The albums that define
neofolk.
Our picks for where to start with neofolk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top neofolk artists
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The neofolk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Aquarium
Sinii Albom
This album captures the essence of Aquarium's style, showcasing their ability to weave together intricate melodies and poignant lyrics. The diverse range of tracks allows new listeners to experience the band's versatility in one cohesive package.
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Aquarium
Navigator (Aquarium album)
A vibrant fusion of art rock and folk influences, interspersed with playful melodies and introspective lyrics.
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Current 93
Sleep Has His House
Ethereal soundscapes blend haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, evoking a dreamlike exploration of sleep and consciousness.
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Current 93
The Light Is Leaving Us All
Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting narratives, creating a somber yet enchanting atmosphere throughout the album.
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Swans
What Is This?
A sprawling exploration of existential dread, blending haunting melodies with intense sonic textures that challenge and captivate.
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Swans
My Father Will Guide Me up a Rope to the Sky
A haunting convergence of industrial clangor and ethereal melodies that evokes a visceral sense of existential dread.
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Ulver
Vargnatt
A haunting fusion of black metal intensity and ethereal soundscapes that immerses listeners in a dark, mystical atmosphere.
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Ulver
Flowers of Evil
A haunting blend of dark synths and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and existential dread.
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Death in June
Free Tibet
Haunting melodies intertwine with stark, spoken word vocals to create an atmosphere of existential reflection and dark beauty.
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Death in June
Burial
'Burial' captures the essence of Death in June's haunting soundscapes and lyrical depth. The tracks are rich in atmosphere, offering a introduction to their unique blend of folk rock and gothic influences.
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Rome
The Lone Furrow
A dark tapestry of martial industrial and neofolk, weaving intricate narratives through haunting soundscapes and rhythmic intensity.
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Rome
Parlez-Vous Hate?
Martial industrial soundscapes meld with neofolk melodies, creating a hauntingly atmospheric exploration of contemporary discontent.
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Omnia
Sine Missione
A vibrant fusion of ancient melodies and contemporary rhythms, embodying the essence of pagan spirituality and folk traditions.
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Burzum
Umskiptar
A haunting blend of atmospheric textures and minimalist melodies, evoking ancient Norse themes through dark ambient soundscapes.
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Burzum
Fallen
A haunting blend of dark ambient textures and minimalist black metal, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection.
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Of the Wand & the Moon
The Lone Descent
A haunting blend of dark acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke the weight of solitude and existential reflection.
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Agalloch
The White
A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk, enveloping listeners in a lush, introspective soundscape.
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Agalloch
The Serpent & the Sphere
A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes, merging black metal ferocity with haunting folk melodies.
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Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows
The Spiral Sacrifice
Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, evoking a darkly whimsical atmosphere steeped in melancholy and introspection.
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Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows
Voyager: The Jugglers of Jusa
A haunting tapestry of gothic melodies intertwined with ethereal vocals and unsettling instrumental soundscapes.
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Qntal
Qntal III – Tristan und Isolde
A haunting blend of medieval melodies and modern electronic textures, echoing the tragic tale of Tristan and Isolde.
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Qntal
Qntal
A haunting blend of medieval melodies and dark electronic textures, enveloping the listener in a mystical atmosphere.
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Wardruna
Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga
Ancient chants and organic instrumentation weave together to evoke the mystique of Nordic mythology and nature's rhythms.
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Wardruna
Runaljod - Ragnarok
Ancient Nordic sounds intertwine with modern instrumentation, creating an atmospheric journey through mysticism and nature.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where neofolk landed in each era.