1. Katatonia
Type of music: Progressive Metal
Originating in Sweden, Katatonia has been around for over 24 years. The band started off as a death metal/doom metal act, but their music has evolved over time into something much more along the lines of progressive metal. Their lyrics often deal with topics such as despair or death. The band’s name was inspired by the psychiatric condition Katatonia, characterized by an absence of motor activity or violent episodes.
Song to listen to: Soil’s Song
2. Arkona
Type of music: Folk Metal
The Russian band Arkona is highly regarded as one of the best international pagan metal acts, their music being widely known around the world. Their music is heavily based on Russian folklore and Slavic mythology, their name referencing the last Slavic pagan city-castle.
Song to listen to: Skvoz Tuman Vekov
3. Alcest
Type of music: Post-metal/shoegaze
This French band (which really only consists of one member, Neige) combines post-metal, black-metal and shoegaze sounds, producing an atmospheric, almost contemplative sound in their music. The concept and much of the material for the band was inspired by the dreams Neige had as a child.
Song to listen to: Sur L’Océan Couleur de Fer
4. Metsatöll
Type of music: Folk Metal
Estonia is home to the band Metsatöll, whose name translates to a euphemism for “wolf”. Their lyrics are as powerful as their music, combining a heavy sound with traditional instruments in which invokes the urge to go to battle. Their music concerns the Estonian wars for independence during medieval times as well as Estonian folklore.
Song to listen to: Vaid Vaprust
5. Negură Bunget
Type of music: Black Metal
Hailing from Romania, Negură Bunget puts a much darker spin on Transyvanian folklore as well as nature thanks to the power of black metal. Combined with the traditional sound of the instruments from their homeland, their music creates a mystical, atmospheric sound that will transport you right in the middle of the Carpathians.
Song to listen to: Pămînt
6. Carach Angren
Type of music: Symphonic Black Metal
Symphonic Black Metal band Carach Angren create beautiful melodies that will move you and blend it with chilling lyrics, and guitar and vocals that will frighten you. The concept for their albums range from urban legends, war, and the terrors of everyday life to ghosts and the legend of the Flying Dutchman.
Song to listen to: Van Der Decken’s Triumph
7. Primordial
Type of music: Black/Folk Metal
For over 22 years, Primordial has been producing music in which discusses Ireland’s history and Irish heritage. Their music blends together sounds of black metal and Irish folk music to create a haunting, powerful sound echoing Ireland’s past.
Song to Listen to: Empire Falls
8. Eluveitie
Type of music: Folk Metal
Originating in Switzerland, Eluveitie’s music blends together folk music and metal in order to tell the story of the Gaulish tribes and their battles with the Romans.
Song to listen to: Grey Sublime Archeon
