Viking metal is a genre of metal that draws heavily on Scandinavian Folklore and history. It has its origins in the early 1990s, and is closely associated with Viking-themed bands such as Bathory, Amon Amarth, and Marduk. Viking metal is characterized by a blend of heavy metal riffs and traditional Scandinavian folk instruments such as fiddles, flutes and horns. The lyrical themes are drawn from Norse mythology, Viking sagas and more. Viking metal bands often incorporate Viking-style clothing, shields and drums into their live performances.
The music of Viking metal bands combines the aggressive energy of heavy metal, with the subtle melodies of traditional Scandinavian folk music. The sound of Viking metal typically includes distorted guitars, with a range of tempos from quick and frenetic to slow and marching-like. Distortion is often used to create an atmosphere of grim, historic battles. Additionally, some songs feature acoustic guitars, pianos, and even bagpipes. The lyrical content of Viking metal bands typically includes stories of Norse mythology and Viking sagas, providing listeners with a captivating history lesson.
Though Viking metal began as a subgenre of black metal, it has since evolved to incorporate a variety of metal sounds, and to include bands from many different countries. Viking metal is popular not only in Scandinavia, but also in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In recent years, several Viking metal festivals have been established to celebrate the music and the themes of Viking history and culture.
Viking metal bands have a long history of influencing other metal genres, including extreme metal, folk metal, and symphonic metal. Artists like Enslaved, Amon Amarth, and Manegarm have drawn from the sound of Viking metal, creating their own unique blend of metal and folk. Additionally, some bands, such as Turisas and Glittertind, have incorporated Viking metal into their own unique take on power metal.
The popularity of Viking metal is increasing as more listeners become fascinated with the history and mythologies of the northern Europe region. Fans of Viking metal are typically those with an interest in Norse mythology, Viking history, and Scandinavian culture. As the genre continues to grow, more Viking metal albums and festivals are appearing, giving fans a chance to experience the captivating music and stories of the Viking Age.
