Are you a fan of metal music? Do you enjoy the epic tales of the Norse gods and their battles? Then Viking metal is the perfect sub-genre for you. With its unique blend of heavy metal and Nordic folk music, Viking metal has gained a significant following in recent years. In this article, we will be discussing the top 15 best Viking metal bands to buy in 2022.
What is Viking Metal?
Before we dive into the list of the best Viking metal bands, let's first define what Viking metal is. Viking metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal that draws inspiration from Nordic mythology and folklore. The music often incorporates traditional Nordic instruments, such as the nyckelharpa and the lur. The lyrics are typically about Norse mythology, Viking history, and battles.
Viking metal is a relatively new genre, emerging in the 1990s. Some of the pioneers of the genre include Bathory, Enslaved, and Burzum. Since then, the genre has grown in popularity, with many new bands emerging and gaining a following among metal fans.
How We Chose The Best Viking Metal Bands
We chose the best Viking metal bands based on several factors, including:
- Quality of music
- Popularity among fans
- Relevance to Viking metal genre
- Innovation and creativity
Without further ado, here are the top 15 best Viking metal bands to buy in 2022:
1. Amon Amarth
Amon Amarth is a Swedish death metal band that has been active since 1992. The band's music is heavily inspired by Norse mythology and Viking history, and they have gained a massive following over the years. Amon Amarth has released eleven studio albums, including "Twilight of the Thunder God" and "Deceiver of the Gods." Their latest album, "Berserker," was released in 2019 and received critical acclaim.
2. Ensiferum
Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band that was formed in 1995. Their music features a blend of traditional Nordic folk music, power metal, and death metal. Ensiferum has released eight studio albums, including "Iron" and "One Man Army." The band's latest album, "Thalassic," was released in 2020 and received positive reviews from fans and critics alike.
3. Falkenbach
Falkenbach is a German Viking metal band that was formed in 1989. Their music features a unique blend of black metal and Nordic folk music, and they are known for their epic and atmospheric soundscapes. Falkenbach has released seven studio albums, including "Heralding – The Fireblade" and "Tiurida." Their latest album, "Asa," was released in 2021 and was well-received by fans.
4. Moonsorrow
Moonsorrow is a Finnish pagan metal band that was formed in 1995. Their music features a blend of black metal, folk music, and progressive rock. Moonsorrow has released eight studio albums, including "Verisäkeet" and "Jumalten Aika." The band's latest album, "Jumalten Aika," was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim.
5. Bathory
Bathory is a Swedish black metal band that was formed in 1983. They are considered one of the pioneers of the Viking metal sub-genre and have influenced many bands in the genre. Bathory has released twelve studio albums, including "Blood Fire Death" and "Hammerheart." The band's founder and main songwriter, Quorthon, passed away in 2004, but their legacy lives on.
6. Turisas
Turisas is a Finnish folk metal band that was formed in 1997. Their music features a blend of power metal, symphonic metal, and Nordic folk music. Turisas has released five studio albums, including "The Varangian Way" and "Stand Up and Fight." The band's latest album, "Turisas2013," was released in 2013 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
7. Tyr
Tyr is a Faroese Viking metal band that was formed in 1998. Their music features a blend of traditional Nordic folk music and heavy metal. Tyr has released ten studio albums, including "By The Light Of The Northern Star" and "Hel." The band's latest album, "Hel," was released in 2019 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
8. Heidevolk
Heidevolk is a Dutch pagan metal band that was formed in 2002. Their music features a blend of black metal, folk music, and Viking metal. Heidevolk has released seven studio albums, including "Batavi" and "Vuur van Verzet." The band's latest album, "Vuur van Verzet," was released in 2018 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
9. Einherjer
Einherjer is a Norwegian Viking metal band that was formed in 1993. Their music features a blend of black metal, folk music, and Viking metal. Einherjer has released nine studio albums, including "Odin Owns Ye All" and "The Viking's Art." The band's latest album, "North Star," was released in 2021 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
10. Windir
Windir was a Norwegian black metal band that was active from 1994 to 2004. Their music features a blend of black metal and Nordic folk music. Windir has released five studio albums, including "1184" and "Arntor." The band's founder and main songwriter, Valfar, passed away in 2004, but their legacy lives on.
11. Månegarm
Månegarm is a Swedish Viking metal band that was formed in 1995. Their music features a blend of black metal, folk music, and Viking metal. Månegarm has released nine studio albums, including "Nattväsen" and "Fornaldarsagor." The band's latest album, "Fornaldarsagor," was released in 2019 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
12. Skálmöld
Skálmöld is an Icelandic Viking metal band that was formed in 2009. Their music features a blend of traditional Nordic folk music and heavy metal. Skálmöld has released six studio albums, including "Börn Loka" and "Vögguvísur Yggdrasils." The band's latest album, "Sorgir," was released in 2018 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
13. Wardruna
Wardruna is a Norwegian Nordic folk band that was formed in 2003. Their music features traditional Nordic instruments and vocals, and they are known for their atmospheric and meditative soundscapes. Wardruna has released six studio albums, including "Gap Var Ginnunga" and "Skald." The band's latest album, "Kvitravn," was released in 2021 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
14. Korpiklaani
Korpiklaani is a Finnish folk metal band that was formed in 2003. Their music features a blend of traditional Nordic folk music and heavy metal. Korpiklaani has released eleven studio albums, including "Voice of Wilderness" and "Kulkija." The band's latest album, "Jylhä," was released in 2021 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
15. Finntroll
Finntroll is a Finnish folk metal band that was formed in 1997. Their music features a blend of black metal, folk music, and Nordic folk music. Finntroll has released seven studio albums, including "Jaktens Tid" and "Nifelvind." The band's latest album, "Vredesvävd," was released in 2020 and received positive reviews from fans and critics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viking metal is an exciting sub-genre of heavy metal that draws inspiration from Nordic mythology and folklore. The top 15 best Viking metal bands to buy in 2022 are Amon Amarth, Ensiferum, Falkenbach, Moonsorrow, Bathory, Turisas, Tyr, Heidevolk, Einherjer, Windir, Månegarm, Skálmöld, Wardruna, Korpiklaani, and Finntroll. These bands are known for their quality of music, popularity among fans, relevance to the Viking metal genre, and innovation and creativity.
If you're a fan of metal music and Viking history, we highly recommend checking out these bands. Each one offers a unique take on the Viking metal genre, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're looking for epic and atmospheric soundscapes or fast and aggressive riffs, there's something for everyone in the world of Viking metal.