About Viking metal
Viking metal is a music genre that emerged in Norway, Finland and Sweden in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of black metal and folk metal.
Among the best-known names in the style are Bathory, Ensiferum, Liv Kristine, Quorthon and Olve Eikemo.
From Wikipedia
Viking metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by a lyrical and thematic focus on Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age. Viking metal is quite diverse as a musical style, to the point where some consider it more a cross-genre term than a genre, but it originated out of black metal with influences from Nordic folk music. Common traits include a slow-paced and heavy riffing style, anthemic choruses, use of both sung and harsh vocals, a reliance on folk instrumentation, and often the use of keyboards for atmospheric effect.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Viking metal.
Key artists
- Bathory
- Ensiferum
- Liv Kristine
- Quorthon
- Olve Eikemo
Related genres
National Socialist black metal
1990s · Europe
Unblack metal
1990s · Australia
Early Norwegian black metal scene
Norwegian music scene
Blackened death metal
subgenre of heavy metal music
Depressive black metal
1990s
Celtic metal
1990s · Ireland
Pirate metal
1980s · Germany
Melodic black metal
1990s · United States
Frequently asked questions
What is Viking metal?
Viking metal is a music genre that emerged in Norway, Finland and Sweden in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of black metal and folk metal.
Where and when did Viking metal originate?
Viking metal originated in Norway, Finland and Sweden in the 1980s.
Who are famous Viking metal artists?
Bathory, Ensiferum, Liv Kristine, Quorthon and Olve Eikemo.