Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[Forest Fairies] What Is Forest Metal? Recommended Bands Introduction

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

[Forest Fairies] What is Forest Metal? Recommended Bands (11–20)

MidsommerSvartsot

Svartsot Midsommer (Official Video)

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.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, the term “forest metal” itself was created as a promotional catchphrase for Korpiklaani and doesn’t actually exist as a musical genre.

That said, among enthusiasts on the internet there certainly are musical styles and music videos that are understood as forest metal.

Even as a bit of a joke, it might be fun to go looking for metal that has a forest-like vibe!