Former After Forever guitarist Sander Gommans, who launched his HDK project in 2009, has released a new song called "Borderland" along with the following message:

"Being a father of three daughters, I can’t imagine the despair of all of those unwillingly involved in the current nightmare we’re all witnessing. Therefore, I’ve decided to dedicate my first new HDK song, 'Borderland', to all of those trapped in a war they never wanted. No politics or pointing fingers, just both feeling sad for all of the victims as well impressed by the faith and persistence they’re showing: 

Thanks Monica Janssen for the awesome guest vocals, Frank Schiphorst for a brilliant guitar solo, and Joeri Warmerdam for some ultra heavy drums. More songs soon, also introducing a new concept by Magic-O-Metal called Serenades Of The Netherworld. Had planned to tell you much more about that, but in all honesty, that can wait in light of recent events. 

Hope you enjoy the song and the great video created by Menno Kappe and if possible, give the people in need some support!" 

Sander Gommans: "Every person will have to face situations in their lives in which they have to stand up for what they believe in. Sometimes it's a choice, but at other times you're forced to defend what you and your ancestors have built up. To fight for your identity and who you are or want to be. Sometimes it is just a matter of where you happened to be born. 

The whole world is just shocked to experience another war, where it appears that again, David is up against Goliath. Ordinary people, recklessly becoming victims of the powers that be. Where people can do nothing else than to defend their bare existence. But not only that of their own. We can only have the utmost respect and admiration for the courage and the spirit of so many people, defending and sacrificing their personal lives for the values and principles many of us wish to live by.

This is not a song about politics nor about pointing fingers. It is a song about inner strength and the determination people show to stand tall despite the risks for their personal lives ... even if the opposing force is overwhelming and seems to be unbeatable. No matter which side, our thoughts are with every man, womand and child who are unwillingly involved in this current and horrific conflict.

'Borderland' initially had a different title, but with the exact same lyrics. It was written at a time in which we could not yet imagine nor have any notion of what was about to happen. While working on the last details of the video for this track, it struck us how relevant this song had become in the light of what happened. This song has now chosen its own destiny in support of all the incredibly brave people who are now determined to defend themselves, others, and foremost the future of their but also our children.

'Borderland' was and will still be the first song of a new concept, Serenades Of The Netherworld, by Magic-O-Metal. The concept was born from the idea to give a voice to the many talents who wish to carry or pass on the torch of the metal music genre, regardless of whether one is new at the scene or considered to be a veteran. We invite bands and / or solo artists to contribute music to this concept, but most of all we encourage everyone to create new things ‘metal‘ through all sorts of musical collaborations. This is where 'Serenades of The Netherworld' can make a difference in creating and releasing music in new and different ways.

We now start the journey of Serenades Of The Netherworld with 'Borderland' as an unplanned tribute to the brave souls fighting for what they believe in. This track is in support of the people and the refugees from Ukraine. We kindly ask everyone not just to watch this video, but to come to the aid of these people, especially the children, who became involuntary victims. Please donate generously to UNICEF or to any other cause which will hopefully provide some relief for those in need."