viking metal
what it is
Viking metal is a subgenre of metal characterized by its "epic" heavy metal inspired approach, elements of nordic folk music, slower pacing, use of keyboards, dark and violent imagery, and, primarily, lyrical themes of Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age. Many people mistake viking metal for any metal with lyrical themes about Norse or Finno-Ugric mythology, heathenism etc; or with Folk metal in general. However, this is a musical style on its own.
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✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make viking metal a playlist
turn these 30 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is viking metal?
Viking metal is a subgenre of metal characterized by its "epic" heavy metal inspired approach, elements of nordic folk music, slower pacing, use of keyboards, dark and violent imagery, and, primarily, lyrical themes of Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age. Many people mistake viking metal for any metal with lyrical themes about Norse or Finno-Ugric mythology, heathenism etc; or with Folk metal in general. However, this is a musical style on its own.
What are good viking metal albums to start with?
Try Ensiferum by Ensiferum, Nordland I by Bathory, 1184 by Windir, and Fate of Norns by Amon Amarth.
Who are some women making viking metal?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/viking-metal/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making viking metal, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20