeeshops are denying access to anyone who is not registered in the government’s database as a card-carrying stoner. Too many bands are more concerned with the quantity of “likes” than the quality of licks.

Guitarist Willem Verbuyst, drummer Barry Van Esbroek and singer/bassist Jochem Jonkman saw the writing on the wall in 2008 and did what the Dutch do best: they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The energetic trio began crafting songs with the quintessentially Dutch attitude that less is more than enough provided you have the right raw materials. A three track demo EP led to the band’s self-titled debut LP on Ván Records (2010). From the classic riff and lead sound to the catchy refrains, it was clear: this is authentic hard rock at its best. In Dutch (2011, Ván Records) drove the point home again with even more finesse and fire.

But what about the band’s live reputation? In a word: incendiary! In the past three years, these driven Dutchmen have played over 200 shows in 16 countries, thrilling audiences with their high octane shows. In 2011, Vanderbuyst opened for none other than the legendary Saxon on their European tour and hit the main stage at Holland’s famous Bospop festival (with bands like Black Country Communion and Dream Theater) to name one of the highlights of the 100 shows they played that same year including support for Triggerfinger, one of the most popular alternative rock bands in Europe.
In 2012, the band toured Europe with Grand Magus, and back home, they had the honor of supporting hard rock legend Scott Gorham’s Thin Lizzy as well as Judas Priest.
Across the border in France, they tore up the main stage at Hellfest, which also hosted Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe and Blue Öyster Cult. In Germany, Vanderbuyst took the main stage at the 2012 Bang Your Head festival and promptly gave the crowd whiplash. In addition to rousing festival performances and sizzling club shows, the band schooled 3FM audiences with live in-studio performances of “Tiger,” “Stealing Your Thunder” and “From Pillar to Post.” During De Wereld Draait Door, one of the country’s most popular night-time TV shows, the band invaded some 1.5 million homes with a smoking rendition of “Into the Fire.”

With the upcoming release of a new full-length album, Flying Dutchmen (2012, Ván Records), Vanderbuyst continue their tireless quest to save the world from flaccid rock. Much like their ancestors before them, Jonkman, Van Esbroek and Verbuyst have achieved an amazing feat of reclamation. Vanderbuyst have restored the heart and soul to hard rock without any gimmicks or ironic hipster attitude. This is the real deal. Say it loud, say it proud: Van-der-buyst! Rhymes with ROCKS THE HOUSE!