Folk metal
73594
223953818
2008-07-06T17:55:34Z
J Milburn
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All Music Guide has now been rebranded to Allmusic using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]]
{{Infobox Music genre
|name=Folk metal
|bgcolor=#BB0022
|color=white
|stylistic_origins=[[Heavy metal music]]<br />[[Folk music]]
|cultural_origins=Early to mid 1990s across [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]]
|instruments=[[Electric guitar]] - [[Bass guitar|Bass]] - [[Drum kit|Drums]] - [[Singing|Vocals]] - [[Folk instrument]]s
|popularity=Europe since the early 2000s
|derivatives=
|subgenrelist=Heavy metal music
|subgenres=[[Celtic metal]] - [[Oriental metal]] - [[Mittelalter rock|Mittelalter metal]]
|fusiongenres=[[Viking metal]]
|regional_scenes=Germany − Ireland - Scandinavia
|other_topics=[[List of folk metal bands]]
}}
'''Folk metal''' is a sub-genre of [[heavy metal music]] that developed in [[Europe]] during the 1990s. As the name suggests, the genre is a fusion of heavy metal with [[folk music]]. This includes the widespread use of [[folk instrument]]s and, to a lesser extent, traditional singing styles.
The earliest exponent of folk metal was the English band [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]]. Their debut album ''[[The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth]]'' was released in 1990 and for a few years, they were the only known folk metal band in existence. It was not until 1994 and 1995 that other early contributors in the genre began to emerge from different regions of Europe as well as in Israel. Significant among these were the bands [[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]], [[Orphaned Land]] and [[Subway to Sally]], each creating a different regional variation that over time became known as
[[Celtic metal]], [[oriental metal]] and [[mittelalter rock]] respectively. 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]] 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 instruments|keyboards]] to simulate the sound of folk instruments. Lyrics in the genre commonly deal with [[paganism]], [[nature]], [[fantasy]], [[mythology]] and [[history]].
== History ==
=== Origins ===
[[Image:Skyclad wayward.jpg|thumb|left|''[[The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth]]'' by [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]] is the earliest folk metal album.]]
{{cquote|It was always my heartfelt dream to see the energy of Metal music mixed with elements from more traditional styles.|200|50|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 |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>}}
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{{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.
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{sample box end}}
The [[England|English]] band [[Skyclad (band)|Skyclad]] was formed in 1990 after vocalist [[Martin Walkyier]] left his previous band, [[Sabbat (band)|Sabbat]].<ref name="allmusic Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Bush, John |title=AMG Skyclad |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:h9fuxqe5ldje~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> an effort described by Ed Rivadavia of [[Allmusic|Allmusic]] as "ambitious" and "groundbreaking."<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Ed |title= AMG ''The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:k9fuxqu5ldhe |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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="Rockdetector Skyclad">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Skyclad Biography |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,8159.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> With a full time [[fiddle]] player 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"/> Skyclad has since been credited as the originators and pioneers of the genre<ref name="Metalstorm Skyclad"/><ref name="Sky Eat">{{cite web |author=O'Neill, Wade |title=Skyclad |publisher=Metaleater.com |url=http://www.metaleater.com/features-skyclad07142005.php |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}<br />{{cite web |title=Skyclad |publisher=Bnrmetal.com |url=http://www.bnrmetal.com/v2/search.php?name=skyclad |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> with Keith Fay of the band [[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]] recognising Skyclad as "the creators of folk metal."<ref>{{cite web |author=Palmares, Pedro |url=http://cruachan.metalfan.nl/media_archives/interviews/diehard_inter.htm |title=Interview with Keith Fay of Cruachan |publisher=cruachan.metalfan.nl |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
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="Rockdetector 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 folk and [[Middle East]]ern influences.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |title=''Under Satanae'' Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/moonspellunder.htm |publisher=About.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> With the release of their debut album ''[[Wolfheart]]'' in the following year, the band made a transition into [[gothic metal]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Melzer, Alexander |title=''Wolfheart'' Review |url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=1&id=487 |publisher=Metal-observer.com |accessmonthday=April 8 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kxfrxqrkldhe |accessmonthday=February 28 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
Another early contributor to 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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fzfrxqy5ld6e~T1 |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/amorphis-farfrom.shtml |publisher=Popmatters.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Amorphis Biography |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,379.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
=== Regional variations ===
In the years 1994 and 1995, three distinct variations on folk metal emerged from different regions.
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{{multi-listen item|filename=Orphaned_Land_-_The_Sahara's_Storm.ogg|title=Orphaned Land's "The Sahara's Storm" (1994)|description=This 28 second sample from [[Orphaned Land]]'s debut album ''[[Sahara (album)|Sahara]]'' provides a demonstration of [[oriental metal]].|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|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''.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Cruachan_-_To_Invoke_The_Horned_God.ogg|title=Cruachan's "To Invoke The Horned God" (1995)|description=[[Celtic music]] collides with heavy metal in this 27 second sample from [[Cruachan (band)|Cruachan]]'s debut album ''Tuatha Na Gael''.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen end}}
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==== Oriental metal ====
{{main|Oriental metal}}
[[Image:Orphaned Land 1.jpg|thumb|[[Orphaned Land]], seen here performing live at the 2007 [[Summer Breeze Open Air]], is a leading performer of [[oriental metal]].]]
The [[progressive metal]] outfit [[Orphaned Land]] was formed in 1991 in Israel with their first and only demo ''[[The Beloved's Cry]]'' released 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.rockdetector.com/artist,31041.sm |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> that "quickly drew attention to their unorthodox style."<ref name="allmusic Orphaned">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Ed |title=AMG Orphaned Land |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:gxfyxqyaldae~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Members of the group were still teenagers when they released their debut album ''[[Sahara (album)|Sahara]]'' in 1994.<ref name="Observed Land">{{cite web |author=Melzer, Alexander |title=Interview with Matti Svatizky of Orphaned Land |url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=4&id=6417 |publisher=Metal-observer.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> The music of Orphaned Land "borrow heavily from Middle Eastern music styles"<ref name="allmusic Orphaned"/> with traditional elements coming from both Jewish and Arabic folk music.<ref name="FB OL">{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Orphaned Land |url=http://www.frombelow.dk/interview_orphanedland.htm |publisher=Frombelow.dk |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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"/>
The year 1993 saw the formation of [[Melechesh]] in [[Jerusalem]], "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/officialbio,5756.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gzfexqu0ld0e |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Other oriental metal acts emerged thereafter with the band [[Distorted]] notably forming 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 |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
==== Mittelalter rock ====
{{main|Mittelalter rock}}
[[Image:Subway To Sally (Sundstock 05).jpeg|thumb|[[Subway to Sally]], seen here performing live at the 2005 Sundstock Openair, has been credited as setting off [[mittelalter rock]].]]
The East 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 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Subway to Sally |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,8693.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 | author= |title=Subway to Sally |url=http://www.gothtronic.com/?page=23&band=476 |publisher=Gothtronic.com |accessmonthday=March 31 |accessyear=2008}}</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 [[Mittelalter rock|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 |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector In Extremo |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,31166.sm |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Another band that has experienced commercial success in Germany is the [[Bavaria]]n outfit [[Schandmaul]].<ref name="Rockdetector Schandmaul">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Schandmaul |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,37096.sm |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Describing themselves as the "minstrels of today,"<ref name="Goethe"/> the band employs a musical arsenal that includes the bagpipes, [[barrel organ]], shawm, violin and mandolin.<ref name="Rockdetector Schandmaul"/>
==== Celtic metal ====
{{main|Celtic metal}}
[[Image:Alan Averill.jpg|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=Rockdetector Cruachan Biography |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,1998.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kvfexq8kldae~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</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 [[Black_metal#The_Second_Wave|second-wave black metal movement]]."<ref>{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=AMG Primordial |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:3pfwxq9jldse |accessmonthday=March 12 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 12 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 12 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Other early representatives of Celtic metal include the bands [[Geasa (band)|Geasa]] and [[Waylander (band)|Waylander]]<ref name="Chad"/> with both groups releasing a demo recording in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Geasa |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,3567.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 12 |accessyear=2008}}</ref><ref name="Rock Way">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Waylander |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,31039.sm |accessmonthday=March 12 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
=== Development ===
From the middle of the 1990s, other bands gradually emerged to combine heavy metal with folk music. [[Storm (band)|Storm]] was a short lived [[Norway|Norwegian]] supergroup with [[Fenriz]], [[Sigurd Wongraven]] 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=Rockdetector Storm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,8607.sm |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Empyrium |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,2940.sm |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:k9ftxq90ldke~T1 |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> With epic music that was "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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dvfixqykldke~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and [[Thyrfing]].<ref name="Vansin">{{cite web |author=Serba, John |title=''Vansinnesvisor'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:09frxqqaldde |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Mägo de Oz |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,31016.sm |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[The Lord Weird Slough Feg]] from [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] also had an early formation dating back to 1990.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector The Lord Weird Slough Feg |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,9127.sm |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Their self-title [[The Lord Weird Slough Feg (album)|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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
The [[Moravia]]n 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=Rockdetector Silent Stream of Godless Elegy |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,8060.sm |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
=== Explosion ===
{{cquote|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.|200|50|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 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>}}
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{{multi-listen item||filename=Finntroll-slaget vid blodsalv.ogg|title=Finntroll's "Slaget vid Blodsalv" (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]]''.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Korpiklaani - Wooden Pints.ogg|title=Korpiklaani's "Wooden Pints" (2003)|description=This 21 second sample from [[Korpiklaani]]'s third album ''[[Spirit of the Forest]]'' features the prominent use of [[violin]]s.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
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[[Image:Masters of Rock 2007 - Finntroll - 07.jpg|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=Rockdetector Finntroll |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,21234.sm |accessmonthday=March 14 |accessyear=2008}}</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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hifuxq80ldfe~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> They have since developed a reputation for being "obsessed with all things [[troll]]ish."<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes">{{cite web |author=Sanneh, Kelefa |title=Finnish Folk-Metal, in Swedish, Plus Trolls |publisher=Nytimes.com |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/22/arts/music/22finn.html |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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"/> 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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3cfqxql0ldde |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 23 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hpfwxzw5ldfe |accessmonthday=March 23 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
Finntroll's second album ''[[Jaktens Tid]]'' was released in 2001 and became a chart success in their native Finland.<ref name="Trolls detect rock"/> 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=Rockdetector Korpiklaani |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,42128.sm |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |author=Van Horn, Jr., Ray |title=Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen of Korpiklaani |url=http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/interview_iss37_193.php |publisher=Maelstrom.nu |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> an "in house restaurant band" created in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Shaman |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,34183.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> An album of folk music was released under this name before Jonne Järvelä relocated and formed a new band [[Shaman (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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 [[Sami languages|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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
[[Image:Metalmania 2007 - Korpiklaani - Jonne Järvelä 04.jpg|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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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, Ed |title=AMG Moonsorrow |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fifpxqwaldte~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Moonsorrow |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,31288.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</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, Ed |title=''Suden Uni'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dnfexqwald6e |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> The adoption of folk elements was "becoming all the rage" in Finland by this point<ref name="AMG Cadacross">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Ed |title=AMG Cadacross |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jbftxqyaldhe~T1 |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</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, Ed |title=AMG Ensiferum |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jnfoxqwald0e~T1 |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and later on [[Turisas]]<ref name="AMG Turi">{{cite web |author=Deming, Mark |title=AMG Turisas |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dzfwxqudldje~T1 |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and [[Wintersun]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Ed |title=AMG Wintersun |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:abfrxqyaldhe~T1 |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Ensiferum |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,31337.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com accessmonthday=March 23 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
Folk metal acts are not uncommon in the other Scandinavian countries. 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=Rockdetector Otyg |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,6611.sm |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Norway has produced 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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[Lumsk]],<ref name="Rock Lumsk">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Lumsk |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,34572.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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=Rockdetector Metsatöll |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,34963.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[Raud-Ants]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Raud-Ants |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,52433.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[Obtest]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Huckins, K. |title=''Is Kartos I Karta'' Review |url=http://www.deadtide.com/reviews/albums/page.php?id=2747 |publisher=Deadtide.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and [[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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> while representatives from [[Russia]] include [[Alkonost (band)|Alkonost]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Alkonost |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,32726.sm |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> More isolated examples across Europe include [[Balkandji]] from [[Bulgaria]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Balkandji |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,46562.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[Elvenking (band)|Elvenking]] from [[Italy]]<ref name="Rock King">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Elvenking |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,31164.sm |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and [[Eluveitie]] from [[Switzerland]].<ref name="Rock Elu">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Eluveitie |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,45924.sm |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3pfixqwkldke |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
== Characteristics ==
=== Music ===
[[Image:Tyr in Hamburg 0224.JPG|thumb|left|With influences that include [[Dream Theater]], the Faroe Islanders [[Týr (band)|Týr]] blends [[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 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>]]
The music of folk metal is a diverse collection with bands pursuing different subgenres of heavy metal music. While bands like Primordial, Melechesh and Finntroll perform black metal, other groups such as The Lord Weird Slough Feg and Mägo de Oz 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 Rockdetector Biography |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,44781.sm |publisher=Rockdetector.com |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Progressive tendencies can be found among some bands including Elvenking<ref>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''The Scythe'' Review |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:k9fqxzrhldae |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Lumsk<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> and Týr.<ref>{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=AMG Týr |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:avftxqq0ldje~T1 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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<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 Norwegian act [[Glittertind (band)|Glittertind]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Glittertind |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,41766.sm |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and the [[neofolk]] and [[post-rock]] tendencies of [[Agalloch]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Hill, Gary |title=AMG Agalloch |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kbfoxqljldde~T1 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
{{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}}
{{Listen
|filename=Melechesh - Genies, Sorcerers And Mesopotamian Nights.ogg
|title=Melechesh's "Genies, Sorcerers And Mesopotamian Nights" (2001)
|description=This 30 second sample from [[Melechesh]]'s second album ''[[Djinn (album)|Djinn]]'' demonstrates the use of [[Middle Eastern music|Middle Eastern rhythms]] set in a blistering [[black metal]] approach.
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
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The folk elements in the genre often reflect the ethnic background of the musicians as is the case for the Scandinavian folk music in Finntroll<ref name="Trolls in NYTimes"/> and Korpiklaani,<ref name="Voice of Ramos"/> the Baltic folk music in 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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Skyforger<ref name="Chadforger"/> or the Middle Eastern background of Orphaned Land<ref name="allmusic Orphaned"/> and Melechesh.<ref name="Djinn"/> Celtic music can be found among such Irish groups as Cruachan and Waylander<ref name="Chad"/> as well as bands outside Ireland like 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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Tuatha de Danann.<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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:h9frxq8dldte |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Ensiferum<ref name="Victory">{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=''Victory Songs'' Review |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jxftxzq5ld6e |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 15 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}<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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}<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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> while Agalloch are known for their "depressive ambient" sound.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Ed |title=''Of Stone, Wind and Pillor'' Review |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hxftxqu0ldke |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfrxzqhldae |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Turisas<ref name="Varangian">{{cite web |author=Monger, James Christopher |title=''Varangian Way'' Review |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:abfqxz95ldae |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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, Ed |title=''Wintersun'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:w9ftxqlsld0e |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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, Ed |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:knfexquald0e |title=''Nattfödd'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 23 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Månegarm<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title='Vredens Tid'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_manegarm_tid.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Melechesh.<ref name="Emissaries">{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=''Emissaries'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hzfwxqrrld6e |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
=== Instruments ===
[[Image: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=Chroniclesofchaos.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 24 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Numerous folk metal acts include a dedicated [[violin]]ist in their line up. This includes Skyclad,<ref name="Rockdetector Skyclad"/> Subway to Sally,<ref name=Rock Sally"/> Schandmaul,<ref name="Rockdetector Schandmaul"/> Mägo de Oz,<ref name="Rock Mago"/> 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=Rockdetector Tuatha de Danann |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,32977.sm |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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"/> 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="Rockdetector Schandmaul"/> and [[Morgenstern (Mittelalter band)|Morgenstern]].<ref name="Rock Morg">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Morgenstern |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,31630.sm |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Some bands are also known to highlight more exotic instruments from their ethnic background or country, including [[Skyforger]]'s use of the Latvian [[kokle]],<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 |publisher=Malestrom.nu |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Korpiklaani's use of the Finnish [[kantele]]<ref name="Tartare Korpi"/> and Orphaned Land's use of the [[oud]] and [[saz]].<ref name="FB OL"/>
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"/> Tuatha de Danann,<ref name="Rock Tua"/> and Turisas.<ref name="Rock Turisas">{{cite web |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |title=Rockdetector Turisas |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist,43180.sm |accessmonthday=March 17 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
[[Image:Skyforger 16127 Cernunnos Fest 11.jpg|thumb|[[Skyforger]], seen here performing with bagpipes at the 2007 Cernunnos Fest in [[Paris]], [[France]], initially 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2008}}</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"/> 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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and [[Summoning (band)|Summoning]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Bowar, Chad |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/b/2006/05/09/summoning-interview.htm |title=Interview with Summoning |publisher=About.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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="Rockdetector Schandmaul"/> Cruachan,<ref name="Rock Cru"/> Korpiklaani,<ref name="Rock Korp"/> Turisas,<ref name="Rock Turisas"/> and Midnattsol,<ref name="Rock Mid"/> while septets include 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 |author= |title=Åsmund Frægdegjevar |url=http://www.lumsk.no/article/articleview/203/1/85/ |publisher=Lumsk.no (Lumsk official website) |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 ===
{{sound sample box align right|Music samples:}}
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{{multi-listen item|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 (band)|Shaman]]'s second album ''[[Shamaniac]]''.}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Orphaned_Land_-_The_Kiss_Of_Babylon_(The_Sins).ogg|title=Orphaned Land's "The Kiss Of Babylon (The Sins)" (2004)|description=Female and male vocalists alternate [[Middle Eastern music|Middle Eastern folk singing]] in this 30 second sample from [[Orphaned Land]]'s third album ''[[Mabool]]''.}}
{{multi-listen end}}
{{sample box end}}
The diverse range of music styles and instruments are 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> In contrast, bands like Mägo de Oz<ref name="Gaia"/> and Metsatöll<ref>{{cite web |author=Cray, Wesley D. |title=''Hiiekoda'' Review |publisher=Metal-observer.com |url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=1&id=8460 |accessmonthday=April 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Windir<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:k9fqxqr0ldde |title=''Sóknardalr'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Korpiklaani.<ref>{{cite web |author=Begrand, Adrien |title=''Tales Along This Road'' Review |publisher=Popmatters.com |url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/korpiklaani_tales_along_this_road/ |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Skyforger<ref name="Sky Below">{{cite web |author=Fjordi |title=Interview with Rihards Skudrîtis of Skyforger |url=http://www.frombelow.dk/metal_skyforger_interview.htm |publisher=Frombelow.dk |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> The music of Orphaned Land also feature the use of chants and choirs, commonly featured in the genre of folk metal. Bands that are known to use a choir includes 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> while chants can be found in the music of Melechesh,<ref name="Emissaries"/> Folkearth,<ref>{{cite web |author=Kalis, Quentin |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-5008_folkearth_a_nordic_poem.aspx |title=''A Nordic Poem'' Review |publisher=Chroniclesofchaos.com |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Windir.<ref>{{cite web |author=Escandon, Rodrigo |title=''Likferd'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_windir_likferd.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Some bands like [[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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:avftxqyaldje |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Serba, John |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:09frxqqaldde |title=''Vansinnesvisor'' Review |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 18 |accessyear=2008}}</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."<ref name="Observed Land"/> 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 |accessmonthday=March 19 |accessyear=2008}}</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 mittelalter rock 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 |accessmonthday=April 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[Morgenstern (Mittelalter band)|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|accessmonthday=April 10 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=April 10 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
Lead female singers are not uncommon in the genre and can be found in Distorted,<ref name="Distorted"/> Cruachan,<ref name="Rock Cru"/> Otyg,<ref name="RD Otyg"/> Lumsk,<ref name="Rock Lumsk"/> Arkona<ref name="Arkona"/> and Midnattsol.<ref name="Rock Mid"/> Other groups like Orphaned Land and Elvenking have employed guest female vocalists in their music.<ref name="Candyland"/><ref name="Rock King"/>
=== 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 |accessmonthday=February 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Consequently, the lyrics of Skyclad have been known to deal with pagan matters.<ref name="Rockdetector 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 |author=Roon, Samuel J. |title=Interview with Ville Sorvali of Moonsorrow |url=http://www.nonelouder.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1528828%3ABlogPost%3A4049 |publisher=Nonelouder.com |accessmonthday=February 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=February 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Skyforger.<ref>{{cite web |author=Melzer, Alexander |title=Interview with Peter Kvetkovskis of Skyforger |url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=4&id=6995 |publisher=Metal-observer.com |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
[[Image: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=Chroniclesofchaos.com |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Vintersorg<ref>{{cite web |author=Ulrey, Jeremy |title=Interview with Andreas Hedlund of Vintersorg |publisher=Chroniclesofchaos.com |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-1014_vintersorg.aspx |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |author=Los Muertos, 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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Skyforger is known for featuring lyrics based on both the history and mythology of their Latvian culture.<ref name="Modern Sky"/> Melechesh also deals with myths and history, drawing inspiration from Ancient [[Mesopotamia]] for their Middle Eastern sounds.<ref name="McKay"/> Other bands that have treated history to song include Falconer,<ref name="Neon Falcon"/> [[Arafel]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Eck, Markus |title=Interview with Felius of Arafel |publisher=Metalmessage.de |url=http://www.metalmessage.de/Interviews/arafel-engl.htm |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> 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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
A few [[National Socialist black metal]] (NSBM) bands like the [[Ukraine|Ukrainians]] [[Nokturnal Mortum]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Dicks, Britton |title=''Mirovozzrenie'' Review |url=http://www.metalcoven.com/review_nokturnal_miro.html |publisher=Metalcoven.com |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> [[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 |accessmonthday=March 13 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> He further suggests that the NSBM bands are playing folk metal "for all the wrong reasons." Due to the [[Fascist symbolism#Non-fascist use|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"/> Moonsorrow,<ref>{{cite web |author=Michael |title=Interview with Mitja Harvilahti of Moonsorrow |publisher=Feindesland.de |url=http://www.feindesland.de/interviews/_17_Interview_Moonsorrow2005.html |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Månegarm<ref>{{cite web |author=Westlund, Adam |title=Interview with Erik Grawsiö and Pierre V. Wilhelmsson of Månegarm |url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=4&id=13370 |publisher=Metal-observer.com |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> and Týr<ref name="Tyr FAQ">{{cite web |author=Týr |title=Is Týr a facist, nazi or racist band? |url=http://www.tyr.net/site/faq.htm |publisher=Tyr.net (Týr official website) |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |accessmonthday=May 3 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> Richard Lederer of Summoning has also publicly denounced National Socialism in a self-penned essay on his band's website.<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard Lederer ("Protector") |title=Political Statements |publisher=Summoning.info (Summoning official website) |url=http://www.summoning.info/Stuff/PoliticalStatements.html |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> In April 2008, performers on the folk metal festival [[Paganfest]] were subject to accusations of being Nazis, racists and fascists from the German [[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 |medium= |url=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xr1iWvL4A0 |publisher=Youtube.com |year2=2008 |accessdate=2008-05-05}}</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.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94861 |accessdate=2008-05-05}}</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"/>
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"/> and humor.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sheaks, Matthias |title=''Folkemon'' Review |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:g9fyxqr0ldhe |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hpfwxzw5ldfe |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</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 their [[masculinity]] to listen to such lyrics as their 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 |accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>
== See also ==
*[[List of folk metal bands]]
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== External links ==
* [http://heavymetal.about.com/od/folkmetal/Folk_Metal.htm Folk metal] at [[About.com]]
* {{de icon}} [http://www.folkmetal.de/ Folk, Viking, Pagan, Medieval]
{{Folk music}}
{{heavymetal}}
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