Pagan Metal

Pagan metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that derives its themes and lyrics from Paganism, folklore, and ancient European traditions. The movement began in the early 1990s, with a handful of bands introducing Pagan themes into black and death metal. Since then, Pagan metal has grown into a global phenomenon, with bands from all corners of the world adopting its signature sound and aesthetic. The origins of Pagan metal can be traced back to the early black metal scene in Norway. In the early 1990s, bands such as Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone were defining the sound and aesthetic of black metal, which at its core was a rejection of modern Western society and a return to the pagan roots of Europe. These themes were reflected in the band's lyrics, which often featured references to Norse mythology, Viking history, and ancient European paganism. Around the same time, a handful of bands began to experiment with adding folk-inspired elements to their music. One of the first of these bands was In the Woods..., a Norwegian group that blended black metal with elements of folk music, creating a unique and atmospheric sound that would later be recognized as one of the progenitors of Pagan metal. Other bands soon followed suit, including Ulver, Moonsorrow, and Primordial. These groups took the folk influences even further, incorporating traditional instruments such as flutes and bagpipes, as well as incorporating samples of nature sounds and folk melodies into their music. As the genre grew in popularity, Pagan metal soon became recognized as a distinct subgenre in its own right. In addition to its folk-inspired sound, the genre also came to be defined by its lyrical themes, which often explore the mythologies, legends, and ancient cultures of Europe. One of the most influential bands in the genre is Heidevolk, a Dutch group that sings exclusively in Dutch and focuses on the history and mythology of the Netherlands. Another important band is Falkenbach, a German outfit that infuses its black metal with elements of Nordic folk music. Pagan metal has also become a global phenomenon, being embraced by bands from all over the world, including Russia's Arkona, Sweden's Finntroll, and the United States' Helsott. Outside of its musical influences, the Pagan metal movement has also been associated with the broader Pagan revival that has occurred in Europe and North America in the last few decades. Many bands in the genre are known for their fierce pride in their cultural identities, and their music often serves as a way to connect with their ancestral roots.

Moonsorrow: A Finnish band considered one of the pioneers of pagan metal. They blend black metal and folk elements with soaring melodies and epic song structures, often sung in their native language. Primordial: Hailing from Ireland, Primordial combines elements of black metal, folk, and post-rock to create an atmospheric and introspective sound that explores themes of mythology, history, and identity. Falkenbach: A solo project of German musician Vratyas Vakyas, Falkenbach creates music that draws on Norse mythology and folk traditions. Their sound combines distorted guitars and harsh vocals with acoustic instruments and clean singing. Skyforger: This Latvian band draws on the folklore and traditions of their native country to create epic, anthemic songs that mix elements of black, folk, and pagan metal. They often feature traditional instruments such as bagpipes and zithers in their music. Turisas: This Finnish band's sound blends elements of folk metal and power metal, with strong emphasis on melodic hooks and catchy choruses. Their live shows are known for their theatricality, with members wearing elaborate costumes and makeup. Eluveitie: A Swiss band that incorporates traditional Celtic instruments into their sound, Eluveitie's music combines elements of folk, melodic death metal, and black metal. They often sing in Gaulish, a language spoken by the ancient Celts. Ensiferum: Another Finnish band, Ensiferum's sound mixes folk instrumentation and melodies with thrashy riffs and harsh vocals. Their lyrics often deal with themes of battle and mythology. Korpiklaani: A Finnish band that started out as a folk group playing traditional Karelian music, Korpiklaani has since evolved into a metal band that infuses their sound with polka rhythms, accordion, and fiddle. Their lyrics often celebrate drinking, partying, and the joys of life. Týr: Hailing from the Faroe Islands, Týr creates music that combines traditional Faroese melodies and instruments with elements of folk, power, and progressive metal. Their lyrics often explore Norse mythology and historical events. Arkona: A Russian band that draws on Slavic mythology and history to create their music. They combine black metal and folk elements with clean singing and traditional instruments such as the balalaika and flute. Their live shows often feature elaborate costumes and pagan-inspired theatrics.

1. Bathory - "Under the Sign of the Black Mark" 2. Enslaved - "Vikingligr Veldi" 3. Moonsorrow - "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" 4. Falkenbach - "En Their Medh Riki Fara..." 5. Primordial - "The Gathering Wilderness" 6. Finntroll - "Jaktens Tid" 7. Amon Amarth - "With Oden on Our Side" 8. Kampfar - "Mellom Skogkledde Aaser" 9. Korpiklaani - "Tales Along the Milky Way" 10. Taake - "Hordalands Doedskvad" 11. Turisas - "The Varangian Way" 12. Eluveitie - "Slania" 13. Thyrfing - "Urkraft" 14. Agalloch - "Ashes Against the Grain" 15. Týr - "Land" 16. Skyforger - "Zobena Dziesma" 17. Windir - "Arntor" 18. Ensiferum - "Ensiferum" 19. Helheim - "Jormundgand" 20. Månegarm - "Vargstenen" 21. Suidakra - "Emprise to Avalon" 22. Myrkgrav - "Trollskau, Skrømt og Kølabrenning" 23. Einherjer - "Odin Owns Ye All" 24. Obtest - "Tukstantmetis" 25. Heidevolk - "Uit Oude Grond"

One book on the topic is "Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground" by Michael Moynihan, which explores the origins and evolution of the Black Metal scene, which often overlaps with Pagan Metal. The book describes the music as "a howling, shrieking, bloody celebration of the darkness of the human soul," painting a vivid picture of the genre's violent and controversial history. Another book that delves into the topic is "Folk Metal: The Creation of a New Metal Subgenre" by Keith Kahn-Harris, which provides a detailed analysis of the origins and development of Pagan Metal and other related sub-genres. Kahn-Harris notes that Pagan Metal has "had to navigate a number of contradictions and tensions, between its traditionalist and modernist influences, between its sense of a past that is lost and its attempts to reimagine a new future." Notable musicians and figures in the metal scene have also provided comments on Pagan Metal. Quorthon, the late lead singer of Bathory, a band often credited with pioneering the Pagan Metal genre, once stated, "Pagan Metal means to hold true to the old values in a new tradition. While others are blindly adoring their foreign gods and their concepts, we stick to the old cabin up on the mountain and our own set of beliefs." Additionally, Finnish musician Ville Sorvali, who fronts the Pagan Metal band Moonsorrow, has provided reflections on the genre. In an interview with No Clean Singing, Sorvali stated that "Pagan Metal acts as a bridge between the past and the present, as it usually combines old culture and traditions with modern music."

One of the key social factors that have contributed to the emergence and popularity of pagan metal is the rise of the internet. The internet has enabled musicians to easily connect with fans and other musicians from all over the world. This has helped to create a global community of pagan metal fans who can share information, music, and ideas. This, in turn, has facilitated the circulation of pagan metal outside of its country of origin. The cultural context of pagan metal is also important as it draws heavily on folk traditions and pagan mythology. The use of traditional folk instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipe, and flute is a defining feature of the genre. This instrumentation helps to create an atmospheric and evocative sound that draws the listener back to a more mythical and mystical past. The use of pagan themes in the lyrics also adds to the traditional feel of the music, as well as the mystical themes of nature, death, and rebirth. In addition to the rise of the internet and the exaltation of folk traditions, the growing interest in European paganism has also helped to fuel the popularity of pagan metal. Many people are drawn to the spiritual aspects of pagan beliefs and practices, and the music serves as a powerful medium through which to connect with these beliefs. Moreover, the interest in European paganism has been fueled by the broader cultural movement toward re-awakening traditional customs and ways of life. Notable record labels such as Napalm Records, Prophecy Productions, and Season of Mist have been instrumental in the development and promotion of pagan metal. Napalm Records, founded in Austria, has been an influential label since the early 90s and has developed a strong international presence. Prophecy Productions, based in Germany, specializes in atmospheric and folk-influenced black metal. Season of Mist, which is based in France, has also been an important player in the pagan metal scene. These labels have helped to bring the music to a wider audience and provide exposure to lesser-known artists. Journalists and critics have also played a crucial role in the development and promotion of pagan metal. Magazines such as Metal Hammer, Terrorizer, and Hard Rock have helped to popularize the genre by providing reviews, interviews, and features on pagan metal bands. Online publications such as Metal Injection and Heavy Blog Is Heavy have also been instrumental in helping to promote the genre and provide exposure to lesser-known bands.