Viking Metal

Viking metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that draws its lyrical inspiration from Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age. The genre is characterised by its use of Norse-inspired themes, instrumentation, and imagery. The style was first developed in the early 1990s, primarily in Scandinavia, by groups such as Bathory, Enslaved, and Amon Amarth. Viking metal has since spread to other countries, particularly the United States and Germany, and continues to grow in popularity. Its sound is typically characterised by heavy riffs, melodic solos, and a combination of harsh and clean vocals. The lyrics often revolve around Norse mythology, Viking history, and paganism.