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

KüüMetsatöll

Metsatöll – Küü (Official Music Video)

Metsatöll, hailing from Estonia—a name that means “the land of the east”—plays folk metal rooted in a worldview built on lyrics in their native tongue and themes drawn from ancient Estonian legends and folklore.

They are highly popular in their home country; in 2014 they were even nominated for the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research’s Language Act Performance Award, and their achievements in bringing Estonian culture to wider recognition have been praised by the President.

They’re a group whose activity and recognition transcend the typical bounds of a heavy metal band.

Even on their 2004 debut album, Hiiekoda, they were delivering a folk metal/Viking metal sound that fused the aggression of heavy metal with instruments like fiddle and flute.

After moving to the renowned Finland-based Spinefarm Records, their sound was further fortified, achieving a uniquely their-own world where massive heavy metal and pastoral elements are beautifully integrated.

They’re a folk metal band I especially want people who don’t even know where Estonia is to hear!

The Dance Of Little OnesTuatha de Danann

Tuatha De Danann – The Dance Of Little Ones

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

TÝR – Hold The Heathen Hammer High (Official)

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.

DrinkAlestorm

ALESTORM – Drink (Official Video) | Napalm Records

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.

Suden TuntiMOONSORROW

MOONSORROW – Suden Tunti (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

If you’re looking for a band with a distinctive worldview, I recommend Moonsorrow.

They are a Finnish folk metal band whose work centers on themes of faith and religion, unfolding a unique world unlike anything else.

Among their releases, the one that most fully showcases this worldview is Suden Tunti, released in 2001.

When listening for the first time, I think watching the story-style music video alongside it will deepen your understanding.

Kaptein KaosTrollfesT

TrollfesT – Kaptein Kaos (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

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!