Top 10 Songs About Vikings
Vikings were Norse (Northern European) seafarers who raided and traded across Europe during the late 8th to late 11th centuries (aka the Viking Age). In old English the word for viking was "wicing"(pirate).Vikings were brave warriors. In the 21st century vikings got attention thanks to historical TV drama series Vikings on History channel.
Songs about vikings often include Norse Mythology and the words Valhalla, Odin and Valkyries:
- Valhalla is the afterlife hall of the slain (the equivalent of 'Heaven' in Christian tradition)
- Odin / Oden is a god who also rules Valhalla
- Valkyries are females who bring people dying in a battle to the afterlife hall of the slain (Valhalla) and the god Odin.
Almost the entire Amon Amarth discography is about the vikings and there will be many songs by them on this list but I tried to make a diverse top 10 that includes other bands.
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow.
Hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new land.
To fight the hordes and sing, and cry.
Valhalla, I am coming.
Always sweep with, with threshing oar.
Our only goal will be the western shore.
This song is very important to me, because it's the song that got me into Metal. When it comes to songs about Vikings, this is an easy number one.
This song made me a death metal fan - I didn't like death growls before it. But I liked very much the riff to this song and I somehow forgot about the death growls that always bothered me before. Now growls don't bother me - they entertain me.
"Odin! Guide our ships
Our axes, spears and swords
Guide us through storms that whip
And in brutal war"
It's about a viking dying in a battle waiting for the valkyries to come and bring him to Valhalla (Heaven) and the god Odin.
"Here I lie bleeding
Odin, I await the
The battle rages on
When the battle is lost and the slain ones are chosen
Valkyries will guide us home
And finally I hear them say
Carry on
For Valhalla awaits you"
A song obviously referring to the Great Heathen Army that invaded England in 865 led by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok.
A metal song released in 2017:
"See the raven fly, it's Odin by our side".
A song of 1985. Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto
"I am a warrior, my mind is set to kill
Life or death is on the line
I am a slayer and you will taste my steel
I've got your life right in my hand
As the shores of my home disappear
I sail over the sea without fear
Dragon ships are charging through the waves
Just want to sail away, far away into the sea"
Raise your swords up high!
See the black birds fly!
Let them hear your rage!
Show no fear!
Attack!
Charge your horses across the fields
Together we ride into destiny
Have no fear of death, when its our time
Oden will bring us home, when we die!
The ground trembles under us
For many this is the best Amon Amarth song but I put it lower than The Pursuit of Vikings because this song is more about the vikings' Gods than the vikings.
We are the warriors of the north
Notorious and brave
We're old but strong as before
And we don't fear the grave
From the south an army rises
They ride under cross of gold
From the shades we're called
In a time of crisis
To defend the king now weak and old
A great song of one of the ten best power metal bands.
Longboats have been sighted the evidence of war has begun
Many Nordic fighting men their swords and shields all gleam in the sun
Call to arms defend yourselves get ready to stand and fight for your lives
Judgment day has come around so be prepared don't run stand your ground
We came across a strange device
A mystic portal into another time
Where vikings ruled the land and sea
Such mighty treasure they did hold
We killed them all to steal their gold!
[Chorus]
You put your faith in Odin and Thor
We put ours in cannons and whores
Your viking gods won't save you now
When pirates strike from the starboard bow
As we awaken and behold
The crystal seas and ships of gold
To the colored winds our sails arise
The distant shore before us lies
Winds of Odin whisper
Over silent waves, no trace remains
We have found a new horizon
Far beyond the stars that shine above
No retreat, no remorse
Victory will be ours
Blood on steel, sacrifice
Victory will be ours
Under the winter skies
We stand glorious!
And with Oden on our side
We are victorious!
Fierce is the gale
From the north sea
We drink and rejoice from the chalice
Holding the course
Through long nights and days
The ice and the hail bear no malice
Tow the line
Keep it fine
Every man seeks this end