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Best Folk Metal Bands
truemetalThe Top Ten
1 Ensiferum
Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band from Helsinki. The members of the band label themselves as "melodic folk metal."
Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band from Helsinki. The members of the band label themselves as "melodic folk metal." Great vocals, great instrumental and amazing theme!
Absolutely amazing! They have such huge variation in each of their songs, with melodic instrumentals and powerful vocals. Definitely one of my favourite bands of all time.
Best folk metal band ever...
Guardians of fate, warriors without war, heroes in dream, kings of Finland, and the best band ever - Odinest
11 Comments
2 Eluveitie
Eluveitie is life, eluveitie is love.
Call of the Mountains, Isaara, Luxtos, King and Inis Mona are just masterpieces.
in my opinion, Eluveitie should be on the top.
Folk music + heavy metal + dragon & valkyrie' vocal
What could have been better? M/
They're simply amazing! The songs are so beautiful, just listen to songs like "inis mona"!
35 Comments
3 Wintersun
Wintersun is a metal band from Helsinki, Finland and was originally created by guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter and vocalist Jari Mäenpää as a side project to folk metal band Ensiferum for whom he was lead singer and guitarist.
Wintersun is a metal band from Helsinki, Finland and was originally created by guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter and vocalist Jari Mäenpää as a side project to folk metal band Ensiferum for whom he was lead singer and guitarist. I wouldn't really call them Folk Metal, more on the lines of Avant-garde Power Metal, or Symphonic Power Metal; great band none-the-less and definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.
Symphonic folk metal. Everything they do is literally gold. Jari and his team makes wonderful music. Sons of winter and stars, fly into the sky, dark of the sun. Still waiting for the new album, though.
That's not folk metal but I love this band jari and kai are real geniuses
It must be in the number 1 position! This band is so very much great!
4 Comments
4 Korpiklaani
Korpiklaani is my first choice without thinking here! Was deeply surprised not to see them in top 3. I'm sure they will climb higher. They are a most fine representation of Folk Metal, not too extreme as Ensiferum is for that matter, and very uplifting! And the lyrics very much match the mood the music creates! Korpiklaani is Folk Metal!
It's impossible of being on a bad mood when listening Korpiklaani.
Their songs are simply wonderful, seems that they were born with their instruments in the hand. They are just the best. I am a big folk metal fan, and they are my favourite.
Korpiklaani is the group that defined the term folk metal without them we will don't have folk metal
Not just the best folk metal band but also the best metal band ever.
6 Comments
5 Tyr
Týr is a Faroese heavy metal band. Their subject matter revolves almost entirely around Viking lore, mythology, and history, taking their name from the Norse god of law and justice.
Týr is a Faroese heavy metal band. Their subject matter revolves almost entirely around Viking lore, mythology, and history, taking their name from the Norse god of law and justice. There debut album "Eric the Red" will also be on repeat for me
The best folk metal ever!
I wish they would come to Georgia in The States. Every time I want to see them preform live, they are no where near me. I guess you could say it makes me shed a "Tyr".
My first folk metal band and until now one of the best for me
4 Comments
6 Equilibrium
Equilibrium is a German folk metal band. The band's music combines elements of folk music, power metal, black metal and symphonic metal with various other influences.
Equilibrium is a German folk metal band. The band's music combines elements of folk music, power metal, black metal and symphonic metal with various other influences. How I got into Folk metal in the first place
This band have song that one of the best music ever created, and that is "MANA".
If it weren't for these guys, I wouldn't have discovered folk metal in the first place. - LostDream258
They don't play Folk Metal. They play Pagan Metal. - UniqueUser
6 Comments
7 Finntroll
Finntroll is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland. They combine elements of black metal and folk metal.
Finntroll is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland. They combine elements of black metal and folk metal. It may not be the most technical of the bands out there, but it is certainly top-of-the-class folk metal! Catchy, folky melodies mixed with black metal and everything else possible.
They should be in the top 5 I think. they rock, I can make Party when they are playing, I almost lose my mind!
This is the best folk metal band
Should be much higher
2 Comments
8 Alestorm
Alestorm is a heavy metal band originally from Perth, Scotland. Their music is characterized by a pirate theme, and as a result they have been dubbed a "pirate metal" band by many critics and their fanbase.
Alestorm is a heavy metal band originally from Perth, Scotland. Their music is characterized by a pirate theme, and as a result they have been dubbed a "pirate metal" band by many critics and their fanbase. This band got me into folk metal. However I am not surprised that they are so far down on the list as they are highly underrated
I like them. They have sense of humor. Great Band.
Listen Alestorm. Drink beer. Become a pirate
They just sound better than the rest.
9 Comments
9 Turisas
Turisas is a Finnish metal band from Hämeenlinna. They were founded in 1997 by Mathias Nygård and Jussi Wickström, and named after an ancient Finnish God of war.
Turisas is a Finnish metal band from Hämeenlinna. They were founded in 1997 by Mathias Nygård and Jussi Wickström, and named after an ancient Finnish God of war. A kickass combination of folk, viking and symphonic metals with all their upsides.
Turisas is just...amazing. The music itself varies like crazy & the stories are great! #1 Folk Metal band in my honest opinion.
Turisas number 1. Ensiferum is also really great, but Turisas wins! (but I'm not sure if Turisas is actually folk metal... )
best
2 Comments
10 Moonsorrow
Moonsorrow is a pagan metal band formed in Helsinki, Finland, in 1995. Musically, the band incorporates elements of black metal and folk metal in their sound.
Moonsorrow is a pagan metal band formed in Helsinki, Finland, in 1995. Musically, the band incorporates elements of black metal and folk metal in their sound. Without a doubt the premier PAGAN FOLK METAL BAND.
These guys should be WAY higher than 10th...
Magnificent, big, deep, heroic, beautiful
That band is really awesome! It caught my attention from only 1 song for them, my 2nd favourite folk metal band after Eluveite - nooreldeen
1 CommentThe Newcomers
? Nightwish
Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and lead singer Tarja Turunen. It's currently formed by Tuomas, Emppu, lead vocalist Floor Jansen, bassist and vocalist Marco Hietala, ...read more.
Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and lead singer Tarja Turunen. It's currently formed by Tuomas, Emppu, lead vocalist Floor Jansen, bassist and vocalist Marco Hietala, ...read more.The Contenders
11 Windir
Windir was a black metal band from Sogndal, Norway. The band combined black metal with folk music and mythology.
Windir was a black metal band from Sogndal, Norway. The band combined black metal with folk music and mythology. I mean, I voted for Ensiferum so I guess I'm not one to talk, but despite being #11, IT FEELS SO LOW ON THE LIST. WHY?! - Penguincamp
People don't know what real folk is anymore these days
11? really?
12 Thyrfing
Very melodic, yet powerful music. One of those bands, you will fall in love with, espacially when listening to their album "valdr galga". Just like me.
13 Agalloch
Agalloch was an American black/folk metal band from Portland, Oregon. They were formed in 1995 by frontman John Haughm. They released five studios albums, four EPs, two singles, one split single, two demos, four compilation albums, and one live video before disbanding in May 2016.
Agalloch was an American black/folk metal band from Portland, Oregon. They were formed in 1995 by frontman John Haughm. They released five studios albums, four EPs, two singles, one split single, two demos, four compilation albums, and one live video before disbanding in May 2016. what 14
Incredibly folky winter like atmospheric black metal! I love it
top five
Wow 😳
I can't understand another...
This band deserve to be one of the best bands in this genre 😐😐😐 please vote!
14 Mago de Oz
One of the best bands in actual history
They are amazing. They have a unique sound that has elements of folk metal, power metal, and symphonic metal with Celtic and some neoclassical influences (bringing in the violin as one of the many instruments played in their music). In their new album, Ira Dei, there is even some electronic music in their songs, like folk/power/symphonic metal with SYNTHS (pure genius, fight me)! I also love the vocals and they have two singers, one male and one female (they are both amazing and the female has to be one of my favorite female singers EVER). I love their music and their song Ira Dei in the new album of the same name is just a masterpiece. I added it to the list of Best Songs of 2019 and I want it higher. That’s how amazing it is. They are one of my current favorite bands too and by far the best examples of folk metal, and one of my two favorite bands from Spanish-speaking countries (they’re from Spain and their lyrics are in Spanish; the other is Stravaganzza). Sorry that this ...more - PhoenixAura81
Please, the guys are as old as Skyclad and they made Folk Metal popular in America (continent). They deserve a higher place because of the topics and musical composition they introduce in each album though...
Easily the best folk metal bands, and easily the best spanish band of all time. Only reason its not in the top 3 its cause its not famous outside of spanish speaking countries.
3 Comments
15 Unleashing Vengeance
16 Dalriada
Dalriada is a folk metal band from Sopron, Hungary that was formed in 1998 as Echo of Dalriada, but shortened their name to Dalriada in late 2006. Their third studio album Kikelet and all subsequent albums were successful in the top ten of the official Mahasz music charts.
Hungarian kickass-metalheads with a blond broad who is able to lure you into sweet slumber just to scream off your face afterwards. Epic, folk, speed, Hungarian poetry!
Their songs don't disappoint you! It's a shame that I never knew of them before 2016!
Detailed, epic, powerish
Epic, fast, kickass meta
17 Cruachan
Cruachan is a Folk Metal band from Dublin, Ireland that has been active since the 1990s. They have been acclaimed as having "gone the greatest lengths of anyone in their attempts to expand" the genre of folk metal.
Cruachan is a Folk Metal band from Dublin, Ireland that has been active since the 1990s. They have been acclaimed as having "gone the greatest lengths of anyone in their attempts to expand" the genre of folk metal. One of the first folk metal bands, and the founding fathers of Celtic Metal, a lot today's folk metal bands are goofy are more folk then metal but Cruachan takes there music (for the most part) and balances both genres perfectly. they may not be the most mainstream but they're still my favorite sense there one of the oldest and they fuse metal with the music I hold closest to my heart; Irish Celtic music.
Why are they so far back in a genre they helped create?
Cruachan is awesome. They're Irish, and their style is called Celtic Metal - ryanrimmel
18 Skyclad
I always though to me that Ensiferum and Týr were the best Folk Metal Bands ever but when I first heard SKYCLAD I feel inlove with the band and changed my oppinion leaving the other two behind, they are definitely the best Folk Metal Band Ever m/
19 Melechesh
20 Falkenbach
Falkenbach is a pagan black metal group from Germany that is signed to Prophecy Productions. The name means "Falconbrook" in German. The one permanent member is Vratyas Vakyas. They are one of the very first Viking metal bands, starting in 1989, with their first release that same year.
Falkenbach is a pagan black metal group from Germany that is signed to Prophecy Productions. The name means "Falconbrook" in German. The one permanent member is Vratyas Vakyas. They are one of the very first Viking metal bands, starting in 1989, with their first release that same year. Truley beautiful music, makes me want to climb a mountain and slay a dragon
True viking metal
This band really moves me, with its deep love of the viking culture, told over the top of some truly masterful music
Gorgeous music. The clean vocals remind me of being a child in my fathers arms as he sings me to sleep. So comforting.
21 Mithotyn
22 Heidevolk
A very talented and underrated band. I fell in love with their music. - RogerMcBaloney
Perfectly beautiful music! The guys' voices are sexy and the harmonies are amazing, not to mention the great instrumental component. Definitely my favorite!
Unique vocal style with two bass singers, great variation from soothing folk instrumentals to thundering anthems, well-researched mythological themes.
The best live performance I've seen in years. Absolutely amazing music, from the instrumentals to the duo'd vocals.
1 Comment
23 Finsterforst
An amazing German Folk metal band with unique sound and vocals. - RogerMcBaloney
24 Falconer
My favorite folk/power metal band.
Best Filk Metal band without question!
Mattias (singer) has that perfect Bard type of voice.
25 Manegarm
Amazing band with lyrics about vikings. I really recommend giving this band a listen! - RogerMcBaloney
The greatest of all time
26 Niburta
Something really new and amazing!
Best balcanic metal ever. :) Check out their new album. Vocals, instruments and power of their songs are killing from the first seconds! Damn good piece of music!
Try it! It's a piece of rage, melody, love etc.
At least not the 'typical' folk tunes from the icy North, but from the Balcan!
Nice guitar riffs (a bit similar to Eluveitie or somethin'), catchy tunes sung in so many languages: worths listening anyway.
27 Schandmaul
28 Amorphis
Amorphis is a Finnish metal band formed in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they have evolved into playing other genres, such as folk metal and progressive metal.
Amorphis is a Finnish metal band formed in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they have evolved into playing other genres, such as folk metal and progressive metal. LOL. THIS BAND SHOULD BE WAY UP THIS NUMBER. LMFAO
These guys become better every new release.
29 Skyforger
COME ON! SKYFORGER MUST BE MUCH HIGHER! - Mikbiter15
30 Einherjer
31 Winterstorm
32 Skiltron
Skiltron is an Argentinian folk/power metal band formed in 2004 by Emilio Souto. While a fusion between heavy metal and celtic music is common in many parts of Europe, it is uncommon in South America, and especially in Argentina, Skiltron being pioneers of the genre.
Skiltron is an Argentinian folk/power metal band formed in 2004 by Emilio Souto. While a fusion between heavy metal and celtic music is common in many parts of Europe, it is uncommon in South America, and especially in Argentina, Skiltron being pioneers of the genre. Totally underrated band. Epic mixing of bagpipes with complex guitar solos. Definitely one of the best.
33 In Extremo
One of my favorite folk metal bands! The songs Poc Vecem, Vollmond, Liam, herr mannelig, Mein Rasend Herz are very epic! Please listen to this songs you will understand why!
Surprised they aren't rated higher these guys are amazing! I fell in love the minute I heard Merseburger Zaubersprüche.
34 Metsatöll
Authentic instruments + metal, really underrated! There is more folk and definitely more metal than Korppiklaani.
There is just something in this, the band has that raw feeling, which makes it feel a little more authentic than other folk metal.
35 Bucovina
Romanian Metal m/
Guys, Bucovina is the best folk band from Romania, and one of the best folk bands in the world!
Because of them I started to like folk metal. I would deserve at least a place in the top 10.
So underrated
2 Comments
36 Suidakra
Oh man, I don't believe! 41th? Are you crazy guys? SUIDAKRA RULES! Since The first álbum!
37 Svartsot
38 Wolfarian
39 Trollfest
40 Wilderun
41 Northland
That band is just awesome, that's too bad that nobody know them.
42 Brezno
I agree, they are highly underrated. They should be at least in the top 20. I wouldn't say are good enough to be in the top 10 though.
I think they are pretty good! They were formed in Slovenia and each member utilizes powerful, melodic, and growling(sometimes) vocals. I personally think they could be the next big Folk Metal band if they had some more fans. If you or anyone else is interested in any of their songs, listen to these 2: Krst and Solze. Those songs are legendary in terms of melody and instrumentals.
43 Lou Quinse
Best newcomers! I think they are innovative! Hardcore influences, extreme metal and folk, I love them!
44 Wolfchant
Wolfchant has everything a folk metal band needs. They deserve to be higher than others on this list.
45 Gwydion
46 Tuatha de Danann
I'm surprised they're not ranked here already. Best folk celtic metal I've ever heard.
47 Vallorch
Great songs with original riffs, structures and sounds. A very nice female voice and male growl, what else?
48 Aquilus
49 Forefather
Criminally underrated.
50 FolkStone
Best folk metal band far away. Songs like Lo stendardo, Respiro avido, Nebbia are totally kick ass!
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List StatsCreated 12 Mar 2011
1,000 votes
70 listings
8 years, 247 days old
70 listings
8 years, 247 days old
Top Remixes (12)
1. Windir2. Thyrfing
3. Wintersun
damianichabod222
1. Ensiferum2. Wintersun
3. Korpiklaani
Bowbow
1. Tyr2. Korpiklaani
3. Ensiferum
metalsoldier99
View All 12
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