Home of fika, meatballs, Ikea and some absolutely fantastic metal, I am absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to discovering new folk/pagan/power metal bands from this wonderful country.
Tag: metalhead
Kamelot – The Shadow Theory
I really, really want to like this album. I really do. I’ve heard great things about Kamelot and on paper they sound like exactly my kind of band, but this albun really didn’t meet my expectations. I can tell the music itself is really well written and thought out, but at times it almost seems like it’s too well thought out at times.
Borealis – The Offering
If you enjoy punchy power metal with heavy drums and symphonic elements, The Offering is an album you need in your collection. It will definitely be joining mine.
North Hammer – Stormcaller
Overall it’s a great folk metal album, and if you like your folk metal on the heavier side it’s definitely an album you need to check out, and North Hammer is definitely a band you need to keep your eye on!
Iahsari – Shrine of the Ancient Gods
If you like your tracks with long instrumentals, then this is definitely an album you want to be checking out, and a band you want to be keeping an eye on in the future.
Arkona – Khram
This album keeps you on edge, you don’t know what to expect, but it all fits together.
Thaurorod – Coast of Gold
If you like your power metal cheesy, fast and great, this album is something you need to expose your ear drums to.
Jörmungand – Zwischenwelten
A beautiful black metal concept album with elements of melodic, symphonic and folk metal. Thank you to the guys in Jörmungand for letting me have a listen to this pre-release!
Visigoth – Conqueror’s Oath
Old school heavy metal mixed with modern power metal.
HRH Metal at the O2 Academy, Birmingham
A briliant weekend full of brilliant bands.
Northern Extremity Jorvik Viking Festival Special feat. Sköll, Valafar, Sellsword, Isarnos
A fantastic live show worthy of Valhalla!
Grimner – Vanadrottning
I would highly recommend this album to anyone that has an even passing interest in folk metal. I am a little mad at myself for not finding out about this band earlier, as they are fast becoming one of my favourite bands of the genre!
Dalriada – Nyárutó
Brilliant folk metal from Hungary with an Eastern European influence.
Vanaheim – The House Spirit
The whole EP is a brilliant four-track concept which flows into one long tale over a night in the forest. I hope to hear more from this band in the future!
Atorc – Seven Tales of Swords & Ale
I see a lot of potential in the growth of Atorc in becoming one of the foremost folk metal bands in the UK. I’m excited to hear what they have to offer in the future.
Heidevolk – Vuur van Verzet
This album has everything I could want from a Heidevolk album, and I very much look forward to their promised UK tour this year to be able to experience some of these tracks live.
Songs to Jig To
No, that’s not a typo in the name. These are five of my favourite songs to have a good old dance to. In no particular
Ensiferum – Two Paths
You can tell straight away that this is an Ensiferum album, it has a familiarity about it yet is brand new and packs a punch. For me hearing familiar melodies and instrumental tones is no bad thing, if a band are good at what they are doing, they should stick to it and that is exactly what Ensiferum have done here.
Ostara Metal 