[Forest Fairies] What Is Forest Metal? Recommended Bands Introduction
Have you heard of a genre with a name that makes little sense unless you know the backstory of “forest metal,” yet somehow sounds kind of cute?
In reality, it’s not that a music genre by this name is recognized overseas.
The truth is that the term was coined as a promotional tagline for the Japanese domestic releases of Korpiklaani, a popular Finnish folk metal band.
In this article, we introduce bands that could be considered fellow members of “forest metal,” starting with Korpiklaani—groups that “seem like they live in the forest” or have music videos filmed in the woods.
While the piece is a bit tongue-in-cheek, all the bands featured genuinely have excellent musicality, so please enjoy!
- Laughs guaranteed! Rolling at the goofy Japanese title—Korpiklaani straight from the forests of Finland.
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[Forest Fairies] What Is Forest Metal? Recommended Bands (1–10)
Meister der MinneFeuerschwanz
Formed in Germany in 2004, Feuerschwanz are known abroad as a “medieval metal” band.
Despite their fun, playful vibe, their musicality is top-notch, captivating many fans with a unique style that blends medieval folk music with rock and metal elements.
In 2019, they signed with the prestigious Napalm Records and shifted toward a more serious heavy metal sound.
The balance between each member’s colorful character and solid musicianship is exquisite, and their live shows really bring out that appeal.
On par with Korpiklaani, Feuerschwanz are a band I can highly recommend to Japanese fans!
Winter WoedeHEIDEVOLK
Hailing from Arnhem in the Netherlands, Heidevolk are folk metal sorcerers who vividly sing of Germanic mythology and history.
Since their formation in 2002, they have praised nature and delivered hymns to pagan gods through lyrics in Dutch.
Notably, on their 2015 album Velua, they also presented songs in English alongside Dutch, successfully bringing their music to an even wider audience.
The vocals—commanding with resonant clean parts and powerful growls—combined with dramatic metal soundscapes are heroic yet interwoven with folk-tinged melodies throughout.
As seen in their music videos, you can easily picture the band performing in the forest!
From AfarEnsiferum
Ensiferum, known for their heroic sound, was born in the mystical land of Finland in 1995.
Their debut album was released in 2001, featuring a fresh and innovative sound that weaves folk elements into melodic death metal.
Beautiful folk melodies that feel like walking through a forest blend with high-velocity metal riffs, leading listeners on a fantastical journey.
In particular, the 2020 album Thalassic includes many sea-themed tracks, showcasing the band’s depth and unconventional musicality.
They have performed in Japan and are a highly popular band—if you’re curious, they’re definitely worth checking out!
[Forest Fairies] What is Forest Metal? Recommended Bands (11–20)
Wirtshaus GaudiEQUILIBRIUM
Equilibrium is a German epic–folk–pagan metal band that the country proudly boasts.
Born in Germany in 2001, their music masterfully fuses traditional Germanic melodies with folk and symphonic black metal.
Their unique world view became widely known with their 2005 debut album, Turis Fratyr.
The grand melodies crafted by bandleader René Berthiaume, combined with the woodland timbres of folk instruments like flute and violin, seize the ear and never let go.
Their songs themed around Germanic mythology captivate fans with their distinctiveness.
In 2010, with the addition of new vocalist Robse and drummer Hati, they achieved further musical evolution.
In short, their music lets you drift into a dreamlike state, as if adventuring through a fantasy forest.
Give it a listen and hear for yourself!
Exile Of The GodsEluveitie
Eluveitie captivates fans with their unique musicality, where Celtic-inspired melodies intertwine with metal sounds.
Since their formation in 2002, the band has incorporated a variety of traditional instruments while firmly maintaining the powerful framework of metal, transporting listeners to ancient battlefields.
In particular, Inis Mona from their second album Slania, released in 2008, enchants listeners with its beauty.
Eluveitie’s true brilliance shines in live performances, guiding countless audiences to an exquisite musical experience.
Their songs are not merely metal—they are art that tells the stories of history and peoples.
En Fallen JätteGrimner
Grimner is a band from Sweden that brought a fresh breeze to folk metal.
Their music weaves together Norse mythology and Viking legends with a heavy metal sound, while also offering refreshing melodies that feel as if you’re walking through a forest.
Their mastery of numerous instruments earned them high praise for their 2016 album Frost Mot Eld, which has amassed millions of streams.
In 2018, marking the band’s 10th anniversary, they released the album Vanadrottning, featuring the excellent vocals of their new member Martin, adding even more depth to their sound.
Their stage presence is absolutely powerful—highly recommended to experience them live.
MidsommerSvartsot
Svartsot breathes the comforting melodies of folk metal and the traditions of Denmark.
Formed in Denmark in 2005, they capture listeners’ hearts with a sound that brilliantly fuses the warmth of folk instruments with the power of melodic death metal.
On their 2022 release Kumbl, they arranged Danish folk songs in the Svartsot style, opening up new horizons as they unfolded a fresh and forceful world of folk metal.
Their lyrics are rooted in Danish history and folklore, making you feel as if you’re adventuring through a Nordic forest each time you listen.
While their name recognition in Japan is still lower than that of famous bands like Korpiklaani, they’re definitely an act to watch.