Ah, folk metal. One of the newest genres (besides dubstep metal of course), folk metal has taken off in a big way. Some folk bands are among the most popular metal bands out there currently (Ensiferum, Eluveitie and Korpiklaani come to mind).
Accordion = brutality
If you are not already aware (and are too lazy to look on Wikipedia), folk metal is a subgenre that combines, well, folk music and metal. Traditional folk instruments are used such as bagpipes, violins, flutes, etc. (I'm still not sure what a hurdy gurdy is though). The lyrics also take on a traditional tone and are usually in the band's native language. Some bands even play metal instruments in other styles (such as Finntroll and humppa).
It's also the only metal genre to consistently have solos on instruments other than a guitar. It's a nice change of pace to hear an electric violin (Turisas) or flute (Eluveitie) break up the song.
Every single folk metal band comes from Europe (don't correct me, this might as well be true), with at least 99% calling Finland their home. Yet another reason why the North American metal scene is lacking. By Metal-Archvies' count, there are 2869 bands from Finland. Those Finns sure know how to party. I bet there's a folk metal band playing at every street corner instead of a saxophonist.
Pictured: America
Needless to say folk metal is one of my favourite genres. There has to be some reason why every other concert I go to is folk. Why do no other genres come over here? Weird.. Oh well, I'm not complaining. It's great seeing the mosh pit made up of guys in kilts doing the can-can. Except when they start going crowd surfing (true story).
I'll end with one of my favourite folk metal songs, Inis Mona by Eluveitie. Stay folky.
Sorry when I'm posting something again :D Do you've ever seen one of the bands live? I've seen Korpiklaani and Eluveitie and I must say again that they're reaaally great live. In nearly one and a half week I'll see Ensiferum and I'm so happy about this because this is my favourite band over years. Go on with your blog, I think that's amazing :) Greetings, Kathrin
Hey Kathrin. No worries, you can comment as much as you like! :)
I do see bands live basically whenever they come to Canada (which isn't too often unfortunately). I've also seen Eluveitie and Ensiferum live, both were awesome bands. I'm seeing Korpiklaani live next week and I'm pretty excited for it.
You'll love Korpiklaani much more when you've seen them live, I'll promise you. They are really amazing and since I've seen them I love them much more than before! I wish you so much fun by their show!!! How is Ensiferum live? Can you tell that to me please? :) Greeting, Kathrin
I'm really looking forward to the Korpiklaani concert! Ensiferum is pretty great live. Sami Hinkka is the real highlight of their performance though. You can read about me seeing them live in my Sami Hinkka post :) It's under popular posts on the right.
Folkmetal is next to paganmetal the most brilliant genre at all and Korpiklaani is clearly indescribable great. ♥
about the hurdy-gurdy, it's a Bohemian stringed instrument, a crank operated mechanically and played over keys. played well it can sound really good :D I hope that's a clear sentence , sorry my english is not the best :D
I agree that folk metal and pagan metal are both great great genres!
Haha, I was just joking about not knowing what a hurdy-gurdy is. Though I have never seen them or heard them mentioned anywhere other than in the folk metal scene.
Sorry when I'm posting something again :D
ReplyDeleteDo you've ever seen one of the bands live?
I've seen Korpiklaani and Eluveitie and I must say again that they're reaaally great live.
In nearly one and a half week I'll see Ensiferum and I'm so happy about this because this is my favourite band over years.
Go on with your blog, I think that's amazing :)
Greetings, Kathrin
Hey Kathrin. No worries, you can comment as much as you like! :)
DeleteI do see bands live basically whenever they come to Canada (which isn't too often unfortunately). I've also seen Eluveitie and Ensiferum live, both were awesome bands. I'm seeing Korpiklaani live next week and I'm pretty excited for it.
I'm glad you like my blog :) Check back often.
-Zombie Viking
You'll love Korpiklaani much more when you've seen them live, I'll promise you. They are really amazing and since I've seen them I love them much more than before! I wish you so much fun by their show!!!
DeleteHow is Ensiferum live? Can you tell that to me please? :)
Greeting, Kathrin
I'm really looking forward to the Korpiklaani concert! Ensiferum is pretty great live. Sami Hinkka is the real highlight of their performance though. You can read about me seeing them live in my Sami Hinkka post :) It's under popular posts on the right.
DeleteFolkmetal is next to paganmetal the most brilliant genre at all and Korpiklaani is clearly indescribable great. ♥
ReplyDeleteabout the hurdy-gurdy, it's a Bohemian stringed instrument, a crank operated mechanically and played over keys. played well it can sound really good :D I hope that's a clear sentence , sorry my english is not the best :D
I agree that folk metal and pagan metal are both great great genres!
DeleteHaha, I was just joking about not knowing what a hurdy-gurdy is. Though I have never seen them or heard them mentioned anywhere other than in the folk metal scene.
great then it does not matter if my explanation is incorrectly translated ;DD
Deletehave you ever heard of Krampus , a great folk metal band from italy? ;D
I haven't heard of them, but I'll be sure to check them out :)
Deleteoh yeah you must! :) you must tell us then what you think about them :)
DeleteThere will be a post on Monday September 3rd about my impressions of Krampus :)
DeleteI'm looking forward and I hope you like them :D
Delete