Folk Metal [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

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Brother Oni

2012-10-14, 02:24 PM

So I was watching this video on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZ18recO9A) where a musican demonstrates various different styles of metal music and 'folk metal' pops up at about 1 minute in: link (www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qpZ18recO9A#t=59s).

Googling 'folk metal' gives me this page on Last.fm (http://www.last.fm/tag/folk%20metal) and I've been listening to a few - does anybody have any further suggestions on good 'folk metal' bands?

Dusk Eclipse

2012-10-14, 02:29 PM

I don't know Folk Metal groups that sing in English; but I love Mägo de Oz (a Spaniard band), here is a link to one of my favourite songs from them "La Cruz de Santiago" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mG47wl_J4Y)

Tebryn

2012-10-14, 02:29 PM

Heidevolk. Now and forever. Some of their best songs are Het Bier Zal Weer Vloeien (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WljyBSLiViU), Wodan Heerst (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ddQ2cmtCFM), Vulgaris Magistralis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reOLeLX0Q9U), Saksenland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55ls_ydHstU), and Nehalennia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBpDom4QWHE). Saskenland is probably my favorite of those.

I also feel that Lumsk deserves mention since I didn't see it on that list. Their Åsmund Frægdegjevar was a really good listen. I Lytinne Tvĺ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEPjB3aD5TI) being my favorite off that CD. Followed closely by Ormin lange (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klMZcowalPI).

DeusMortuusEst

2012-10-14, 02:38 PM

While In Flames might not be playing folk metal, some of their earlier albums do have songs that remind of it. Check out Moonshield (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xa99R267I4), Dialogue with the stars (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPPJCQAQXyo), and for some actual folk Pallar Anders Visa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVJY_wraM8) and (with some metal in it) Hårgalåten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vosg2TeInAA). Here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI3iX8WtzaM&feature=related) how Hårgalåten sounds sung more traditional folk style. :smallsmile:

Tebryn

2012-10-14, 02:45 PM

And while it's not exactly Folk Metal, it is a cover. Van Canto's Bard's Tale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Q6585B5n0) is simply awesome.

Brother Oni

2012-10-14, 02:52 PM

I don't know Folk Metal groups that sing in English;

Lack of English isn't an issue, so feel free to recommend anything you think is good.

Most of the music I have is either instrumental or in a language that I don't speak fluently (or at all). :smallbiggrin:

Thanks for the links people, keep them coming.

Adlan

2012-10-14, 02:53 PM

Korpikliklanni (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkZufiW8ddg&feature=related) I don't think I need say much more.

Tebryn

2012-10-14, 03:00 PM

Kindablue

2012-10-14, 03:10 PM

TROLLHAMMAREEEEENNNNN!!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUPDla44jfQ)Apostrophe's.

Tebryn

2012-10-14, 03:18 PM

TROLLHAMMAREEEEENNNNN!!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUPDla44jfQ)Apostrophe's.

Because real men listen to metal with accordions.

DeusMortuusEst

2012-10-14, 03:31 PM

Another one that popped into my head, not sure how much Folk Metal they are but Falconer is pretty epic. Clarion Call (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-KAipArPsY) and Portals of Light (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbCjlHwfA_Q) both rater good songs

TROLLHAMMAREEEEENNNNN!!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUPDla44jfQ)Apostrophe's.

And I can't believe that I forgot about those two. Especially Falconer, which I listened to a lot a couple of years ago. Trollhammaren is a classic :smallbiggrin:

Nameless

2012-10-14, 04:45 PM

Flickerdart

2012-10-14, 05:56 PM

Ivan Tzarevich (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tvJfnvrkaM) is a Russian folk metal band. They had a bunch of their stuff free on their site, but their domain registration expired.

Shadow of the Sun

2012-10-14, 09:23 PM

The first real folk metal band was Skyclad. Give them a listen; they've got very good lyrical style.

Agalloch aren't folk metal perse, but they're folky. Also worth a listen.

Bathory is another excellent folk metal band, and very well respected.

Note that all of these examples are more on the metal side than the folk side.

Tebryn

2012-10-14, 09:34 PM

I'm eager to know what you think of all the bands listed here, even though there are quite a number of them, Brother Oni.

WhamBamSam

2012-10-14, 10:25 PM

As Nameless said, there is a general Metal thread in which to ask these questions, but while I'm here I'll mention some bands from the Middle Eastern side of Folk Metal.

Orphaned Land (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV2fDTRKd8o) - This song is from what is generally regarded as their best album, though I'm personally more fond of the heavier, slightly less folky follow up.

Myrath (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBK0QdYhCIs) - very Symphony X-esque Power/Prog on the metal side, with Folk influences from their native Tunisia mixed in.

Nameless

2012-10-15, 02:49 AM

As Nameless said, there is a general Metal thread in which to ask these questions, but while I'm here I'll mention some bands from the Middle Eastern side of Folk Metal.

Orphaned Land (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV2fDTRKd8o) - This song is from what is generally regarded as their best album, though I'm personally more fond of the heavier, slightly less folky follow up.

Hey, if you're gonna post anything from Mabool, It should obviously be this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC_q3LIIg_4&feature=related). :smallwink:

Feytalist

2012-10-15, 04:06 AM

We actually have a Metal Thread for this, but

Eluveitie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY7VoBWZJ8o)
Ensiferium (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaqqsTVuCnI)
Turisas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFBIr3Vx16w)
Skyclad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVJkVCWXe9Q)
Orphaned Land (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUi1yf97paw)
Black Messiah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2tsloMltOg)
Wolfchant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHK-YBEcyp8)
Agalloch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLLYt-2SaZ8)
Finntroll (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGywo81G6lk)
In Extremo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys2ibOOP8IY)
Celtic Legacy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sBtgtK4ZCU)

All of that, yes.

Here's a few more (and I'm going to throw some Viking metal in, because it seems people can't tell the two apart):

Someone mentioned Bathory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d2oSJS8QAs) - who was actually the progenitor of Viking metal
Dalriada (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRqEOy5dIN4)
Elvenking (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKuBU3pNcOk)
Einherjer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmG9y7StBXw) - pure Viking metal
Equilibrium (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yom8nNqmxvQ)
Falkenbach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kb3CXZW74) - Bathory-inspired Viking metal
Finsterforst (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJL2ZdPNVMA)
Folkearth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9k1BWXBm68) - actually not a single band, but a collaboration between various folk metal bands throughout the world. Music quality is a bit hit-and-miss, but the albums feature a variety of styles. Some are pretty good.
Someone mentioned Lumsk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hHUqMiFfqU) as well
Moonsorrow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRKQN7Lrelo)
Svartsot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2TADc5OOTs)

And then there's like Subway to Sally (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBfWnXzCjR8) and Tanzwut (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4npUVsdQiOk) and Umbra et Imago (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqXUDsFR-0s) (I actually wanted to link a song called "Teutonen lied", but damned if I could find it. I may have hallucinated this) and stuff for "medieval metal", which is kinda-sorta-not really the same as folk metal.

Winter_Wolf

2012-10-15, 04:24 AM

Feytalist beat me to recommending Folkearth, so I'll second it. They're partly folk metal, partly other. I like 'em, but they are hit n' miss. Wolfsong in Moonlight (Fenris Unbound) is absolutely NOT folk at all, but it's right up there as far as my favorites by them. Also, Rhyming with Thunder, but I imagine it's not for everyone.

Nordman is probably very folk metal. Swedish, I believe. I can't understand a single word he's saying, but he seems very passionate about it, whatever "it" is that he's singing about. Still really like it.

I can't provide links, because I can't get to youtube from here; it irritates me no end when someone offers up a link to it, and it could be interesting. I will cease to be irritated by it after November rolls around though.

Brother Oni

2012-10-15, 06:15 AM

Ooops, I didn't see the Metal thread. I'll request to get this thread merged.

I'm eager to know what you think of all the bands listed here, even though there are quite a number of them, Brother Oni.

I'm trying to work my way through the list, although if my wife rolls her eyes much more, she's going to end up resembling Cookie Monster in a washing machine.

My children are also complaining that I'm playing it too loud. :smallbiggrin:

I may have hallucinated this) and stuff for "medieval metal", which is kinda-sorta-not really the same as folk metal.

Medieval metal sounds interesting - a quick google search gives me Corvus Corax and I've realised I've watched one of their videos (Dulcemissa?) where they ride onto the stage on a chariot.

I can't provide links, because I can't get to youtube from here; it irritates me no end when someone offers up a link to it, and it could be interesting. I will cease to be irritated by it after November rolls around though.

Bandwidth, ISP block or Great Firewall issues?

Feytalist

2012-10-15, 06:50 AM

Medieval metal sounds interesting - a quick google search gives me Corvus Corax and I've realised I've watched one of their videos (Dulcemissa?) where they ride onto the stage on a chariot.

Corvus Corax is awesome. I debated mentioning them, because their music isn't really metal, but some of their side projects/related acts include the already mentioned In Extremo and Tanzwut.

But yeah, real medieval instruments, bird costumes, musicians leaping and cavorting on stage - just good old fashioned medieval type music.

Here's Bacchus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McM0qPaDmuI) and Skudrinka (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaV1NdI_eT4) from their first - acoustic only - album.

GolemsVoice

2012-10-15, 02:27 PM

Faun (http://www.myspace.com/paganfolk)! Pagan Folk Metal.

Yora

2012-10-15, 02:59 PM

The holy Trinity: Finntroll, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani.
I think they actually know each other quite well.

In Extremo is hugely popular with my friends, but I guess being German plays a significant part in it. Though I like them a lot more than Corvus Corax.

Kindablue

2012-10-15, 03:16 PM

We actually have a Metal Thread for this
This isn't the metal thread?

...

This isn't the metal thread! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn8YQXk3b90&feature=related)

Ooops, I didn't see the Metal thread. I'll request to get this thread merged.
Aww...

Topus

2012-10-15, 07:45 PM

I can mention Folkstone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9ALbqjJL8Y&feature=related) a folk metal band from Bergamo (North Italy), they heavily use the baghet, a traditional medieval bagpipe in the area of Brescia/Bergamo (and also a traditional definition of beer belly:D).

Winter_Wolf

2012-10-16, 01:13 AM

Bandwidth, ISP block or Great Firewall issues?

The last one. Although here the second and the third parties you mentioned are probably in cahoots, as well as the second limiting the first one because they suck like that and hide behind "up to X Mbps throughput", and have said as much that they limit bandwidth to foreign sites when called and asked point blank. At least I'll be back in the States in time for Halloween and not dealing with these issues.

Be pretty happy to get a VPN when I get back, too. I dare not try it here, since the second "they" become aware of one that works, it gets canned, else you have the one and only one that proudly says, "State approved". Yeah, right, that's trustworthy. :smallannoyed:

But anyway, folk metal yay! I was very happy to discover this was a thing, if mostly outside the States. One of my long long ago classmates said she really like "pirate metal" which is apparently also a thing. Epica, specifically, though whether it's really pirate metal or not is left for more seasons music lovers than myself. I see hear similiarites, though.

Feytalist

2012-10-16, 02:25 AM

One of my long long ago classmates said she really like "pirate metal" which is apparently also a thing. Epica, specifically, though whether it's really pirate metal or not is left for more seasons music lovers than myself. I see hear similiarites, though.

It's really not. The type of swinging work shanties that we think of as "pirate" or "nautical" music is present in a couple of folk bands - I'm thinking of Finntroll's more bouncy songs specifically - but there's not really anything like that in Epica's music.

If we're talking pirate metal, here's Alestorm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL65oumesqE) (and I can't believe no-one in this thread, myself included, thought to mention them). There's a few other similar bands, but this here's probably the best.

JabberwockySupafly

2012-10-16, 10:12 PM

While Arkona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7fuuDc2hH0) is Pagan Metal, they have some serious Folk influence in their music.

Also, this thread doesn't have enough Folk Black Metal. Some Adorned Brood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OSa0YrfjMA&feature=related) will help fix that.

Makensha

2012-10-16, 10:45 PM

Holy Blood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZtmKHZ4bo)

They can be polarizing for thematic reasons.

Feytalist

2012-10-17, 01:11 AM

While Arkona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7fuuDc2hH0) is Pagan Metal, they have some serious Folk influence in their music.

I actually picked up Slovo the other day. First time I ever heard of them. They're pretty alright.

Nameless

2012-10-17, 04:29 AM

Winter_Wolf

2012-10-17, 04:38 AM

*reads through posts*
Guys, you do realise that "Folk Metal" is't a specific genre? It pretty much covers Viking, Pagan and Pirate Metal.

Unless it's just a Metal band that happens to sing about pirates or vikings or whatnot and not have any Folk musical influences.
That doesn't count. :smallannoyed:

Actually I did NOT realize that. I don't listen enough to music in general to know much about such things.

Not to raise anyone's hackles, but does it really matter? And I'm not just being facetious here, I am genuinely curious.

'Course keep in mind I really only divide music into two types: that which I like, and that which I don't. :smallwink: It's not even a per musical group/artist thing, it's a per song distinction. And yeah, it does lead to things like, "No, I don't like that band, I just like this one song they did."

Killer Angel

2012-10-17, 04:41 AM

*reads through posts*
Guys, you do realise that "Folk Metal" is't a specific genre? It pretty much covers Viking, Pagan and Pirate Metal.

But it's a label that gives you a generic vibe of the music you're going to listen. If I call Amon Amarth's sound "viking metal", you get the feeling of it, even if Hegg could rip my arms for saying it...

Nameless

2012-10-17, 04:52 AM

Actually I did NOT realize that. I don't listen enough to music in general to know much about such things.

Not to raise anyone's hackles, but does it really matter? And I'm not just being facetious here, I am genuinely curious.

No, it doesn't matter, that's my point. :smallwink: I was referring to posts that were specifically separating them, or saying that certain bands "aren't folk, but they're folky" and such. :smalltongue:

But it's a label that gives you a generic vibe of the music you're going to listen. If I call Amon Amarth's sound "viking metal", you get the feeling of it, even if Hegg could rip my arms for saying it...

*refers to above post* I'm not saying don't use them, I'm just saying there's no need to separate them and say "they're not Folk Metal, they're [Noun] Metal."
It's all one big drunk family.

Yora

2012-10-17, 05:00 AM

Well, that's what the whole thread is about, isn't it?

And noooo!!! It seems I deleted all the files of my In Extremo CDs and they are all still with my brother on the other side of the country! :smallannoyed:

Brother Oni

2012-10-17, 07:43 AM

*refers to above post* I'm not saying don't use them, I'm just saying there's no need to separate them and say "they're not Folk Metal, they're [Noun] Metal."
It's all one big drunk family.

With lots of scary uncles with big sharp pointy implements of pain and suffering. :smalltongue:

@Tebryn: I've been working my way through the suggested bands and will post my opinions as requested later on tonight.

Apparently my son quite likes Amon Amarth, although all he does is make the metal horns and bounce up and down a lot (he's 4, he's excused).
I may have to hide my re-enactment gear better though as he's been watching the videos and asking me 'do you have one of those, Daddy?' when he sees the weapons.

Tebryn

2012-10-17, 11:36 AM

@Tebryn: I've been working my way through the suggested bands and will post my opinions as requested later on tonight.

Apparently my son quite likes Amon Amarth, although all he does is make the metal horns and bounce up and down a lot (he's 4, he's excused).

Wonderful, part of the fun of offering music up is to see how people like it.

As for the metal horns, I've watched full grown men do the same. They're excused as well. You're always excused.

Yora

2012-10-17, 11:41 AM

I've seen tens of thousand grown men and women doing it.
http://files.putpat.tv/artwork/news_images/00027/0002738/0002738_26072012160040_full.jpg

SgtCarnage92

2012-10-18, 12:01 AM

I assume Melechesh (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwj3gFNqc4k) would count?

Killer Angel

2012-10-18, 02:44 AM

Nameless

2012-10-18, 03:22 AM

Makes sense. But beer must be drunk from horns.

Indubitably.

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2235205177/like_a_sir_wine.png

Kurgan

2012-10-18, 06:41 AM

Well, a nice band out there is Gogol Bordello. Not exclusively metal, but still worth a listen in my opinion. Some of their songs:

Supertheory of Supereverything (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdLIbwYRZ74)
Harem in Tuscany (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMuCVOM0mvw)
60 Revolutions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FycgGno5SQo)
Through the Roof and Underground (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoPxoLJjwPw)

Oh, and here is a bonus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os5TXyJlEMc) for you guys ^^