Editing Folk metal

{{Short description|Music fusion genre}}
{{Infobox music genre
| name              = Folk metal
| stylistic_origins = * [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]
* [[folk music|folk]]
* [[world music|world]]
| cultural_origins  = Early 1990s, Europe
| derivatives       = * [[Viking metal]]
* [[Pagan metal]]
* [[Pirate metal]]
* [[Oriental metal]]
| subgenrelist      = 
| subgenres         = * [[Celtic metal]]
* [[medieval metal]]
| fusiongenres      = 
| regional_scenes   = 
| other_topics      = * [[Folk punk]]
* [[Latin metal]]
* [[list of folk metal bands]]
}}

'''Folk metal''' is a fusion genre of [[heavy metal music]] and traditional [[folk music]] that developed in Europe during the 1990s. It is characterised by the widespread use of [[folk instrument]]s and, to a lesser extent, traditional singing styles (for example, Dutch [[Heidevolk]], Danish Sylvatica and Spanish Stone of Erech). It also sometimes features soft instrumentation influenced by [[folk rock]].

The earliest folk metal bands were [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]] from England and [[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]] from Ireland. Skyclad's debut album ''[[The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth]]'' was released in 1991 and would be considered a thrash metal album with some folk influences, unlike Cruachan’s early work which embraced the folk element as a defining part of their sound. It was not until 1994 and 1995 that other early contributors in the genre began to emerge from different regions of Europe and beyond. Among these early groups, the German band [[Subway to Sally]] spearheaded a different regional variation that over time became known as [[medieval metal]]. Despite their contributions, folk metal remained little known with few representatives during the 1990s. It was not until the early 2000s when the genre exploded into prominence, particularly in Finland with the efforts of such groups as [[Finntroll]], [[Ensiferum]], [[Korpiklaani]], [[Turisas]], and [[Moonsorrow]].

The music of folk metal is characterised by its diversity with bands known to perform different styles of both heavy metal music and folk music. A large variety of folk instruments are used in the genre with many bands consequently featuring six or more members in their regular line-ups. A few bands are also known to rely on [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]] to simulate the sound of [[folk instruments]]. Lyrics in the genre commonly deal with [[fantasy]], [[mythology]], [[paganism]], [[history]] and [[nature]].

== History ==
=== Origins ===
{{quote box
| quote = It was always my heartfelt dream to see the energy of Metal music mixed with elements from more traditional styles.
| source = Martin Walkyier, former vocalist for Skyclad<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=Interview with Martin Walkyier |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_walkyier_britton.html |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226231421/http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_walkyier_britton.html |archive-date=2008-02-26 }}</ref>
| width = 290px
}}

{{Listen
|filename=Skyclad_-_The_Widdershins_Jig.ogg
|title=Skyclad's "The Widdershins Jig" (1991)
|description=This 21 second sample from [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]]'s debut album ''[[The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth]]'' is an early instance of folk metal.
}}

The [[England|English]] band [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]] was formed in 1990 after vocalist [[Martin Walkyier]] left his previous band, [[Sabbat (English band)|Sabbat]].<ref name="allmusic Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Bush, John |title=AMG Skyclad |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p14274|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-10}}</ref> Skyclad began as a [[thrash metal]] band but added violins from session musician Mike Evans on several tracks from their debut album, ''The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth'',<ref name="Metalstorm Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Boylin, Alex |title=Skyclad Biography |publisher=Metalstorm.ee |url=http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/biography.php?band_id=323&bandname=Skyclad |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303053740/http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/biography.php?band_id=323&bandname=Skyclad |archive-date=2008-03-03 }}</ref> an effort described by Eduardo Rivadavia of [[AllMusic]] as "ambitious" and "groundbreaking."<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title= AMG ''The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r18176|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-10}}</ref> The song "The Widdershins Jig" from the debut album has been acclaimed as "particularly significant" and "a certain first in the realms of Metal".<ref name="MusicMight Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Skyclad |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+kingdom/tyne+and+wear/newcastle+upon+tyne/skyclad |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918012836/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+kingdom/tyne+and+wear/newcastle+upon+tyne/skyclad |archive-date=2009-09-18 }}</ref> With a full-time [[fiddle]]r in their lineup, the band's second album feature a "now legendary folky jig style" and "more prominent inclusion of the fiddle playing lead lines and melodies normally associated with the lead guitar parts of most other rock bands."<ref name="Metalstorm Skyclad"/>

Even with the departure of Martin Walkyier in 2001, Skyclad remains an active folk metal group today after nearly two decades since their formation.<ref name="MusicMight Skyclad"/> In contrast, the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] band [[Moonspell]] had a brief tenure in the genre. Their first release was the 1994 ''[[Under the Moonspell]]'' EP with music that featured Lusitanian folk and Medieval influences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtp.pt/programa/tv/p24751|title=MOONSPELL "LUSITANIAN METAL" - Musicais - RTP|first=Rádio e Televisão de|last=Portugal|website=www.rtp.pt|access-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063931/http://www.rtp.pt/programa/tv/p24751|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> With the release of their debut album ''[[Wolfheart]]'' in the following year, the band made a transition into [[gothic metal]] and within a matter of years "quickly evolved into one of the major players of the European goth-metal scene."<ref name="AMG BE">{{cite web| author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG ''Butterfly Effect'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r445146|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-02-28}}</ref>

[[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]] were formed in 1992 in Dublin, Ireland. From the outset their intention was to mix the native Irish folk music of their home country with the more extreme side of metal music. Their debut album ''[[Tuatha Na Gael]]'' was released in 1995 and was a full folk metal album from start to finish. In the Italian book “FOLK METAL, Dalle Origini Al Ragnarok”, a comprehensive history of the genre, Author Fabrizio Giosue credits Cruachan as being the very first real Folk Metal band. He acknowledges that Skyclad did have some folk parts in some songs before Cruachan however he goes on to say Cruachan used folk music as much as they used heavy metal music. Cruachan also used arrangements of known folk songs and melodies, Skyclad wrote folk "sounding" parts.

Spanish band [[Mägo de Oz]] was among early Folk Metal artists that were influenced by the Celtic folk music. The band introduced folk elements and instruments in their power metal-based music from their 1994 debut album.<ref>{{cite book |author= Gianni Della Cioppa |title= Heavy metal. i contemporanei |publisher= Giunti Editore. |year= 2010  |isbn = 978-8809766341 }}</ref> Another early developer of folk metal is the [[Finland|Finnish]] group [[Amorphis]]. They formed in 1990 with their debut album, ''[[The Karelian Isthmus]]'', following two years later.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hill, Gary |title=AMG Amorphis |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p37042|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-10}}</ref> Their sophomore effort ''[[Tales from the Thousand Lakes]]'' was released in 1994 with "plenty of fascinating melodies and song structures that drew heavily from the traditional folk music of their native country."<ref>{{cite web |author=Begrand, Adrien |title=PopMatters ''Far From the Sun'' Review |date=12 January 2005 |url=https://www.popmatters.com/amorphis-farfrom-2495828338.html |publisher=Popmatters.com |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015172047/http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/amorphis-farfrom.shtml |archive-date=2008-10-15 }}</ref> The album received a favorable reception from fans with "its content quickly being exalted across the Metal underground as perhaps the very pinnacle of atmospheric [[Death metal|Death Metal]] achievement."<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Amorphis |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/finland/helsinki/amorphis |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527192251/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/finland/helsinki/amorphis |archive-date=2011-05-27 }}</ref>

=== Regional variations ===

In the years 1994 and 1995, several distinct variations on folk metal emerged from different regions.

{{Listen
|pos          = left
|filename=Subway_to_Sally_-_Krähenfrass.ogg
|title=Subway to Sally's "Krähenfrass" (1995)
|description=This 18 second sample is an early example of medieval rock from [[Subway to Sally]]'s second album ''MCMXCV''.
}}

==== Medieval metal ====
{{main|Medieval metal}}
[[File:Subway To Sally (Sundstock 05).jpeg|alt=Four singers perform in the spotlights on stage. One is a female in shorts, a gauzy beige skirt and a leather belt, and plays the fiddle,  The males are wearing black sleeveless shirts, black pants and have military-looking gear. A rock band is in the background.|thumb|[[Subway to Sally]], seen here performing live at the 2005 Sundstock Openair, has been credited as setting off [[medieval metal]].]]

The German band [[Subway to Sally]] was formed in 1992 as a [[folk rock]] band, singing in English and incorporating Irish and Scottish influences in their music.<ref name="Lords of Subway">{{cite web |author=Dieters, Frank |title=Interview with Michael Bodenski of Subway to Sally |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1066&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209102004/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1066&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-09 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-10 }}</ref> With their second album ''MCMXCV'' released in 1995, the band adopted a "more traditional approach" and started singing in German.<ref name="Lords of Subway"/> Taking Skyclad as an influence,<ref name="Rock Sally">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Subway to Sally |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/germany/brandenburg/potsdam/subway+to+sally |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806074747/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/germany/brandenburg/potsdam/subway+to+sally |archive-date=2011-08-06 }}</ref> Subway to Sally performs a blend of [[hard rock]] and heavy metal "enriched with medieval melodies enmeshed in the songs via [[bagpipes]], [[hurdy-gurdy]], [[lute]], [[mandolin]]e, [[shawm|shalm]] {{sic}}, fiddle and [[flute]]" and combined with "romantic-symbolic German-speaking poetry" in their lyrics.<ref name="goth sally">{{cite web |title=Subway to Sally |url=http://www.gothtronic.com/?page=23&band=476 |publisher=Gothtronic.com |access-date=2008-03-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312014235/http://www.gothtronic.com/?page=23&band=476 |archive-date=2008-03-12 }}</ref> With chart success in their native Germany,<ref name="Lords of Subway"/> they have since been credited as the band "that set off the wave of what is known as [[Medieval metal|medieval rock]]."<ref name=Goethe>{{cite web |url=http://www.goethe.de/kue/mus/thm/prh/en2839815.htm |title=Modern Minstrels: Medieval Rock on the Rise |author=Matthias von Viereck |date=12 November 2007 |publisher=Goethe-Institut |access-date=2008-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316224736/http://www.goethe.de/kue/mus/thm/prh/en2839815.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

This distinctly German phenomenon<ref name=Goethe/> has been continued and expanded further by subsequent bands. Formed in 1996, the [[Berlin]] based [[In Extremo]] has also found chart success with their "medieval style stage garb and unashamed usage of such bizarre, sometimes hand made, instruments as the Scottish bagpipes."<ref name="Rock In">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=In Extremo |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/germany/berlin/in+extremo |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020155645/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/germany/berlin/in+extremo |archive-date=2010-10-20 }}</ref> Another band that has experienced commercial success in Germany is the [[Bavaria]]n outfit [[Schandmaul]].<ref name="MusicMight Schandmaul">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Schandmaul |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/bavaria/munich/schandmaul |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525130938/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/bavaria/munich/schandmaul |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> Describing themselves as the "minstrels of today,"<ref name="Goethe"/> the band employs a musical arsenal that includes the bagpipes, [[hurdy-gurdy]], shawm, violin and mandolin.<ref name="MusicMight Schandmaul"/>

==== Celtic metal ====
{{main|Celtic metal}}
[[File:Alan Averill.jpg|alt=Head and upper body shot of a male singer, with a shaved head and blackened eyes, performing on stage. He is wearing a double-breasted military overcoat with a large collar.|thumb|A.A. Nemtheanga fronts the Irish Celtic black metal act [[Primordial (band)|Primordial]].]]

The [[Ireland|Irish]] band [[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]] was formed in 1992 by guitarist Keith Fay with their first [[Demo (music)|demo recording]] distributed in 1993.<ref name="Rock Cru">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Cruachan Biography |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/cruachan |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723020830/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/cruachan |archive-date=2013-07-23 }}</ref> Drawing inspiration from Skyclad's first album, Fay set out to combine [[black metal]] with the [[folk music of Ireland]].<ref name="Cru Imp">{{cite web |author=Bolther, Giancarlo |title=Interview with Keith Fay of Cruachan |url=http://www.rock-impressions.com/cruachan_inter1e.htm |publisher=Rock-impressions.com |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210150222/http://www.rock-impressions.com/cruachan_inter1e.htm |archive-date=2012-02-10 }}</ref> Their debut album ''[[Tuatha Na Gael]]'' was released in 1995 and the band has since been acclaimed as having "gone the greatest lengths of anyone in their attempts to expand" the genre of folk metal.<ref name="Allmusic Cruachan">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Cruachan |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p469536|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-10}}</ref> Cruachan combination of [[Celtic music]] and heavy metal is known today as [[Celtic metal]].<ref name=Chad>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=What Is Heavy Metal? |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_history.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204191926/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_history.htm |archive-date=2012-02-04 }}</ref>

Parallel to Cruachan, the black metal act [[Primordial (band)|Primordial]] also released a demo recording in 1993 and "found themselves heralded as frontrunners in the burgeoning [[Second-wave black metal|second-wave black metal movement]]."<ref>{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=AMG Primordial |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p320620|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-12}}</ref> Irish music plays "a very big role" in Primordial but in "a dark and subtle way" through the [[Chord (music)|chords]] and [[Timing (music)|timings]].<ref>{{cite web |author=S., Mike |title=Interview with Alan Nemtheanga of Primordial |url=http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=84 |publisher=Deadtide.com |access-date=2008-03-12 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207090412/http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=84 |archive-date=2012-02-07 }}</ref> The band has since "established themselves as one of the most unique sounding bands in the folk-meets-black metal field."<ref name="Primordial live">{{cite web |author=Young, James |title=Primordial Concert Review |url=http://www.live4metal.com/live-20.htm |publisher=Live4metal.com |access-date=2008-03-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309010822/http://www.live4metal.com/live-20.htm |archive-date=2008-03-09 }}</ref> Other early representatives of Celtic metal include the bands [[Geasa (band)|Geasa]], [[Mägo de Oz]] and [[Waylander (band)|Waylander]]<ref name=Chad/> with both groups releasing a demo recording in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Geasa |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/geasa |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811221613/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/geasa |archive-date=2011-08-11 }}</ref><ref name="Rock Way">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Waylander |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/waylander |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115115923/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/ireland/waylander |archive-date=2011-01-15 }}</ref>

==== Oriental metal ====<!-- [[Oriental metal]] redirects to this section -->
[[Image:Orphaned Land à Meyrin 2019 (46675009015).jpg|thumb|[[Orphaned Land]] is a leading performer of oriental metal.]]
[[File:Nine Treasures - WOMEX 15, 2015.10.22 (1).JPG|thumb|Nine Treasures performing at WOMEX 15, Budapest]]
The Israeli [[progressive metal]] band [[Orphaned Land]] was formed in 1991 and released the demo ''[[The Beloved's Cry]]'' in 1993, "immediately creating a media stir"<ref name="Rockdetector Orphaned">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Orphaned Land |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/israel/orphaned+land |access-date=March 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305031842/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist%2C31041.sm |archive-date=March 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> that "quickly drew attention to their unorthodox style."<ref name="allmusic Orphaned">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Orphaned Land |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p647563|pure_url=yes}} |publisher=Allmusic.com |access-date=March 10, 2008}}</ref> The music of Orphaned Land "borrow[s] heavily from Middle Eastern music styles"<ref name="allmusic Orphaned"/> with traditional elements coming from both Jewish and Arabic folk music.<ref>{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Orphaned Land |url=http://www.frombelow.dk/interview_orphanedland.htm |publisher=Frombelow.dk |access-date=March 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303231731/http://www.frombelow.dk/interview_orphanedland.htm |archive-date=March 3, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Acclaimed as "one of the world's most unique and trailblazing heavy metal bands,"<ref name="allmusic Orphaned"/> Orphaned Land's style of music has since been dubbed ''oriental metal''.<ref name="Rockdetector Orphaned"/>

[[Melechesh]] formed in [[Jerusalem]] in 1995, becoming "undoubtedly the first overtly anti-Christian band to exist in one of the holiest cities in the world."<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Melechesh |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/israel/jerusalem/melechesh |publisher=Rockdetector.com |access-date=March 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409182112/http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio%2C5756.sm |archive-date=April 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Melechesh began as a straightforward [[black metal]] act with their first foray into folk metal occurring on the title track of their 1996 EP ''[[The Siege of Lachish]]''.<ref name=McKay>{{cite web |author=McKay, Aaron |title=Interview with Moloch of Melechesh |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-608_melechesh.aspx |publisher=Chroniclesofchaos.com |access-date=March 11, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303131138/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-608_melechesh.aspx |archive-date=March 3, 2008 }}</ref> Their subsequent albums saw the group straddling the boundaries between black, death, and thrash metal, with "impressive, tastefully rendered epics chock-full of superb riffs, Middle Eastern melodies, and vocal exchanges varying from a throaty midrange screech to chanting."<ref name=Djinn>{{cite web |author=Serba, John |title=AMG ''Djinn'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r538433|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=March 11, 2008}}</ref> Other oriental metal acts emerged thereafter with the band [[Distorted (band)|Distorted]] emerging in 1996 as the first female-fronted metal act from Israel.<ref name=Distorted>{{cite web |author=Grant, Sam |title=Interview with Miri Milman of Distorted |url=http://www.soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=36 |publisher=Soniccathedral.com |access-date=March 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303065248/http://www.soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=36 |archive-date=March 3, 2008 }}</ref>

Additional oriental metal bands emerged form the Middle East in the 2000s, such as [[Myrath]] from Tunisia, who mix Middle Eastern and Arabic melodies with power metal and progressive rock.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Myrath {{!}} Biography & History|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/myrath-mn0002395433/biography|access-date=2020-08-22|website=AllMusic|language=en-us}}</ref> The Kordz from Lebanon combine Middle Eastern instrumentation with politicized lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tony.Gaskin|title=The Kordz – Beauty and The East {{!}} The Midlands Rocks|url=http://www.themidlandsrocks.com/the-kordz-beauty-and-the-east/|access-date=2020-08-22|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121024051/http://www.themidlandsrocks.com/the-kordz-beauty-and-the-east/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lazywall from Morocco<ref>{{Cite web|title=Biography - Spirit of Metal|url=https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/biography/Lazywall/9596|access-date=2020-08-22|website=www.spirit-of-metal.com}}</ref> and Andaz Uzzal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bulmer |first=Alasdair |date=August 12, 2013 |title=African Metal: Algeria & Morocco |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/african-metal-algeria-morocco/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203054554/https://www.invisibleoranges.com/african-metal-algeria-morocco/ |archive-date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2020 |website=[[Invisible Oranges]] |language=en}}</ref> from Algeria combine that region's traditional music forms with heavy metal. Egypt's [[Massive Scar Era]] includes several female members, who have reported harassment due to their participation in heavy metal music.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-05|title=Egyptian Metal Band Massive Scar Era Stress Importance of Diversity with "Color Blind"|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2018/10/05/massive-scar-era/|access-date=2020-08-22|website=Decibel Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Doran|first=John|date=2014-06-27|title=The playlist: Middle Eastern and North African music|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/27/the-playlist-middle-eastern-and-north-african-music|access-date=2020-08-22|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==== Americas folk metal ====
In the Americas there are many bands that blend metal subgenres with different [[pre-Columbian]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] traditional folk music. Bands from [[Canada]] and [[United States]] include [[Blackbraid]], [[Pan-Amerikan Native Front]], [[Ifernach]], [[Volahn]], [[Maȟpíya Lúta (band)|Maȟpíya Lúta ]], [['Iisnááhí]], [[Ŭkcheănsălâwit]], [[Blue Hummingbird on the Left]], and [[Maquahuitl (band)|Maquahuitl]], all of them varying topics between [[Navajo]], [[Mi'kmaq]], [[Nahua]], among others North-Native American tribes. [[Kūka'ilimoku]] from the United States is a black metal/hardcore punk band with [[Hawaii|Hawaiian]] elements.

Bands from Mexico that blend metal with [[Mesoamerican]] instruments (like those used for [[Aztec]] and [[Maya music|Mayan]] music) include [[Mictlan (1991 Mexican band)|Mictlan]], [[Cemican]], [[Yaotl Mictlan]], [[Amocualli]], [[Miquian]],[[Camaxtli Yoxippa]] (formerly Cabracan), [[Kalaveraztekah]], and [[Xipe Totec (1996 Mexican band)|Xipe Totec]]. Also, bands like [[DelDesierto]] and [[Aztlan (2028 Mexican band)|Aztlan]] do a blend of metal and Mesoamerican folk with also folk music from modern Mexico such as [[mariachi]] and [[son huasteco]].

Regarding South America, Peruvian bands such as [[Chaska (band)|Chaska]], [[Apu Rumi]], [[Yana Raymi]], [[Yawarhiem]], [[Hammelin]] and [[Flor de Loto (band)|Flor de Loto]]; Colombian bands such as [[Guahaihoque]], [[Indoraza]], and [[ThunDarkma]]; Ecuadorian bands such as [[Aztra]], [[Gnosis (Ecuadorian band)|Gnosis]], [[Diablo Huma]]; and the Brazilians [[Tierramystica]] and [[Toccata Magna]] combine a large diversity of metal subgenres with [[Andean folk]], usually accompanied of an [[Inca]] ethos. [[Folkheim]] from Chile also adds elements from [[Rapa Nui]] folk, and Arraigo from Argentina blends [[progressive metal]] and [[progressive rock]] with [[cumbia]], [[samba]] and [[tango]]. Brazilian [[Arandu Arakuaa]] is known for their blend of [[groove metal]] with Brazilian Native American tribals.

There are also cases of bands like Argentinian [[Skiltron]] and Mexican [[Ulveheim]] that are known for an European-folk metal style instead of a local one. Other example is the Peruvian band [[Saloma (Peruvian band)|Saloma]] which is a pirate-themed band that blends power and symphonic metal with Spaniard-esque folk.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2M688Z3h8 'Saloma', una banda peruana con identidad única] ''Exitosa Noticias''. 23 September 2023.</ref>

=== Development ===
From the middle of the 1990s, other bands gradually emerged to combine heavy metal with folk music. [[Storm (Norwegian band)|Storm]] was a short lived [[Norway|Norwegian]] supergroup with [[Fenriz]], [[Sigurd Wongraven|Satyr]] and [[Kari Rueslåtten]] from the black metal groups [[Darkthrone]], [[Satyricon (band)|Satyricon]] and the [[doom metal]] band [[The 3rd and the Mortal]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Storm |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/oslo/storm |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416200527/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/oslo/storm |archive-date=2009-04-16 }}</ref> Their only album ''[[Nordavind]]'' was released in 1995 with the use of keyboards to imitate the sound of folk instruments.<ref>{{cite web |author=Cuevas, Carlos Martin |title=''Nordavind'' Review |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/reviews/Storm/Nordavind/3004/ |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |access-date=2008-03-14 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141208192143/http://www.tartareandesire.com/reviews/Storm/Nordavind/3004/ |archive-date=2014-12-08 }}</ref> The Germans [[Empyrium]] also relied on synthesizers and guitars to deliver their "dark folklore" black metal music with the release of their 1996 debut album ''[[A Wintersunset...]]''<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Empyrium |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/empyrium |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910202611/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/empyrium |archive-date=2012-09-10 }}</ref>

The year 1996 also saw the debut album of the "one-man black metal project of multi-instrumentalist Vratyas Vakyas" from Germany known as [[Falkenbach]].<ref name="AMG Falkenbach">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Falkenbach |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p510356|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-14}}</ref> Even though Falkenbach was formed as early as 1989, the band didn't get much attention until the debut, that includes epic music that is "rife with keyboards, Viking themes, and folk music tendencies," Falkenbach was effectively a merge of [[Viking metal]] with folk metal.<ref name="AMG Falkenbach"/> They were joined in the next two years by other bands combining the two genres including [[Windir]],<ref name=Windir>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Windir |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p467381|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-15}}</ref> [[Månegarm]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Vargaresa - The Beginning'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_manegarm_varg.html |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315060952/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_manegarm_varg.html |archive-date=2008-03-15 }}</ref> and [[Thyrfing]].<ref name=Vansin>{{cite web |author=Serba, John |title=''Vansinnesvisor'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r612747|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-13}}</ref>

Predating most folk metal groups, the Spanish band [[Mägo de Oz]] was formed as far back as 1989 with a self-titled [[Mägo de Oz (album)|debut album]], released in 1994.<ref name="A Costa">{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''A Costa Da Morte'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/magodeozacosta.htm |access-date=2008-03-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609130810/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/magodeozacosta.htm |archive-date=2008-06-09 }}</ref> With nine members in their lineup, including a violinist and flutist, the band has evolved over the years into a combination of [[power metal]] and Celtic flavored folk metal.<ref name="A Costa"/><ref name=Gaia>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Gaia II - La Voz Dormida'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_magodeoz_gaiaii.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226064743/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_magodeoz_gaiaii.html |archive-date=2008-02-26 }}</ref> They have experienced strong chart success in their native Spain as well as in South America<ref name="Rock Mago">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Mägo de Oz |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/spain/madrid/mgo+de+oz |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618143740/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/spain/madrid/mgo+de+oz |archive-date=2009-06-18 }}</ref> and Mexico.

[[Slough Feg]] from [[Pennsylvania]], United States also had an early formation dating back to 1990.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=The Lord Weird Slough Feg |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/usa/san+francisco/the+lord+weird+slough+feg |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131053/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/usa/san+francisco/the+lord+weird+slough+feg |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> Their self-titled debut album was released in 1996 and the band has pursued a "unique style of combining traditional/power metal with folk metal."<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Hardworlder'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/sloughfeghardwo.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209064216/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/sloughfeghardwo.htm |archive-date=2007-12-09 }}</ref>

The [[Czech Republic|Czech]] band [[Silent Stream of Godless Elegy]] had formed in 1995 as a [[doom metal]] band "laced with Pagan imagery and adventurous enough to include violins and cellos alongside the expected modern day arsenal."<ref name="Rock Silent">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Silent Stream of Godless Elegy |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/czech+republic/hranice+na+morave/silent+stream+of+godless+elegy |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729121837/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/czech+republic/hranice+na+morave/silent+stream+of+godless+elegy |archive-date=2012-07-29 }}</ref> With the release of their second album ''[[Behind the Shadows]]'' in 1998, the band began to use "folklore influences" in their music.<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Silent Stream of Godless Elegy |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=586&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913015609/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=586&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-13 |access-date=2008-03-11 }}</ref>

=== Explosion ===
{{centered pull quote|During the nineties and even at the end of the nineties, there were very few bands. We had Waylander from Ireland. And one or two in Europe, but it was very rare to get a real folk metal band. Nowadays it is a bit of an explosion all over the place.
- Keith Fay of Cruachan in 2006<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Keith Fay of Cruachan |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1544&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805010403/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1544&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-05 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-14 }}</ref>}}

{{Listen
|filename=Finntroll-slaget vid blodsalv.ogg
|title=Finntroll's "Slaget vid Blodsälv" (2001)
|description=The use of [[humppa]] rhythms and [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]] are evident in this 20 second sample from [[Finntroll]]'s second album ''[[Jaktens tid]]''.
|filename2=Korpiklaani - Wooden Pints.ogg
|title2=Korpiklaani's "Wooden Pints" (2003)
|description2=This 21 second sample from [[Korpiklaani]]'s first album ''[[Spirit of the Forest]]'' features the prominent use of [[violin]]s.
|filename3=Balkandji_-_Diavolska_shterka.ogg
|title3=Balkandji's "Diavolska shterka" (2001)
|description3=A longer example of folk metal from [[Balkandji]]'s first album ''[[Probuzhdane]]''.
}}

[[File:Masters of Rock 2007 - Finntroll - 07.jpg|alt=Four long haired musicians perform on a small stage in the spotlight, long hair swinging. The singer, wearing a black leather floor-length skirt,  and the bass guitar player are bare chested with black leather wrist bands. The two other guitar players are in sleeveless black shirts, one with knee-length jeans and the other with black wrist band. Amplifiers crowd the stage.|thumb|left|[[Finntroll]] is a prominent folk metal band with a specific interest in [[troll]]s and [[humppa]].]]

The folk metal genre has dramatically expanded with the turn of the new millennium. At the forefront of this explosion, with a "revolutionary clash of tradition and amplification that set them apart", is a group from [[Finland]] known as [[Finntroll]].<ref name="Trolls detect rock">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Finntroll |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/finntroll |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728234400/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/finntroll |archive-date=2009-07-28 }}</ref> The band was formed in 1997 with a demo recorded the following year and a debut album ''[[Midnattens widunder]]'' released in 1999.<ref name="Trolls Are My Gods">{{cite web |author=Hinds, Andy |title=AMG Finntroll |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p509874|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-15}}</ref> They have since developed a reputation for being "obsessed with all things [[troll]]ish."<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes">{{cite news |author=Sanneh, Kelefa |title=Finnish Folk-Metal, in Swedish, Plus Trolls |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/22/arts/music/22finn.html |access-date=2008-03-15 |date=2007-09-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311124531/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/22/arts/music/22finn.html |archive-date=2014-03-11 }}</ref> Their lyrics are sung exclusively in [[Swedish language|Swedish]] instead of the [[Finnish language]] "apparently because this language was better to evoke the trollish spirit",<ref name="Trolls detect rock"/> even though the real reason for this lies in the band's original vocalist belonging to the [[Swedish-speaking Finns|Swedish-speaking minority]]. The music of Finntroll features a "real innovation" in the marriage of black metal music with a style of Finnish [[polka]] called [[humppa]].<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes"/> Specifically, the band took from humppa "the alternate picking bass lines accompanied with the drumbeat, and the use of accordion."<ref>{{cite web|author=von Hobartian, Mike |title=Interview with Wilska of Finntroll |publisher=Ruthlessreviews.com |url=http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/reviews.cfm/id/1227/page/jeff@foundrymusic.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526221440/http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/reviews.cfm/id/1227/page/jeff@foundrymusic.com |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-05-26 |access-date=2008-03-15 }}</ref> This unlikely mix of polka and extreme metal has received a mixed reception from critics. Andy Hinds of AllMusic laments the polka influence as undermining "the intended threat of a death metal band"<ref>{{cite web |author=Hinds, Andy |title=Jaktens Tid |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r551710|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref> while his colleague Alex Henderson praises the band for their "solid, consistently likable effort," declaring that Finntroll has set themselves apart from their peers "because of their emphasis on Finnish humppa" and "the humor and irony they bring to the table."<ref name=Alex>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''Ur Jordens Djup'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1023824|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref>

Finntroll's second album ''[[Jaktens tid]]'' was released in 2001 and became a chart success in their native Finland.<ref name=jaktenstidcharts>[http://charts.fi/showitem.asp?interpret=Finntroll&titel=Jaktens+tid&cat=a Finnish Charts for ''Jaktens Tid''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720181022/http://charts.fi/showitem.asp?interpret=Finntroll&titel=Jaktens+tid&cat=a |date=July 20, 2011 }}</ref> Some of the songs on the album feature vocals performed by [[Jonne Järvelä]] of [[Korpiklaani]], another band from Finland.<ref name="Rock Korp">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Korpiklaani |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/lahti/korpiklaani |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829074442/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/lahti/korpiklaani |archive-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref> While other folk metal bands began with metal before adding folk music, Korpiklaani started with folk music before turning metal.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen of Korpiklaani |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_korp_britton.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516220347/http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_korp_britton.html |archive-date=2008-05-16 }}</ref> The roots of Korpiklaani can be traced back to a [[Sami people|Sami]] folk music group under the name of Shamaani Duo,<ref>{{cite web | last=Van Horn | first=Ray Jr. |title=Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen of Korpiklaani |url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss37_193.php |publisher=Maelstrom.nu |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320233707/http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss37_193.php |archive-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref> an "in house restaurant band" created in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Shaman |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/lahti/shaman |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811173110/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/lahti/shaman |archive-date=2011-08-11 }}</ref> An album of folk music was released under this name before Jonne Järvelä relocated and formed a new band, [[Shaman (Finnish band)|Shaman]].<ref name="Voice of Ramos">{{cite web |author=Ramos Jr, Octavio |title=Voice of the Forest |publisher=Soundchecks.co.uk |url=http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/korpikla.html |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112032531/http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/korpikla.html |archive-date=2008-01-12 }}</ref> The folk metal act Shaman was based on the folk music of Shamaani Duo.<ref name="High Korpi">{{cite web |author=Morton, Kenneth |title=Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen of Korpiklaani |url=http://www.highwiredaze.com/korpiklaani.htm |publisher=Highwiredaze.com |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225172928/http://highwiredaze.com/korpiklaani.htm |archive-date=2008-02-25 }}</ref> Two albums were released in 1999 and 2001 before Shaman changed their name to Korpiklaani.<ref name="Voice of Ramos"/> The change in name was accompanied by a change in the music. The traditional yoik vocals and the use of the [[Northern Sámi]] language were dropped while the synthesizer was replaced with real folk instruments.<ref name=Yoik>{{cite web |author=Lehtinen, Arto |title=Interview with Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani |publisher=Metal-rules.com |url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Korpiklaani-March2004.htm |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302175048/http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Korpiklaani-March2004.htm |archive-date=2008-03-02 }}</ref> Jonne Järvelä credits his work with Finntroll as the catalyst for the shift in emphasis from folk to metal.<ref name="Tartare Korpi">{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/korpiklaani.html |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327134649/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/korpiklaani.html |archive-date=2008-03-27 }}</ref>

[[File:Metalmania 2007 - Korpiklaani - Jonne Järvelä 04.jpg|alt=Long-haired man in beige shirt with wide sleeves and a brown leather vest and pants, plays the electric guitar on stage and sings. There is a large pair of felt antlers pinned to the microphone.|thumb|left|[[Jonne Järvelä]] of [[Korpiklaani]] played acoustic folk music for five years before turning his attention to folk metal.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=Interview with Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/korpiklaani2007_2.htm |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220061722/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/korpiklaani2007_2.htm |archive-date=2008-02-20 }}</ref>]]

While Korpiklaani used an assortment of traditional instruments to deliver their folk metal,<ref name="High Korpi"/> Finntroll relies on keyboards for Finnish folk melodies played in the humppa style.<ref name="Trolls Are My Gods"/> The keyboards in Finntroll are performed by [[Henri Sorvali]] who also performs in [[Moonsorrow]], another folk metal band from Finland that he formed with his cousin [[Ville Sorvali]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Moonsorrow |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p603902|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> They released two demos, the first in 1997 and another in 1999, before the 2001 debut album ''[[Suden Uni]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Moonsorrow |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/moonsorrow |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122220317/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/moonsorrow |archive-date=2009-11-22 }}</ref> Moonsorrow blends folk metal with Viking metal by incorporating "Finland's traditional folk music forms into elaborate symphonic arrangements typical of Viking metal outfits such as [[Bathory (band)|Bathory]] and [[Enslaved (band)|Enslaved]]."<ref name=Suden>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=''Suden Uni'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r683031|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-17}}</ref>  The adoption of folk elements was "becoming all the rage" in Finland by this point<ref name="AMG Cadacross">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Cadacross |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p677155|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> and other folk metal bands from Finland that began to emerge in the early 2000s included [[Cadacross]],<ref name="AMG Cadacross"/> [[Ensiferum]]<ref name="AMG Ensiferum">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Ensiferum |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p683495|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> and later on [[Turisas]]<ref name="AMG Turi">{{cite web |author=Deming, Mark |title=AMG Turisas |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p838221|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> and [[Wintersun]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=AMG Wintersun |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p677148|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> Ensiferum notably found themselves at the top of the Finnish charts with their 2007 single "[[One More Magic Potion]]".<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Ensiferum |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/ensiferum |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107005944/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/helsinki/ensiferum |archive-date=2012-11-07 }}</ref> Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Moonsorrow and Turisas have all experienced chart success in their native Finland as well.<ref>[http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Finntroll Finntroll at Finnishcharts.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407015625/http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Finntroll |date=April 7, 2012 }}, [http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Korpiklaani Korpiklaani at Finnishcharts.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424203320/http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Korpiklaani |date=April 24, 2009 }}, [http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Moonsorrow Moonsorrow at Finnishcharts.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924145800/http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Moonsorrow |date=September 24, 2008 }}, [http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Turisas Turisas at Finnishcharts.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407015708/http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Turisas |date=April 7, 2012 }}</ref>

There are also folk metal acts from the other nordic countries. [[Iceland]]ic group [[Skálmöld]] is a notable example. The Norwegian act [[Glittertind (band)|Glittertind]] was A-listed and played with the highest playing frequency on Norway's most popular radio channel [[NRK|NRK P1]] with the song "Kvilelaus" (eng. Restless)"<ref>{{cite web |title=''A, B og C-lista uke 8 2014'' |date=17 February 2014 |url=http://www.nrk.no/kanal/nrk_p1/1.11549373 |publisher=[[NRK]] |access-date=2014-02-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222014737/http://www.nrk.no/kanal/nrk_p1/1.11549373 |archive-date=2014-02-22 }}</ref> and performed the song on [[Lindmo]] when they released their first full-length as a full band.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Glittertind at NRK Lindmo'' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOqU2A3UVgk |publisher=[[NRK]] |date=February 2014 |access-date=2014-04-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630095740/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOqU2A3UVgk |archive-date=2014-06-30 }}</ref> Other Norwegian acts include the aforementioned Storm and Windir as well as more recent groups such as [[Kampfar]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Kvass'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/gr/kampfar.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217014120/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/gr/kampfar.htm |archive-date=2008-02-17 }}</ref> [[Lumsk]],<ref name="Rock Lumsk">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Lumsk |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/trondheim/lumsk |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927190936/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/trondheim/lumsk |archive-date=2012-09-27 }}</ref> [[Ásmegin]] and [[Trollfest]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Willkommen Folk Tell Drekka Fest'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_trollfest_fest.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226233709/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_trollfest_fest.html |archive-date=2008-02-26 }}</ref> Bands from Sweden include the aforementioned Thyrfing and Månegarm along with other acts such as [[Otyg]]<ref name="RD Otyg">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Otyg |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/sweden/skelleftea/otyg |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609011742/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/sweden/skelleftea/otyg |archive-date=2009-06-09 }}</ref> and [[Vintersorg]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Solens Rötter'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/vintersorgsolen.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209032718/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/vintersorgsolen.htm |archive-date=2007-12-09 }}</ref><ref name=Sharpe-YoungGlittertind/> Folk metal bands from Denmark include [[Wuthering Heights (band)|Wuthering Heights]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''The Shadow Cabinet'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/wutheringheight.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206105020/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/wutheringheight.htm |archive-date=2007-12-06 }}</ref> [[Svartsot]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/svartsotravnene.htm |title=''Ravnenes Saga'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221221820/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/svartsotravnene.htm |archive-date=2007-12-21 }}</ref> [[Huldre (band)|Huldre]] and the [[Faroe Islands|Faroe Islanders]] [[Týr (band)|Týr]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Eric the Red'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/gr/tyrericthered.htm |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320001912/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/gr/tyrericthered.htm |archive-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref>

Outside Scandinavia, other European nations have contributed to the growing genre. Groups from the [[Baltic states]] of [[Estonia]], [[Latvia]] and [[Lithuania]] includes [[Metsatöll]],<ref name="Rock Met">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Metsatöll |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/estonia/veskikula/metsatoll |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131254/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/estonia/veskikula/metsatoll |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> [[Raud-Ants]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Raud-Ants |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/estonia/viljandi/raudants |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131304/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/estonia/viljandi/raudants |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> [[Skyforger]]<ref name=Chadforger>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Kauja Pie Saules'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/skyforger.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401110834/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/skyforger.htm |archive-date=2008-04-01 }}</ref> and [[Varang Nord]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.folk-metal.nl/2021/02/varang-nord-parkiuna-uomurs-2021/ |title=Varang Nord – 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' (2021) |date=22 February 2021 |website=Folkmetal.nl |access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> while representatives from [[Russia]] include [[Alkonost (band)|Alkonost]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Alkonost |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/russian+federation/alkonost |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131322/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/russian+federation/alkonost |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> [[Arkona (band)|Arkona]]<ref name=Arkona>{{cite web |author=Mitchell, Chris |title=''Ot Serdca K Nebu'' Review |url=http://soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=43 |publisher=Soniccathedral.com |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112162024/http://soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=43 |archive-date=2009-01-12 }}</ref> and [[Butterfly Temple]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''The Times of Mara'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_butterflytemple_thetimes.html |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512023746/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_butterflytemple_thetimes.html |archive-date=2008-05-12 }}</ref> More isolated examples across Europe include [[Dimmi Argus]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Catozzi, Marcello |title=''Dimmi Argus - Bad Dream'' Review |publisher=TrueMetal.it |url=http://www.truemetal.it/recensioni/bad-dream-62557 |access-date=2014-12-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227055512/http://www.truemetal.it/recensioni/bad-dream-62557 |archive-date=2015-02-27 }}</ref> and [[Balkandji]] from [[Bulgaria]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Balkandji |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/bulgaria/sofia/balkandji1 |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910202551/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/bulgaria/sofia/balkandji1 |archive-date=2012-09-10 }}</ref> [[Equilibrium (band)|Equilibrium]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rivadavia|first1=Eduardo|title=Equilibrium &#124; Biography & History &#124; AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/equilibrium-mn0000740349/biography|website=AllMusic|access-date=13 August 2016|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011190818/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/equilibrium-mn0000740349/biography|archive-date=11 October 2016}}</ref> and [[Finsterforst]] from Germany, [[Dalriada (band)|Dalriada]] from Hungary, [[Ithilien (band)|Ithilien]] from Belgium,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Ithilien-l-en.html|title=Ithilien - discography, line-up, biography, interviews, photos|website=www.spirit-of-metal.com|language=en|access-date=2017-03-12|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228162600/http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Ithilien-l-en.html|archive-date=2017-02-28}}</ref> Cruadalach from the Czech Republic, Litvintroll from Belarus, Nightcreepers from France, Zaria from Slovenia, [[Mägo de Oz]] and Saurom from [[Spain]], [[Elvenking (band)|Elvenking]] from [[Italy]]<ref name="Rock King">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Elvenking |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/italy/friuli+venezia+giulia/sacile/elvenking |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131405/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/italy/friuli+venezia+giulia/sacile/elvenking |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref> and [[Eluveitie]] from [[Switzerland]].<ref name="Rock Elu">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Eluveitie |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/switzerland/eluveitie |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131445/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/switzerland/eluveitie |archive-date=2012-05-25 }}</ref>

[[Folkearth]] is an international folk metal project with members from several different European countries. At its inception, the project consisted of 14 musicians from separate backgrounds in folk and metal music.<ref name=Nordic>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''A Nordic Poem'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_folkearth_nordic.html |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319084704/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_folkearth_nordic.html |archive-date=2008-03-19 }}</ref> With their second album ''[[By the Sword of My Father]]'' released in 2006, the project boasted the participation of 31 musicians.<ref name=folkearthg>{{cite web |author=Watt, Erika Kristen |title=Interview with Marios Koutsoukos of Folkearth |publisher=Forteeng.net |url=http://www.fourteeng.net/interviews/folkearth.html |access-date=2008-03-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821070245/http://www.fourteeng.net/interviews/folkearth.html |archive-date=2007-08-21 }}</ref>

Beyond the European continent, folk metal is relatively rare with only a few known acts including the aforementioned The Lord Weird Slough Feg and their fellow Americans [[Agalloch]]. The latter's music "made for a stark geographical anomaly, since its eclectic, avant-garde folk-metal was the sort of thing one would expect to emerge from Scandinavia -- not [[Portland, Oregon]]."<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=''Pale Folklore'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r423380|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref> [[Tuatha de Danann (band)|Tuatha de Danann]] is another geographical anomaly with their Celtic metal from [[Brazil]].<ref name=Danann>{{cite web |author=Ngolls, Josh |title=''Tingaralatingadun'' Review |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/reviews/Tuatha_de_Danann/Tingaralatingadun/1269/ |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606101814/http://www.tartareandesire.com/reviews/Tuatha_de_Danann/Tingaralatingadun/1269/ |archive-date=2011-06-06 }}</ref>

== Characteristics ==

=== Music ===
[[File:Tyr in Hamburg 0224.JPG|thumb|left|With influences that include [[Dream Theater]], the Faroe Islanders [[Týr (band)|Týr]] blend [[progressive metal]] with folk music.<ref name="Lords of Tyr">{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Heri Joensen of Týr |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1501&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804043947/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1501&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-04 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-18 }}</ref>]]

The music of folk metal is a diverse collection with bands pursuing different subgenres of heavy metal music. While bands like Primordial and Finntroll perform black metal, other groups such as [[Slough Feg|The Lord Weird Slough Feg]] ply their trade with a more traditional or power metal base. The German-Norwegian group [[Midnattsol]] blends the genre with [[gothic metal]].<ref name="Rock Mid">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Midnattsol MusicMight Biography |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/midnattsol |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520140524/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/midnattsol |archive-date=2012-05-20 }}</ref> Progressive tendencies can be found among some bands including [[Elvenking (band)|Elvenking]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''The Scythe'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1215516|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref> [[Lumsk]]<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> and [[Týr (band)|Týr]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=AMG Týr |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p562258|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-17}}</ref> Some bands are known to adopt more than one different styles of heavy metal. Orphaned Land combines folk metal with progressive and [[Death/doom|doom/death]] metal. The band formed in 1991, also combining Jewish, Arabic, and other West Asian influences<ref name="Rockdetector Orphaned"/> while Ensiferum mix folk music on top of a power and death metal hybrid.<ref name="AMG Ensiferum"/> A few groups are also known to incorporate the styles of other music genres outside of heavy metal. Examples include the [[punk rock]] in the music of Glittertind<ref name=Sharpe-YoungGlittertind>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Glittertind |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/lillesand/glittertind |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122221842/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/norway/lillesand/glittertind |archive-date=2009-11-22 }}</ref> and the [[neofolk]] and [[post-rock]] tendencies of [[Agalloch]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Hill, Gary |title=AMG Agalloch |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p371796|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-17}}</ref>
[[File:Mago de Oz.jpg|alt=Mago de Oz in 2013|thumb|[[Mago de Oz]]  in 2013]]
The folk elements in the genre often reflect the ethnic background of the musicians as is the case for the [[Baltic Finns|Finnic]] folk music in Finntroll,<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes" /> Korpiklaani,<ref name="Voice of Ramos" /> and [[Metsatöll]],<ref>{{cite web |author=van Gerrevink, Richard |title=''Hiiekoda'' Review |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=5473&lang=en |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050508042604/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=5473&lang=en |archive-date=2005-05-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Baltic folk music in [[Skyforger]],<ref name="Chadforger" /> [[East Asia]]n influences such as [[Chthonic (band)|Chthonic]]'s use of [[Taiwan]]ese folk music<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-freddy-lim-taiwans-metal-politician/|title=Meet Freddy Lim, Taiwan's Heavy Metal Politician|date=2015-12-09|work=Noisey|access-date=2018-03-31|language=en-ca|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331104455/https://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/article/rkqx5e/meet-freddy-lim-taiwans-metal-politician|archive-date=2018-03-31}}</ref> or [[Tengger Cavalry]]'s incorporation of [[Mongolian throat singing]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tengger-cavalry.com/the-band|title=Tengger Cavalry - Nomadic Folk Metal|website=Tengger Cavalry - Nomadic Folk Metal|language=en|access-date=2018-03-31|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331104819/https://www.tengger-cavalry.com/the-band|archive-date=2018-03-31}}</ref> or the Middle Eastern background of [[Orphaned Land]].<ref name="allmusic Orphaned"/> However, some bands defy the geographical and ethnical background, like [[Ymyrgar]], who hail from Tunisia but chose to focus on Norse mythology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metal4africa.com/news/ymyrgar-tunisian-folk-metal-ventures-abroad/|title=Ymyrgar: Tunisian folk metal ventures abroad {{!}} metal4africa|website=metal4africa.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904113149/http://metal4africa.com/news/ymyrgar-tunisian-folk-metal-ventures-abroad/|archive-date=2017-09-04}}</ref>

Celtic music can be found among such Irish groups as Cruachan and Waylander<ref name="Chad" /> as well as bands outside Ireland like Ithilien from Belgium, Eluveitie<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=Interview with Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/eluveitie.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401040608/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/eluveitie.htm |archive-date=2008-04-01 }}</ref> (although Switzerland can be considered a country with a Celtic history), and Tuatha de Danann (from Brazil, a country that has no cultural ties with the Celts whatsoever, despite the similarity of the country's name to [[Brazil (mythical island)|an island in Irish myth]]).<ref name="Danann" /> Folk music from multiple regions are employed by some groups like Elvenking,<ref>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''Winter's Wake'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r819944|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-17}}</ref> Ithilien<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.folk-metal.nl/interviews/ithilien-interview/|title=Mighty Ithilien - Folk-metal.nl|work=Folk-metal.nl|access-date=2017-03-12|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223211625/http://www.folk-metal.nl/interviews/ithilien-interview/|archive-date=2017-02-23}}</ref> and Ensiferum.<ref name="Victory">{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''Victory Songs'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1042055|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref>

The genre also offers a variety of atmosphere and moods. A fun and cheerful nature is characteristic of groups like Finntroll<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Ur Jordens Djup'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/finntrollur.htm |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415170655/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/finntrollur.htm |archive-date=2008-04-15 }}</ref> and Korpiklaani.<ref name=Farso>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=''Farsotstider'' Review |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=6564&lang=en |access-date=2008-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606092311/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=6564&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Both bands are also noted for playing music that one can dance to.<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=''Korven Kuningas'' Review |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=11085&lang=en |publisher=Lordsofmetal.com |access-date=2008-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606092529/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=11085&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}<br>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=''Ur Jordens Djup'' Review |publisher=Lordsofmetal.com |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=9213&lang=en |access-date=2008-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606092552/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=9213&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}<br>{{cite web |author=Maki, Jeff |title=''Ur Jordens Djup'' Review |url=http://www.live-metal.net/cdreviews_finntroll_urjordensdjup.html |publisher=Live-metal.net |access-date=2008-03-17 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030205100/http://www.live-metal.net/cdreviews_finntroll_urjordensdjup.html |archive-date=2007-10-30 }}</ref> In contrast, other acts such as Thyrfing and Primordial are known for their contemplative atmosphere.<ref name=Farso/> Lumsk offers a more mellow style<ref name=Asmund>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Åsmund Frægdegjevar'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_lumsk_asmund.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622105509/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_lumsk_asmund.html |archive-date=2007-06-22 }}</ref> while Agalloch are known for their "depressive ambient" sound.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=''Of Stone, Wind and Pillor'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r548354|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-17}}</ref>

An epic atmosphere is characteristic of some folk metal bands like Primordial,<ref>{{cite web |author=Prato, Greg |title=''To the Nameless Dead'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1242549|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref> Moonsorrow,<ref name=Viides>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/moonsorrowvilde.htm |title=''Viides Luku: Hävitetty'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230125159/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/moonsorrowvilde.htm |archive-date=2007-12-30 }}</ref> Turisas<ref name=Varangian>{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=''Varangian Way'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1070518|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref> and the music project Folkearth.<ref name=Nordic/> Groups like Ensiferum and [[Wintersun]] are known to have a melodious side<ref name=Victory/><ref name=Wintersun>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=''Wintersun'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r711459|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref> while bands that favor a more blistering or brutal approach can be found in groups like Finntroll<ref name=Nattfodd>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r688436|pure_url=yes}} |title=''Nattfödd'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref> and Månegarm.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Vredens Tid'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_manegarm_tid.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017050242/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_manegarm_tid.html |archive-date=2006-10-17 }}</ref>

=== Instruments ===
[[File:Eluveitie Cernunnos Fest 161207 01.jpg|thumb|left|[[Eluveitie]] are seen here performing at the 2007 [[Cernunnos]] Fest in [[Paris]], France, with a [[mandola]], [[tin whistle]] and [[violin]].]]

Folk metal feature the same typical instruments found in heavy metal music: guitars, bass, drums and vocalist. While a few folk metal groups like Tharaphita discard "any notion of utilising folk instrumentation" and "rely solely on traditional metal instruments,"<ref>{{cite web |author=Kalis, Quentin |title=''Iidsetel Sunkjatel Radadel'' Review |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-4987_tharaphita_iidsetel_sunkjatel_radadel.aspx |publisher=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080126103148/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-4987_tharaphita_iidsetel_sunkjatel_radadel.aspx |archive-date=2008-01-26 }}</ref> bands in the genre generally rely on folk instruments that range from the common to the exotic.<ref name=Bowar2>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=Folk Metal Artists |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetalartists/u/heavymetalartistsandstyles.htm#s6 |access-date=2008-03-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823094100/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetalartists/u/heavymetalartistsandstyles.htm#s6 |archive-date=2011-08-23 }}</ref> Numerous folk metal acts include a dedicated [[violin]]ist in their line up. This includes Skyclad,<ref name="MusicMight Skyclad"/> Subway to Sally,<ref name="Rock Sally"/> Schandmaul,<ref name="MusicMight Schandmaul"/> Mägo de Oz,<ref name="Rock Mago"/> Ithilien, Silent Stream of Godless Elegy,<ref name="Rock Silent"/> Korpiklaani,<ref name="Rock Korp"/> Lumsk,<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> Elvenking,<ref name="Rock King"/> Eluveitie<ref name="Rock Elu"/> and Tuatha de Danann.<ref name="Rock Tua">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Tuatha de Danann |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/brazil/minas+gerais/varginha/tuatha+de+danann |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927191350/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/brazil/minas+gerais/varginha/tuatha+de+danann |archive-date=2012-09-27 }}</ref> The [[tin whistle]] and [[flute]] can be found in such Celtic metal bands as Cruachan,<ref name="Rock Cru"/> Waylander,<ref name="Rock Way"/> Ithilien and Eluveitie.<ref name="Rock Elu"/> The flute can also be found in other bands such as Metsatöll,<ref name="Rock Met"/> Schandmaul<ref name="MusicMight Schandmaul"/> and Morgenstern.<ref name="Rock Morg">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Morgenstern |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/thuringia/merkers/morgenstern |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529050822/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/thuringia/merkers/morgenstern |archive-date=2012-05-29 }}</ref> Medieval bagpipes are used in bands like Folkstone and In Extremo. Some bands are also known to highlight more exotic instruments from their ethnic background or country, including [[Skyforger]]'s use of the Latvian [[kokles]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Vargscarr |title=Interview with Pēteris Kvetkovskis of Skyforger |url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss11_127.php?sid=&osCsid=%3Cb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303233458/http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss11_127.php?sid=&osCsid=%3Cb |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-03-03 |publisher=Malestrom.nu |access-date=2008-03-17 }}</ref> [[Metsatöll]]'s use of the Estonian [[torupill]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Gentile, Emanuele |title=Interview with Metsatöll |url=http://www.estonianmetal.com/interviews.php?id=62 |publisher=Estonianmetal.com |access-date=2008-03-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303182221/http://www.estonianmetal.com/interviews.php?id=62 |archive-date=2008-03-03 }}</ref> Korpiklaani's use of the Finnish [[kantele]],<ref name="Tartare Korpi"/> Eluveitie and [[Ithilien (band)|Ithilien]]'s use of the [[hurdy-gurdy]],<ref name="Rock Elu"/> and Orphaned Land's use of the [[oud]] and [[baglama|saz]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Orphaned Land |url=http://frombelow.dk/interview_orphanedland.htm |publisher=Frombelow.dk |access-date=2008-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050216003904/http://frombelow.dk/interview_orphanedland.htm |archive-date=2005-02-16}}</ref>

In the absence of folk instruments, other bands in the genre resort to using [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]] to replicate the sound of folk instruments. This includes the aforementioned Storm, Empyrium and Finntroll as well as other acts like Midnattsol.<ref name="Rock Mid"/> Bands that supplement a folk instrument like the violin with keyboards include Skyclad,<ref name="allmusic Skyclad"/> Mägo de Oz,<ref name="Rock Mago"/> and Tuatha de Danann.<ref name="Rock Tua"/>

[[File:Skyforger 16127 Cernunnos Fest 11.jpg|thumb|[[Skyforger]], seen here performing with bagpipes at the 2007 Cernunnos Fest in [[Paris]], France, initially mostly relied on a guest musician to perform folk instruments before inviting him to be a fully fledged member of the band.<ref name="Modern Sky">{{cite web |author=Dejasu, Barry Lee |title=Interview with Peter Kvetkovskis of Skyforger |url=http://modernfix.com/?page_id=115 |publisher=Modernfix.com |access-date=2008-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303055717/http://modernfix.com/?page_id=115 |archive-date=2008-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>]]

The large number of instruments that some bands rely on in recording their studio albums can be a hindrance for live performances. While Orphaned Land are able to perform onstage with twenty musicians in their homeland of Israel, they have to rely on a computer to replicate the roles of the guest musicians for concerts elsewhere.<ref name=Candyland>{{cite web |author=Reilly, Ann Marie |title=Interview with Kobi Farhi of Orphaned Land |url=http://www.beyondearcandy.com/site/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=115 |publisher=Beyondearcandy.com |access-date=2008-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307052825/http://www.beyondearcandy.com/site/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=115 |archive-date=2008-03-07 }}</ref> Some folk metal acts confine themselves to studio recordings and are not known to perform any live concerts. This includes Folkearth,<ref name=folkearthg/> and Falkenbach.<ref name="Dead Falken">{{cite web |author=S., Mike |title=Interview with Vratyas Vakyas of Falkenbach |publisher=Deadtide.com |url=http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=107 |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111005235/http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=107 |archive-date=2008-01-11 }}</ref> Other folk metal bands expand their regular roster to include more musicians and consequently, it is not uncommon to find bands in the genre featuring six or more members in their line-up. Some of the sextets in the genre are Schandmaul,<ref name="MusicMight Schandmaul"/> Cruachan,<ref name="Rock Cru"/> Korpiklaani,<ref name="Rock Korp"/> Turisas,<ref name="Rock Turisas">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Turisas |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/hmeenlinna/turisas |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529050846/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/hmeenlinna/turisas |archive-date=2012-05-29 }}</ref> and Midnattsol,<ref name="Rock Mid"/> while septets include [[Ithilien (band)|Ithilien]], Subway to Sally,<ref name="Rock Sally"/> In Extremo,<ref name="Rock In"/> and Lumsk.<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> Both Silent Stream of Godless Elegy<ref name="Rock Silent"/> and Eluveitie<ref name="Rock Elu"/> boast eight members each while the line up of Mägo de Oz totals nine performers.<ref name="Rock Mago"/> Even when a band includes members dedicated to folk instruments, they might still rely on guest musicians to further enhance their sound. As an example, Lumsk added thirteen guest musicians to the band's seven members on their debut album ''[[Åsmund Frægdegjevar (album)|Åsmund Frægdegjevar]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Åsmund Frægdegjevar |url=http://www.lumsk.no/article/articleview/203/1/85/ |publisher=Lumsk.no (Lumsk official website) |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214110158/http://www.lumsk.no/article/articleview/203/1/85/ |archive-date=2008-02-14 }}</ref> At times, guest musicians are known to become full-fledged members of the band, as was the case in Skyforger<ref name="Modern Sky"/> and Turisas.<ref name="AMG Turi"/>

=== Vocals ===

{{Listen
|filename=Shaman_-_Il_Lea_Voibmi.ogg
|title=Shaman's "Il Lea Voibmi" (2002)
|description=Regular heavy metal singing is followed by traditional [[yoik]] vocals in this 21 second sample from [[Shaman (Finnish band)|Shaman]]'s second album ''[[Shamániac]]''.
|filename2=Orphaned_Land_-_The_Kiss_Of_Babylon_(The_Sins).ogg
|title2=Orphaned Land's "The Kiss Of Babylon (The Sins)" (2004)
|description2= [[Jewish music|Jewish singing]] performed by [[Shlomit Levi]] followed by [[Kobi Farhi]] in this 30 second sample from [[Orphaned Land]]'s third album ''[[Mabool]]''.
|filename3=Khepri The Fangs of Apep oriental metal vocals.ogg
|title3=Khepri's "The Fangs of Apep" (2019)
|description3=An example of [[Middle Eastern music|middle eastern vocals]] often heard in oriental metal in this 15 second sample from "BellyMetal 2" by Khepri, an [[Ancient Egypt|ancient Egyptian]]-themed instrumental oriental metal act from the [[United Kingdom]].
}}

The diverse range of music styles and instruments is matched by a variety of vocal styles in the genre. From the "spine-chilling [[Death growl|death shrieks]]" in Finntroll<ref name=Nattfodd/> to the black metal rasps of Skyforger<ref name=Chadforger/> or Moonsorrow,<ref name=Viides/> there is no shortage of extreme vocals in folk metal. Other bands to feature extreme vocals include Cadacross,<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''So Pale Is the Light'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_cadacross_sopale.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017055338/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_cadacross_sopale.html |archive-date=2006-10-17 }}</ref> Ensiferum,<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/ensiferumvictor.htm |title=''Victory Songs'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210062747/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/ensiferumvictor.htm |archive-date=2012-02-10 }}</ref> [[Ithilien (band)|Ithilien]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/67462/Ithilien-From-Ashes-to-the-Frozen-Land/|title=Ithilien - From Ashes to the Frozen Land (album review ) {{!}} Sputnikmusic|website=www.sputnikmusic.com|access-date=2017-03-12}}</ref> and [[Equilibrium (band)|Equilibrium]].<ref name=Fratyr>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Turis Fratyr'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_equilibrium_turis.html |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319084659/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_equilibrium_turis.html |archive-date=2008-03-19 }}</ref> In contrast, bands like Mägo de Oz<ref name=Gaia/> and Metsatöll are known to feature "clean" singing in line with their more traditional metal approach. Numerous other bands in the genre are known to feature both extreme vocals and clean singing. This includes Primordial,<ref name="Primordial live"/> Turisas,<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''The Varangian Way'' Review |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/turisasvarangia.htm |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320001906/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/turisasvarangia.htm |archive-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref> Windir<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r515716|pure_url=yes}} |title=''Sóknardalr'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-19}}</ref> and Wintersun.<ref name=Wintersun/>

Traditional folk singing can also be found among some folk metal bands. The [[yoik]] vocals of [[Jonne Järvelä]] have been featured in varying degrees in the music of Shaman,<ref name=Yoik/> Finntroll<ref>{{cite web |author=Meeks, Ciaran |title=Interview with Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani |url=http://www.metaleater.com/interviews-korpiklaani07062005.php |publisher=Metaleater.com |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526221402/http://www.metaleater.com/interviews-korpiklaani07062005.php |archive-date=2012-05-26 }}</ref> and Korpiklaani.<ref>{{cite web |author=Begrand, Adrien |title=''Tales Along This Road'' Review |publisher=Popmatters.com |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/korpiklaani_tales_along_this_road/ |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821184719/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/korpiklaani_tales_along_this_road/ |archive-date=2008-08-21 }}</ref> Folk singing or folk-inspired singing can also be heard in the music of Equilibrium,<ref name=Fratyr/> Metsatöll,<ref name=Hiiecoven>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Hiiekoda'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_metsatoll_hiiekoda.html |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017050456/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_metsatoll_hiiekoda.html |archive-date=2006-10-17 }}</ref> Skyforger<ref name="Sky Below">{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Rihards Skudrîtis of Skyforger |url=http://frombelow.dk/metal_skyforger_interview.htm |publisher=Frombelow.dk |access-date=2008-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050224041207/http://frombelow.dk/metal_skyforger_interview.htm |archive-date=2005-02-24}}</ref> and Orphaned Land.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Mabool'' Review |publisher=Metalcoven.com |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_orphanedland_mabool2.html |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624093717/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_orphanedland_mabool2.html |archive-date=2007-06-24 }}</ref> The music of Orphaned Land also features the use of chants and choirs, commonly encountered in the genre of folk metal. Bands that are known to use a choir include Arkona,<ref name=Arkona/> Turisas,<ref name=Varangian/> Lumsk<ref name="Lumsk perspective">{{cite web |author=Tsakonas, Giannis |title=Interview with Ketil Sæther of Lumsk |url=http://www.metalperspective.com/interviews/lumsk.php |publisher=Metalperspective.com |access-date=2008-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024022402/http://www.metalperspective.com/interviews/lumsk.php |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Eluveitie,<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=2012&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905022655/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=2012&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-05 |access-date=2008-03-19 }}</ref> while chants can be found in the music of Týr<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=''Eric the Red'' Review |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=7301&lang=en |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606092728/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=7301&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Windir.<ref>{{cite web |author=Escandon, Rodrigo |title=''Likferd'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_windir_likferd.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517092208/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_windir_likferd.html |archive-date=2008-05-17 }}</ref> Some bands like [[Falconer (band)|Falconer]] and Thyrfing are also known to feature "yo-ho-ho folk melodies" in their vocals to suit their Viking metal style.<ref>{{cite web |author=Serba, John |title=''The Sceptre of Deception'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r667258|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Serba, John |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r612747|pure_url=yes}} |title=''Vansinnesvisor'' Review |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref>

Orphaned Land mostly uses English lyrics, but they are known to feature other languages as they "go well with the music and also sound more exotic and unique." Týr has also been known to use multiple languages in their music.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dieters, Frank |title=Interview with Heri Joensen of Týr |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=757&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804104301/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=757&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-04 |access-date=2008-03-19 }}</ref> Other bands in the genre are known to sing exclusively or almost entirely in their native language, including Mägo de Oz in [[Spanish language|Spanish]],<ref name=Gaia/> Moonsorrow in [[Finnish language|Finnish]],<ref name=Suden/> Metsatöll in [[Estonian language|Estonian]]<ref name=Hiiecoven/> and Lumsk in [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]].<ref name="Lumsk perspective"/> Bands in the medieval metal subgenre also tend to sing largely or entirely in their [[German language]], including Subway to Sally,<ref>{{cite web |author=Vonberg, Horst |title=''Herzblut'' Review |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=1027&lang=en |access-date=2008-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606093711/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=1027&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Morgenstern<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Ulli Ullmann of Morgenstern |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=727&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909235805/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=727&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-09 |access-date=2008-04-10 }}</ref> and [[Letzte Instanz]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=''Wir Sind Gold'' Review |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=9221&lang=en |access-date=2008-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606094523/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=9221&lang=en |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Lead female singers are not uncommon in the genre and can be found in Cruachan,<ref name="Rock Cru"/> Otyg,<ref name="RD Otyg"/> Lumsk,<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> Arkona,<ref name=Arkona/> Celtian and Midnattsol.<ref name="Rock Mid"/> Other groups like Orphaned Land and Elvenking have employed guest female vocalists in their music.<ref name="Rock King"/><ref name=Candyland/>

=== Lyrics ===

Popular subjects in folk metal include [[paganism]], [[nature]], [[fantasy]], [[mythology]] and [[history]].

Folk metal has been associated with paganism ever since its inception, when Martin Walkyier left his former band Sabbat to form Skyclad, in part because the band "wasn't going to go far enough down the pagan, British way that we wanted to do it."<ref name=plague>{{cite web |author=Hinds, Daniel |title=Interview with Martin Walkyier of Skyclad |publisher=The-plague.net |url=http://www.the-plague.net/skyclad2.htm |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303085938/http://www.the-plague.net/skyclad2.htm |archive-date=2008-03-03 }}</ref> Consequently, the lyrics of Skyclad have been known to deal with pagan matters.<ref name="MusicMight Skyclad"/> The band Cruachan was also founded by a self-described pagan, Keith Fay.<ref name="Cru Imp"/> For Ville Sorvali of Moonsorrow, the label "pagan metal" is preferred "because that describes the ideological points in the music, but doesn’t say anything about the music itself."<ref>{{cite web |last=Roon|first=Samuel J. |title=Interview with Ville Sorvali of Moonsorrow |url=http://www.nonelouder.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1528828%3ABlogPost%3A4049 |publisher=Nonelouder.com |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207063133/http://www.nonelouder.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1528828:BlogPost:4049 |archive-date=2008-02-07 }}</ref> Other bands that also prefer to use the term "pagan metal" as a self-description include Cruachan,<ref name="Cruachan Ready">{{cite web |author=Stefanis, John |title=Interview with Keith Fay of Cruachan |url=http://www.getreadytorock.com/pure_metal/cruachan.htm |publisher=Getreadytorock.com |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304065301/http://www.getreadytorock.com/pure_metal/cruachan.htm |archive-date=2008-03-04 }}</ref> Eluveitie,<ref name="Lords of Elu1">{{cite web |author=Dieters, Frank |title=Interview with Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=849&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112032338/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=849&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-12 |access-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref> Obtest<ref>{{cite web |author=Larissa Glasser |title=Interview with Sadlave of Obtest |url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss53_235.php |publisher=Maelstrom.nu |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070923050514/http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss53_235.php |archive-date=2007-09-23 }}</ref> and Skyforger. In contrast to bands with pagan themes, some folk metal bands such as [[Orphaned Land]] have themes of [[Abrahamic religion]].

[[File:Turisas - FME2008 - 02.jpg|thumb|left|[[Turisas]], seen here performing in 2008, have tackled such issues as the glorification of war through the use of fantasy-themed lyrics.<ref name="Turis Chaos">{{cite web |author=Smit, Jackie |title=Interview with Matthias Nygard of Turisas |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-672_turisas.aspx |publisher=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626122320/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-672_turisas.aspx |archive-date=2008-06-26 }}</ref>]]

Nature is a strong influence to many folk metal bands.<ref name=Bowar2/> Groups such as Korpiklaani,<ref name="Voice of Ramos"/> Elvenking,<ref>{{cite web |author=Marina |title=Interview with Aydan of Elvenking |publisher=Truemetal.org |url=http://www.truemetal.org/metal-heart/elvenking-interview.htm |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316035427/http://www.truemetal.org/metal-heart/elvenking-interview.htm |archive-date=2008-03-16 }}</ref> Midnattsol<ref name=Carmen>{{cite web |author=Fisher, Mark |title=Interview with Carmen Espanæs of Midnattsol |publisher=Musicaldiscoveries.com |url=http://www.musicaldiscoveries.com/reviews/midnattsol.htm |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107041400/http://www.musicaldiscoveries.com/reviews/midnattsol.htm |archive-date=2007-11-07 }}</ref> and Vintersorg<ref>{{cite web |author=Ulrey, Jeremy |title=Interview with Andreas Hedlund of Vintersorg |publisher=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-1014_vintersorg.aspx |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316050611/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-1014_vintersorg.aspx |archive-date=2008-03-16 }}</ref> have all based lyrics on the subject. For the band Agalloch, nature is an embraced theme "because we are siding with what is essentially the victim in a relationship where humankind is a disease."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Los Muertos |author2=Michael De |title=Interview with Don Anderson and John Haughm of Agalloch |url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/agalloch.htm |publisher=Metal-rules.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228133631/http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/agalloch.htm |archive-date=2008-02-28 }}</ref> All the members of Skyclad are supporters of "organisations like Greenpeace and others, for those are the ones who stand up and take on the battle" between "people who want to save the planet, and people who want to destroy it."<ref name="LoM Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Vonberg, Horst |title=Interview with Martin Walkyier of Skyclad |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=305&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209092456/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=305&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-09 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref>

The pioneers of the genre Skyclad avoided fantasy lyrics because "there was already enough fantasy in the world, told to us by our politicians every day."<ref name="LoM Skyclad"/> Nonetheless, other folk metal bands have been known to feature fantasy themes in their lyrics including Ensiferum,<ref>{{cite web |author=Dujardin, Audrey |title=Interview with Markus Toivonen and Petri Lindroos of Ensiferum |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/ensiferum1.html |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113231822/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/ensiferum1.html |archive-date=2007-11-13 }}</ref> Midnattsol<ref name=Carmen/> and Cruachan.<ref name="Cruachan Ready"/> For Elvenking, fantasy themes are used "as a metaphor to cover deeper meanings."<ref>{{cite web |author=Jeff |title=Interview with Aydan of Elvenking |url=http://metalstorm.ee/pub/interview.php?interview_id=373 |publisher=Metalstorm.ee |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023024953/http://metalstorm.ee/pub/interview.php?interview_id=373 |archive-date=2007-10-23 }}</ref> Similarly, the fantasy themes in Turisas belie the coverage of issues "that are deeper and have greater significance."<ref name="Turis Chaos"/>

The Celtic metal subgenre is known to feature lyrics based on [[Celtic mythology]].<ref name=Chad/> The history of the [[Celt]]s is another popular source for the lyrics of Celtic metal bands like Cruachan,<ref name="Cru Imp"/> Eluveitie,<ref name="Lords of Elu1"/> Primordial<ref>{{cite web |author=Michelle, Alina |title=Interview with A. Nemtheanga of Primordial |url=http://www.photomistress.com/interviews/primordial.php |publisher=Photomistress.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224052920/http://www.photomistress.com/interviews/primordial.php |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Mael Mórdha]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Ritsios, Elias |title=Interview with Roibéard Ó Bogail of Mael Mórdha |url=http://www.metal-invader.com/interviews/mael_mordha-2006-03-03/interview.php |publisher=Metal-invader.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202173906/http://www.metal-invader.com/interviews/mael_mordha-2006-03-03/interview.php |archive-date=2008-12-02 }}</ref> [[Norse mythology]] can be found in the lyrics of such Scandinavian bands as Falkenbach,<ref name="Dead Falken"/> Týr,<ref name="Lords of Tyr"/> Finntroll<ref>{{cite web |author=Lahtinen, Luxi |title=Interview with Katla and Somnium of Finntroll |publisher=Metal-rules.com |url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Finntroll.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303081736/http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Finntroll.htm |archive-date=2008-03-03 }}</ref> and [[Mithotyn]].<ref name="Neon Falcon">{{cite web |author=George Call |title=Interview with Stefan Weinerhall of Falconer |publisher=Neonblonde.com |url=http://www.neonblonde.com/Interview13.htm |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203151646/http://www.neonblonde.com/Interview13.htm |archive-date=2008-12-03 }}</ref> Skyforger is known for featuring lyrics based on both the history and mythology of their Latvian culture.<ref name="Modern Sky"/> Other bands that have treated history to song include Falconer<ref name="Neon Falcon"/> and [[Slechtvalk]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Eck, Markus |title=Interview with Shamgar of Slechtvalk |url=http://metalmessage.net/Interviews/slechtvalk-engl.htm |publisher=Metalmessage.de |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307185210/http://metalmessage.net/interviews/slechtvalk-engl.htm |archive-date=2016-03-07 }}</ref>

[[File:Glittertind Landkjenning Promo.jpg|thumb|right| Some bands, like [[Torbjørn Sandvik]] in [[Glittertind (band)|Glittertind]], have uttered socialist sentiments in statements explaining album concepts. Picture from [[Borgund Stave Church]] in [[Sogn og Fjordane]] (2009).]] Many [[National Socialist black metal]] (NSBM) bands like [[Nokturnal Mortum]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Mirovozzrenie'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_nokturnal_miro.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017054432/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_nokturnal_miro.html |archive-date=2006-10-17 }}</ref> or Russia's Temnozor<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Folkstorm Of Azure Nights'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_temnozor_folkstorm.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218013005/http://www.metalcoven.com/review_temnozor_folkstorm.html |archive-date=2008-02-18 }}</ref> and [[Kroda]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Fastred, Reap |title=Interview with Eisenslav of Kroda |url=http://www.mortemzine.net/article.php?id=256 |publisher=Mortemzine.net |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012110355/http://mortemzine.net/article.php?id=256 |archive-date=2007-10-12 }}</ref> have been known to cross over into folk metal, a circumstance that Ciaran O'Hagan, the vocalist of Waylander, views as "an insult to people like myself who don’t hold with fascist ideals at all."<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=Interview with Ciaran O'Hagan of Waylander |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_waylander_britton.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307183834/http://www.metalcoven.com/interview_waylander_britton.html |archive-date=2008-03-07 }}</ref> He further suggests that the NSBM bands are playing folk metal "for all the wrong reasons." Due to the [[Fascist symbolism#Non-fascist usage|misappropriation of pagan symbols]] by [[Neo-Nazism]], several folk metal bands have also been mistaken for being part of the NSBM scene. Consequently, such bands as Cruachan,<ref name="Cru Imp"/> Skyforger,<ref name="Sky Below"/> Månegarm and Týr<ref name="Tyr FAQ">{{cite web |author=Týr |title=Is Týr a fascist, nazi or racist band? |url=http://www.tyr.net/site/faq.htm |publisher=Tyr.net (Týr official website) |access-date=2008-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510120050/http://www.tyr.net/site/faq.htm |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> have had to disassociate themselves with Nazism, fascism or racism. Skyforger went as far as to add the words 'No Nazi Stuff Here!' on the back of their album covers.<ref>{{cite web |author=Van Berlo, Andrej |title=Interview with Pēteris Kvetkovskis & Edgars Krūmiņš of Skyforger |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/skyforger.html |access-date=2008-05-03 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430033107/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/skyforger.html |archive-date=2008-04-30 }}</ref> In April 2008, performers on the folk metal festival Paganfest were subject to accusations of being Nazis, racists and fascists from the German [[Anti-fascism|Antifa]]. Ville Sorvali of Moonsorrow and [[Heri Joensen]] of Týr issued a joint video statement to refute these accusations, noting that "one of the biggest issues seems to be that we use ancient Scandinavian symbols in our imagery like the [[Sig Rune|S in the Moonsorrow logo]] and the [[Tiwaz rune|T in the Týr logo]] [even though] that is how the S and the T [[Runic alphabet|runes]] have been written for thousands of years."<ref>{{cite video |people=Ville Sorvali of Moonsorrow and Heri Joensen of Týr |title=Statement on behalf of Moonsorrow, Týr and Eluveitie |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xr1iWvL4A0 |publisher=Youtube.com |date=2008 |access-date=2008-05-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413084217/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xr1iWvL4A0 |archive-date=2014-04-13 }}</ref> Moonsorrow has also issued a written statement in response to the controversy<ref>{{cite news |title=Moonsorrow: We Are Not Nazis |date=2008-04-14 |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94861 |access-date=2008-05-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417010429/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94861 |archive-date=2008-04-17 }}</ref> while Týr notes on their official website that they "got the idea for the rune logo" from the [[Tyr (album)|Black Sabbath album]] of the same name.<ref name="Tyr FAQ"/> On the other side of the political landscape, some folk metal bands have uttered explicit socialist sentiments. For example the aforementioned [[Glittertind (band)|Glittertind]] made a [[leftist]] statement against [[neoliberalism]] in their album booklet when re-releasing the record ''[[Til Dovre Faller]]'' on [[Napalm Records]] in May 2009.<ref name="Til Dovre Faller album booklet">{{cite web|author=Sandvik, Torbjørn |title=Til Dovre Faller statement |url=http://www.glittertind.net/booklet/tildovrefaller_aboutrecord.jpg |publisher=[[Glittertind.net]] |access-date=2012-04-23 }}{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The original folk metal band Skyclad was also known to deal with serious political subjects<ref name="LoM Skyclad"/> but through lyrics that were littered with puns<ref name="Sky Eat">{{cite web |author=O'Neill, Wade |title=Skyclad |publisher=Metaleater.com |url=http://www.metaleater.com/features-skyclad07142005.php |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112124020/http://metaleater.com/features-skyclad07142005.php |archive-date=2008-01-12 }}<br>{{cite web |title=Skyclad |publisher=Bnrmetal.com |url=http://www.bnrmetal.com/v2/search.php?name=skyclad |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303235955/http://www.bnrmetal.com/v2/search.php?name=skyclad |archive-date=2008-03-03 }}</ref> and humor.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sheaks, Matthias |title=''Folkemon'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r515163|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2008-03-20}}</ref> Other bands have continued to feature fun and humorous lyrics. This includes Finntroll<ref>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''Ur Jordens Djup'' Review |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1023824|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2008-03-20}}</ref> with their obsession on trolls.<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes"/> The lyrics of Korpiklaani also "focused on having a good time, drinking [and] partying."<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthijssens, Vera |title=Interview with Korpiklaani |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1795&lang=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804043641/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1795&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-04 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=2008-03-20 }}</ref> In a review of Turisas' ''[[The Varangian Way]]'' album, James Christopher Monger of Allmusic commented that some listeners might be put off by "the concept of grown men in pelts" singing such lyrics as "come with us to the south, write your name on our roll."<ref name="Varangian"/> Heri Joensen of Týr contends that a listener needs to be confident in his [[masculinity]] to listen to such traditional Faeroese lyrics as his own "young lads, happy lads, step upon the floor, dance merrily."<ref>{{cite web |author=Muxlow |title=Interview with Heri Joensen of Týr |url=http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=110 |publisher=Deadtide.com |access-date=2008-03-20 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111005240/http://www.deadtide.com/interviews/page.php?id=110 |archive-date=2008-01-11 }}</ref>

Unlike any other, the Belgian folk metal band [[Ithilien (band)|Ithilien]] preferred to focus their lyrics on very personal subjects such as loss, perseverance or grief. The album Shaping the Soul is for example constructed based on [[Elisabeth Kübler-Ross|Elisabeth Kubler-Ross]] model of the mourning process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timvv9.blogspot.be/2017/01/interview-ithilien.html|title=Interview: Ithilien|website=timvv9.blogspot.be|access-date=2017-03-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124653/http://timvv9.blogspot.be/2017/01/interview-ithilien.html|archive-date=2017-03-13}}</ref>

In Latin America is also possible to find folk metal bands with [[modern Paganism|modern Pagan]] and [[Ethnic religion]] lyrics. [[Mexicayotl]] is common between Mexican bands, while [[Pacha Mama]] for South American bands with [[Andean]] roots. [[Indigenismo]] is also a common topic, varying between far-righ and far-left postures depending of each band. Similar to the European folk and Pagan metal scene, Latin American scene deals with certain controversial sub-movements. Some examples are [[Kukulcan (band)|Kukulcan]], [[Yaocuicatl]], [[Tlateotocani]], and [[Mictlan (2005 Mexican band)|Mictlan]] (not to be confused with the other Mexican band of the same name that also play folk metal), [[Nican Tlaca]], [[Nexcoyotl]], and [[Tlillan Calmecac]], all of them influenced by the 1933 fascist movement [[Revolutionary Mexicanist Action]] and the works of fascist authors like [[Miguel Serrano]]. Most of the forementioned bands are or were signed to the [[Organización Nacional Socialista Pagana|O.N.S.P.]] and [[Culto Solar Records]], both NSBM labels.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://onsp-hispanoamerica.blogspot.com/p/origenes-del-onsp.html | title=ONSP - Orden Nacional Socialista Pagana: Orígenes del O.N.S.P }}</ref> In the other hand, bands such as [[Yaotl Mictlan]], [[Ahpuch Oztoc]], [[Yanaconas (Argentinian band|Yanaconas]], and [[Aztra]] shows an [[indigenismo]] posture influenced by far-left and Marxist views, including a pro-[[EZLN]] thematic.

== See also ==
* [[Pagan metal]]
* [[Viking metal]]
* [[List of folk metal bands]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Folk music}}
{{Heavy metal music}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Folk Metal}}
[[Category:Folk metal| ]]
[[Category:Heavy metal genres]]