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

The Pursuit of VikingsAmon Amarth

Amon Amarth – The Pursuit of Vikings – Live at Summer Breeze (OFFICIAL)

When it comes to the band that brought the allure of Viking metal from Sweden to the world, it has to be Amon Amarth.

Listen to the standout track from their fifth album, Fate of Norns, released in September 2004, and you’ll grasp the essence of that appeal.

The song paints a tale of Viking quest—crossing raging seas in pursuit of glory.

Its driving drums and thunderous guitar riffs convey the ferocity of battle, while the powerful growls give voice to an indomitable spirit, transporting the listener to ancient battlefields.

It even lent its name to the documentary commemorating the band’s 25th anniversary, making it a quintessential Amon Amarth anthem.

Perfect for when you want to get fired up or immerse yourself in a sweeping, epic narrative.

One Rode To Asa BayBathory

Bathory – One Rode To Asa Bay (Official Music Video)

A song by Bathory, the legendary Swedish act that laid the foundations of black metal and Viking metal.

It’s featured on their landmark April 1990 release Hammerheart, the album where they broke away from their early style, and its epic scale—running over ten minutes—leaves a lasting impression.

The track unfolds a sorrowful tale, told from the perspective of an old man, about the tragedy of ancient faiths fading under the surging tide of Christianization.

Majestic choral parts and an earth-shaking, repetitive rhythm seem to draw the listener onto an ancient battlefield.

It’s also known for being the band’s only official music video.

A dramatic number that’s perfect for anyone who seeks cinematic storytelling in music.

Viking’s AnthemFolkearth

Folkearth – Viking’s Anthem [With lyrics]

Folk Earth is a unique project that brings together musicians from around the world remotely.

This track serves as the title song of their album “Viking’s Anthem,” released in June 2010.

Bold guitar riffs intertwine with the tones of traditional instruments like tin whistle and violin, instantly drawing the listener into a world of storytelling.

The lyrics depict the pride of warriors bound by blood and the unbreakable bonds of comradeship.

This powerful worldview superbly captures the appeal of Viking metal.

The piece’s vivid sense of presence—like an ancient battlefield unfolding before your eyes—is sure to set your heart ablaze.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves grand historical romance.

YggdrasilBrothers of Metal

BROTHERS OF METAL – Yggdrasil (2018) // Official Music Video // AFM Records

Hailing from Sweden, Brothers of Metal are a power metal band themed around Norse mythology.

This track is a signature number from their debut album, Prophecy of Ragnarök, which was re-released in November 2018.

Centered on the sacred world‑connecting tree, it fuses powerful choruses from a mixed triple-vocal lineup with valiant melodies.

Its symphonic, grand sound instantly transports listeners into the realm of myth.

The piece conveys reverence for the great tree that governs the order of the cosmos, along with the vitality of the life it harbors.

Many will likely find themselves captivated by its dramatic development, reminiscent of a fantasy film’s climactic scene.

A must-listen for those who love music rich in narrative.

LokeEnslaved

Loke

Enslaved, the Norwegian stalwarts known for their progressive evolution.

This track is included on their second album, Frost, released in 1994, which distills their early impulses.

Its theme is the god of Norse mythology who embodies cunning and chaos, and that tricky nature is vividly portrayed through icy tremolo riffs and raging drumming.

The melodies, at once majestic and ominous, feel like the wicked cackle of a being that collapses the gods’ order from within.

A direct sequel to this piece appears on their 1998 album Blodhemn, allowing you to experience a part of the grand narrative the band weaves.

It’s a masterpiece where the mythic worldview of Viking metal merges with the primitive dark beauty of early black metal.

HimmelsrandEQUILIBRIUM

Himmelsrand

A song by the German metal band Equilibrium.

The original piece is the theme from the popular game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, covered with the band’s signature heavy sound that amplifies its majestic melody.

The ensemble—fierce guitar riffs and powerful drums fused with a grand symphonic arrangement—instantly transports listeners to the snow-laden northern lands.

The track is included on the EP Waldschrein, released in August 2013.

It’s an emotional, dramatic number recommended not only for fans of the game but also for anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in a fantasy world.

The Crystal PalaceForlorn

Forlorn–The Crystal Palace

A song by Forlorn, a band from the Norwegian metal scene that pursued a unique, epic worldview.

Featured on the 1997 masterpiece The Crystal Palace, it evokes the imagery of a cold yet beautiful ancient castle with synth sounds reminiscent of an orchestra.

The dramatic interplay between serene melodies woven by clean vocals and the hallmark black metal growls epitomizes the appeal of Viking metal.

The weighty ensemble, elevated by unhurried guitar riffs, is deeply satisfying, making this a perfect metal tune for listeners who want to immerse themselves in a grand fantasy world.