About the Heavy Metal Maniacs
The whole idea started in September 1997 when some Dutch metalguys from Haarlem bored themselves to death as the Dutch Heavy Metalscene was nearly dead and buried. No good concerts, no metal parties, no metal pubs, no exciting new bands.
We decided to do something about it in stead of whining about it. We were sure that in other parts of Holland there were people feeling the same way. Starting a metal club was the main idea. Soon we got our name ‘Heavy Metal Maniacs’ (inspired by Exciter’s classic album). With this name we made sure people would have no doubts about who we were and what we stand for.
In the first year we made our logo, clubpatches for our denim jackets and flyers to make ourselves known. Several people got interested and slowly, but surely we grew. We started to organise trips to Wacken Open Air and started to make a monthly newsletter. In 1999 we issued our first HMM CD in 300 copies. The CD, with rare material from Dutch 80s bands and new bands on it, was soon sold-out. Also this website was started up in 1999.
In 2000 we started the first edition of the HM Maniacs festival in Hoorn. The concept was to bring unique bands on stage, which you don’t see that easily somewhere else. Also a second Cd was made. In the meantime we grew to about 50 members.
2001 was the start of the German HM Maniacs. Responsible was Alex Bartak; a friend of the fanclub for years and one of the most fanatic around. We became an official foundation on the 7th of March that same year.
In the years after we grew in every way, more members, more festivals, a 3rd Cd, more parties, a better magazine.
During all the years the Heavy Metal foundation proved that they are constant factor in the Dutch metal scene.
In 2007 the HM Maniacs celabrated their 10th year anniversary with a special edition of the Heavy Metal Maniacs festival in Hoorn.
Membership
First of all, we are an open organization in which everyone is welcome to join our crusade but we aren't your local foodballclub.
If your favourite taste of iron is Heavy Metal and you want to be active in the metalscene and support Heavy Metal, contact us! The annual subscription fee/donation is € 25,00. For this you will get several reductions at our activities, 3 times a year our Maniac Magazine, several newsletters and a club patch for your denim jacket.
Co-ordinators of the HM Maniacs are:
Stefan van Zijl
- HMM festival
- CD projects
- Memberships
- Maniacs abroad (Spain, Sweden, Germany, Belgium)
Henry van Vliet
- Head editor Maniac Magazine and newsletters
Gerald ‘The Moneyman’ Meijerink
- Our Minister of Finances
- Administration
Jeroen Kroon
- Website and forum
