Folk Metal

Folk Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates traditional folk melodies, instruments and cultural influences into a heavy metal sound. It originated in Europe during the mid-1990s, and has since gained a wide following across the world. Folk Metal often combines traditional folk music, such as traditional European folk songs and melodies, with heavy metal instrumentation and aggressive, distorted guitar riffs. The sound of Folk Metal is often characterized by the use of traditional folk instruments, such as flutes, violins, accordions, bagpipes and mandolins, as well as modern heavy metal instruments, such as distorted electric guitars, bass guitars, drums and synthesizers. Folk Metal bands often incorporate traditional folk lyrics and imagery into their lyrics and artwork. The style has gained popularity over the years, and has seen bands from many different countries embracing the sound.