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

Wooden PintsKORPIKLAANI

KORPIKLAANI – Wooden Pints

To begin with, the theme of this article, “Mori Metal” (Forest Metal), is a coined term referring to the band Korpiklaani.

Globally renowned as a Finnish folk metal band—often described as forest sprites—they originally formed in 1997 under the name Shaman and released about two albums, but due to the existence of another band with the same name, they changed to the current Korpiklaani.

In Japan, when their works were released, the label coined “Mori Metal” as a marketing term to express their music.

Later, tags like “Tabi Metal” (Travel Metal) and “Sake Metal” (Booze Metal) were also used.

Their sound blends Nordic-style heavy metal with traditional folk instruments, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere—like a drinking party in the woods—that perfectly embodies “Mori Metal.” Check out the music video for their classic Wooden Pints—known in Japan by the outrageous localized title “Sakaba de Kakutō Donjara Hoi”—and savor what Forest Metal is all about!

Winter WoedeHEIDEVOLK

HEIDEVOLK – Winter Woede (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Hailing from Arnhem in the Netherlands, Heidevolk are folk metal sorcerers who vividly sing of Germanic mythology and history.

Since their formation in 2002, they have praised nature and delivered hymns to pagan gods through lyrics in Dutch.

Notably, on their 2015 album Velua, they also presented songs in English alongside Dutch, successfully bringing their music to an even wider audience.

The vocals—commanding with resonant clean parts and powerful growls—combined with dramatic metal soundscapes are heroic yet interwoven with folk-tinged melodies throughout.

As seen in their music videos, you can easily picture the band performing in the forest!

SolsaganFINNTROLL

FINNTROLL – Solsagan (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A whirlwind of metal resounding in the forest—its name is Finntroll.

Featuring the figure of the troll that colors the legends of deep woods, the band was formed in Helsinki in 1997.

Their musical style intertwines folk and black metal, captivating fans.

Their Swedish-language songs are sprinkled with fairytale-like fantasy, inviting listeners on a mysterious journey.

In particular, the 2001 album Jaktens Tid gained popularity in Japan and they have continued to deliver hits since.

Their live performances are breathtaking, enthralling audiences.

The band’s unique energy and passion likely explain why they’re loved in Japan, transcending language barriers.

Meister der MinneFeuerschwanz

FEUERSCHWANZ – Meister der Minne (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Formed in Germany in 2004, Feuerschwanz are known abroad as a “medieval metal” band.

Despite their fun, playful vibe, their musicality is top-notch, captivating many fans with a unique style that blends medieval folk music with rock and metal elements.

In 2019, they signed with the prestigious Napalm Records and shifted toward a more serious heavy metal sound.

The balance between each member’s colorful character and solid musicianship is exquisite, and their live shows really bring out that appeal.

On par with Korpiklaani, Feuerschwanz are a band I can highly recommend to Japanese fans!

NagryanuliKalevala

Kalevala – Nagryanuli ( Нагрянули)

Kalevala creates a mysterious soundscape wrapped in forest.

Borrowing their name from the Finnish epic, they’re a folk metal band from Moscow, Russia.

Formed in 2007, their songs—where Nordic melodies and passion intersect—are truly captivating.

Laced with refined musicianship and an exotic allure, they released their first studio album, “Kudel Belosnezhnogo L’na,” in 2008.

Embracing the charm of Nordic folk while delivering approachable melodies, they stir the hearts of listeners.

Ksenia Markevich’s vocals radiate a powerful individuality—beautiful yet strong—and her harmony with the somewhat rustic yet dramatic sound typical of frontier metal is a must-hear.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Nagryanuli,” where they perform right in the forest and even stage a battle—perfect for enjoying as “forest metal.”

Stenka Na StenkuARKONA

ARKONA – Stenka Na Stenku | Napalm Records

Formed in Moscow in 2002, Arkona captivates fans around the world with a musicality that transcends the boundaries of folk metal, weaving in themes from traditional Slavic mythology and folklore.

The only original member and frontwoman, Masha Scream, delivers a distinctive, powerful vocal performance—seamlessly shifting from soaring, beautiful clean vocals to ferocious death growls.

It’s truly breathtaking.

Their signature album, Vo Slavu Velikim!, showcases their wide-ranging musical approach and is well worth a listen.

Whether you’re a fan of folk metal or not, you should give Arkona’s music a try.

Flucht nach vornDartagnan

dArtagnan – Flucht nach vorn

D’Artagnan, taking flight from Germany to the world, is reviving medieval folk with a modern metal sound.

Debuting in 2016, they have earned high acclaim at home and abroad, including reaching No.

7 on the German album charts with Seit an Seit.

Their band name is taken from D’Artagnan of The Three Musketeers, and the spirit of “one for all, all for one” is alive in their music.

Bagpipes, violin, and powerful vocals come together as one, drawing you into a sensation like time travel.

Ben Metzner’s masterful tin whistle, Tim Bernard’s guitar and backing vocals, and, since 2018, Gustavo Strauss on violin have added even greater musical depth.

They call their style “Musketeer Rock,” a distinctly European sound that’s sure to surprise listeners who mainly enjoy American heavy metal.