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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The Profound World of Folk Metal: Recommended Popular Bands (11–20)
The Dance Of Little OnesTuatha de Danann
If you’re looking for a metal band that can put you in a brighter mood, I recommend Tuatha de Danann.
They’re the first Celtic metal band from Brazil.
While metal often has a heavy, muscular image, Tuatha de Danann’s songs are based on traditional Irish music, giving them a fresh and breezy feel.
Their lyrics are often inspired by Celtic mythology, resulting in many songs with a mystical theme.
If you want to lift your spirits, definitely give them a listen.
Hold The Heathen Hammer HighTyr
Some people love the worlds of Norse mythology and Vikings, right? In that case, let me introduce TÝR, a folk metal band from the Faroe Islands.
In their songs, you can immerse yourself in that rich world both through the lyrics and the music.
Another nice touch is that each CD jacket features artwork inspired by Norse mythology.
Of course, even if you’re not familiar with Vikings or mythology, their music stands on its own as solid, hard-hitting metal.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in Vikings or Norse myths, give them a listen and see what you think.
NagryanuliKalevala
Kalevala is a folk metal band from Moscow, Russia, fronted by a female vocalist.
Named after the Finnish national epic, the five-piece is also notable for having a permanent accordion player.
Since their formation in 2007, they’ve continued to release straightforward yet high-quality folk metal, influenced by bands like Korpiklaani and Finntroll while drawing inspiration from Nordic folk music.
Surprisingly, their vocals and melodies don’t have an overpowering eccentricity; instead, their tuneful, slightly nostalgic atmosphere makes them easy on Japanese ears as well.
Of course, you can also enjoy the dynamic, heavy metal–derived sound, and the catchy, “cheesy” melodies sprinkled throughout are excellent.
If you’re a music fan who loves off-the-beaten-path metal and haven’t checked out this band yet, give them a listen!
Kaptein KaosTrollfesT
Do you know TrollfesT? They’re a folk metal band that plays at festivals around the world, including Norway’s biggest music event, Melodi Grand Prix.
And it’s not just their live shows—their recordings are highly acclaimed as well.
Among them, Kaptein Kaos has a poppy vibe that might appeal even to people who aren’t metal fans.
By the way, their lyrics are written in a fictional language that combines Norwegian and German.
Give them a careful listen!
DrinkAlestorm
In the folk metal scene, there are bands with a wide range of concepts.
Among those whose concept has drawn particular attention is Alestorm.
They’re a folk metal band from Scotland with a pirate motif.
Not only in their musical style and lyrics, but also in their music videos, they appear dressed as pirates.
When it comes to Alestorm’s signature song, it has to be “Drink.” Give it a listen with an eye on the lyrics, which embody what you might call the aesthetics of pirates.
In conclusion
As I mentioned at the beginning, folk metal is music in which the characteristics—or rather the identity—of the country of origin are deeply reflected, so it’s very appealing and fascinating to hear each nation’s character come through in the sound.
Since it’s essentially metal applied as a methodology, you can enjoy it even more by digging into it as world music in a broad sense!