The Profound World of Folk Metal: A Summary of Recommended Popular Bands
When you hear the term “folk metal,” what kind of music comes to mind?
Some of you might think, “Metal is intense, guitar-driven music—but what does ‘folk’ have to do with it?” and scratch your heads.
To put it simply, folk metal is a genre where metal music incorporates traditional instruments and blends in folky elements.
There are closely related subgenres like Viking metal and pagan metal, and in Japan, bands categorized as Viking metal tend to be better known.
In this article, we introduce well-known bands in folk metal, including Viking metal.
If you’re interested, please check it out!
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- Recommended Finnish bands. Popular bands from overseas.
The Profound World of Folk Metal: A Curated List of Recommended Popular Bands (1–10)
Wirtshaus GaudiEQUILIBRIUM
The German metal band Equilibrium.
Many of their songs depict the worldview of Germanic mythology, one branch of Norse mythology, giving their music a grand, fast-paced character.
They don’t just do epic songs, though—there are also fun tracks with a party vibe, like “Wirtshaus Gaudi.” By the way, Equilibrium releases songs not only in German but also in English.
Feel free to start with whichever language is easier for you to listen to.
Stand Up And FightTURISAS
Turisas is a folk metal band known for incorporating many elements of power metal.
By the way, power metal refers to metal music with more intensity and a greater sense of speed than usual.
One of the band’s trademarks is the death growl delivered by their vocalist, Mathias Nygård.
His deep, rumbling growl, which seems to make everything around it vibrate, sets itself apart from other bands’ death vocals.
If you’re curious, definitely try comparing them.
A recommended track to fully enjoy his death growl is “Stand Up and Fight.”
HajdútáncDalriada
Dalriada is a folk metal band that represents Hungary.
They’ve even held a European tour.
Among the songs they’ve created, the one I especially want to highlight is “Hajdútánc,” released in 2011.
While incorporating elements of traditional Hungarian folk music, it’s crafted as dance music that anyone can enjoy.
I also hope you’ll pay attention to the beautiful vocals of Laura Binder.
Liki Bessmertnykh BogovARKONA
One of the charms of folk metal is that it can be a gateway to the traditional music of countries around the world.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce Arkona, a Russian folk metal band.
They use many unfamiliar instruments, making them perfect for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience.
Even if you don’t usually listen to songs in Russian, you might find them refreshing.
Arkona’s greatest appeal is the vocal prowess of their singer, Maria Arkhipova.
Her highs, lows, and dynamic expressiveness each radiate a unique and unparalleled allure.
In My Sword I TrustEnsiferum
Ensiferum is a folk metal band based in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
They’ve even performed live in Japan, so many of you may already be familiar with them.
A hallmark of Ensiferum’s music is the incorporation of melodic death metal elements, using sounds that are even more intense and heavy than standard death metal.
You can feel their power just by listening to the recordings! For your first listen, be sure to enjoy their tracks at a high volume.