folk metal
fusion genre of heavy metal music and traditional folk music
Folk metal weaves the raw energy of heavy metal with the rich, earthy textures of traditional folk music. Picture thunderous guitars interlaced with fiddles, flutes, and bagpipes, creating a sound that feels both ancient and urgent. The melodies invite you to sing along, while the driving rhythms keep your heart racing. This genre captures stories of mythic battles, nature, and heritage, transporting you to landscapes where legends come alive.
Emerging in the late '80s and flourishing through the '90s, folk metal arose as a vibrant response to both the excesses of glam rock and the coldness of early black metal. Bands like Skyclad brought a punk attitude to folk traditions, offering songs that resonated with themes of social justice and cultural pride. Meanwhile, Finntroll infused Finnish folklore with a playful spirit, blending heavy riffs with polka rhythms. Albums such as “The Tides of Winter” by Korpiklaani and "Spirit of the Forest" by Eluveitie further defined this unique blend, celebrating heritage in an electrifying way.
For newcomers, start with Korpiklaani’s “Tales Along This Road,” an album bursting with infectious energy and storytelling. Then dive into Eluveitie's “Everything Remains (As It Never Was),” a masterclass in balancing heaviness and melody while exploring Celtic themes. Don’t miss Finntroll’s “Jaktens Tid,” which offers a wild ride through Nordic folklore. For something different yet complementary, check out some viking metal; it shares that same epic spirit but leans more on historical narratives.
238 artists in the catalog.
Guides for folk metal artists
Top folk metal albums
See essentials
All folk metal artists
Runaleiks
doom metal, traditional heavy metal
Cemican
death metal
Aramazd
Réquiem
Ancestral Dawn
opera metal, power metal
Taranus
folk music
Perunwit
Bifröst
viking metal
F.R.A.M.
Encorion
pagan metal, viking metal
Stribog
black metal, pagan metal
Rivendell
black metal
Arkania
Folkheim
black metal
Al Qaynah
Lönndom
About folk metal
What is folk metal?
fusion genre of heavy metal music and traditional folk music
Where should I start with folk metal?
Start with "Gaia III: Atlantia" by Mägo de Oz. It captures what makes folk metal worth exploring.
What are the best folk metal albums?
The folk metal albums worth hearing first: "Gaia III: Atlantia" by Mägo de Oz, "Madrid – Las Ventas" by Mägo de Oz, "Gaia" by Mägo de Oz, "La ciudad de los árboles" by Mägo de Oz and "Mägo de Oz" by Mägo de Oz.
How many folk metal artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 238 folk metal artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.