The Profound World of Folk Metal: A Summary of Recommended Popular Bands

Thinking AllowedSkyclad

SKYCLAD – Thinking Allowed (1993 Official Video – HD Remaster)

Skyclad is a British heavy metal band.

They are regarded as pioneering figures in folk metal and hold a legendary status.

Since forming in 1990, they have consistently been at the heart of the UK music scene.

Their songs rarely feature overly intense melodies, making them accessible even for newcomers to folk metal.

In particular, “Thinking Allowed” is highly recommended, as it strikes an excellent balance between gentle and aggressive parts.

If it piques your interest, I hope you’ll go on to check out their well-known tracks from each era.

HajdútáncDalriada

DALRIADA – Hajdútánc (Official Music Video / Hivatalos videoklip) – Ígéret album

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.

Journey to the EndWindir

Windir – Journey to the End GOOD QUALITY

While presenting a characteristically Norwegian brand of black metal, Windir boldly incorporated elements of Nordic folk music, crafting a unique sound grounded in a worldview themed around folklore and mythology.

Formed in 1994 around vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Valfar, they released their debut, Sóknardalr, in 1997.

Even at that stage, they stood out with melodious, melancholic, folk-inflected melodies woven into ferocious, noisy black metal, as well as lyrics sung in a western Norwegian dialect.

With each successive release the band’s prowess grew, and their sonic universe reached a peak with their landmark third album, 1184, in 2001, which featured English lyrics.

Heroic guitar riffs, majestic synth tones, and traditional, emotive flourishes throughout—if you’re curious about the band, this is the album to start with.

Though they were a superb group brimming with potential, tragedy struck in 2004 when central figure Valfar passed away suddenly, leading to the band’s dissolution.

Liki Bessmertnykh BogovARKONA

ARKONA – Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov (Official)

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 – In My Sword I Trust

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.

Not Unlike the WavesAgalloch

Agalloch Not Unlike the Waves Full Music Video

One of the famous folk metal bands based in the United States is Agalloch.

From their formation in 1995, they created songs with strong black metal elements.

However, once the 2000s began, they drastically revamped their style.

They eliminated the black metal elements and shifted to a style in which instrumental interludes make up most of the songs.

Some might think there are too many interludes.

But these long interludes actually make the choruses—where the metal elements intensify—stand out even more.

NagryanuliKalevala

Kalevala – Nagryanuli ( Нагрянули)

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!