[For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Songs Showcasing the Appeal of Viking Metal

Vintervredets SjelesagnBORKNAGAR

Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Remaster 2021)

Borknagar, one of the bands that represent the Norwegian metal scene.

In their early days, they were also known for bringing together members from illustrious bands like Gorgoroth and Immortal.

This is the opening track of their debut album, “Borknagar,” released in August 1996.

Unlike their later progressive direction, this work condenses the raw spirit of Viking metal.

True to its title, which evokes a “legend of the soul of winter’s wrath,” the raging, storm-like guitar riffs and blast beats depict the ferocity of nature in the frozen north.

There’s even an anecdote that Infernus of Gorgoroth recorded all the bass parts in a single day—an early, impulsive energy encapsulated in one track.

Hold The Heathen Hammer HighTÝR

TÝR – Hold The Heathen Hammer High (Official)

A band from the Faroe Islands.

This is Viking Metal! The music video too, but more than anything, those deep, rugged male roars and morale-boosting riffs stir the soul.

The guitar phrases that cut in between are great.

As a mid-tempo, tough, masculine sound, you could call it a finished form.

It’s the perfect track to showcase the appeal of Viking metal.

By HonourEREB ALTOR

Ereb Altor – By Honour

Ereb Altor, a Swedish Viking/doom metal band to be proud of.

Inheriting the spirit of the legendary band Bathory, they craft a heavy, epic sound.

This title track from their second album “By Honour,” released in March 2008, is a piece that symbolizes the band’s musical identity.

It fuses the earth-crawling weight of doom metal with valiant melodies that evoke the harsh nature of the Nordic lands.

The sound seems to tell of a warrior’s grim resolve as he marches to the battlefield with honor in his heart, and of an unshakable cry of the soul.

The majestic clean-vocal choral parts may well draw listeners into an ancient mythic world.

It’s a must-hear for anyone who loves grand historical romance or fantasy.

ZerfallFinsterforst

FINSTERFORST – Zerfall (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Finsterforst is a folk/pagan metal band that bears the name of Germany’s Black Forest.

Centered on themes of nature and mythology, their music fuses the mournful timbre of accordion and grand orchestration with ferocious, black metal–derived vocals at a remarkably high level.

The title track from their fifth album, Zerfall, released in August 2019, is a piece that truly distills the band’s philosophy.

The work takes “collapse” as its theme, portraying an apocalyptic vision of a civilization in ruin through a harrowing soundscape.

It’s nothing short of breathtaking the way a melody steeped in pathos rises from within a wall of sound forged by massive guitar riffs and storm-like drumming.

The music video, shot in an abandoned brewery, perfectly expresses the song’s desolate worldview and further deepens immersion in the piece.

If you’re drawn to the grand narratives and mythic realms painted by Viking metal, you’ll surely be captivated by this epic sung by the forests of Germany.

Valdr GalgaThyrfing

Valdr Galga

A song by the Swedish band Thyrfing, regarded as a heavyweight in the Viking metal scene.

It’s the title track of their second album, Valdr Galga, released in March 1999, and its opening—featuring a massive guitar riff and majestic synths—brilliantly evokes the world of Norse mythology.

With a dramatic progression themed around Odin and an intense sound, it truly feels as if an ancient battle is unfolding right before your eyes.

The contrast between the ferocity rooted in black metal and the lyrical melodies is superb, making this a recommended number for those who love grand, epic narratives.

Till fjällsVintersorg

Vintersorg – Till Fjälls

Vintersorg is the solo project of Swedish multi-instrumentalist Andreas Hedlund.

Here’s an introduction to the title track from the classic album Till fjälls, released in December 1998.

Its world, where black metal–derived ferocity dramatically fuses with folk-tinged lyrical melodies evocative of Scandinavia’s majestic nature, is truly stunning.

Titled “To the Mountains,” the piece seems to express the steadfast will of a solitary traveler venturing into harsh wilderness, along with a soul-stirring sense of awe.

The solemn beauty that shines amid the intense ensemble is the very essence of Viking metal.

It’s a vividly scenic number you should listen to when you want to immerse yourself deeply in grand mythic worlds and stories.

Battle MetalTURISAS

TURISAS – Battle Metal 2008 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A Finnish band.

In terms of the shock I felt the first time I heard it, there aren’t many songs that can beat this one.

Metalheads, on your feet and sing, “Battle Metal!” In Viking metal, a half-baked sound is the worst—it turns into a school play.

Who could hate these guys when they can go this gloriously over-the-top?