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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

When you hear the term “Viking metal,” what kind of music do you imagine? As the name suggests, it’s a genre of heavy metal themed around the history and mythology of the Norse Vikings.

It blends grand orchestral arrangements with fierce guitar riffs, creating an immersive sound that makes it feel as if scenes of ancient battles are unfolding before your eyes.

Whether you’re captivated by Norse mythology or simply curious about metal music, you’re sure to discover something new.

In this article, we’ll introduce tracks that let you fully savor the allure of Viking metal.

[A Must-See for Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Viking Metal Songs Showcasing Its Appeal (41–50)

Ångestens HögborgThyrfing

Thyrfing – Ångestens Högborg

Ångestens HögborgThyrfing

A Swedish band.

Epic, eerie-tinged melodies alternate with the vocalist’s shouts.

Then, just as the sense of valor swells, a quiet passage—and then the flute.

The structure is superb, as if a seven-minute track contains a whole tapestry of joys and sorrows.

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AhnenlandXIV Dark Centuries

XIV Dark Centuries – Ahnenland

AhnenlandXIV Dark Centuries

A German band.

While battle-themed songs are common in this genre, this track seems set in an older era.

It lacks both flashy melodies and rugged power.

In fact, it feels somewhat relaxed, but that looseness gives it a retro flavor and a distinctive character.

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Blood for the Blood GodCruachan

Cruachan – Blood for the Blood God (Official Video)

Blood for the Blood GodCruachan

An Irish band.

In the music video, the person headbanging with a sword and shield (a drum?) has an overwhelming presence, but the song itself is a neatly put-together piece of rugged power metal.

From the chugging riffs in the middle onward, the build-up into the latter half is excellent, with sharp shifts between calm and intensity.

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Dowth 2059SUIDAKRA

SUIDAKRA – Dowth 2059 (2011) // Official Music Video // AFM Records

Dowth 2059SUIDAKRA

A German band.

You can sense touches of melodeath and metalcore in places.

The contrast between the speeding sections and the slower ones is sharp, leaving no dull moments.

Every sound carries conviction, and the song goes beyond the confines of Viking metal.

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In conclusion

Viking metal is a one-of-a-kind genre where ancient Norse Viking culture merges with metal music.

Rooted in folk metal, its grand musicality—woven from the worldview of Norse mythology, epic lyrics, powerful riffs, and the timbre of traditional instruments—captivates not only metal enthusiasts but music fans of all kinds.

Immerse yourself in the world of Viking metal, which sings of the earth, the sea, and the tales of the gods.