Medieval Metal
Medieval Metal blends heavy metal with traditional medieval folk music, creating an epic and often energetic sound characterized by prominent use of historical instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and various horns, alongside electric guitars and powerful drums. This subgenre of folk metal emerged in the mid-1990s, primarily in Germany where it's known as Mittelalter-Metal, drawing influence from both metal's intensity and the historical authenticity of medieval folk acts like Corvus Corax. Key artists defining the genre include Subway to Sally, In Extremo, and Schandmaul. Its unique fusion offers a distinct cultural experience, transporting listeners to an ancient, mythical past.
More about Medieval Metal
Medieval metal, known in German as Mittelalter-Metal, is a subgenre of folk metal that marries the power of heavy metal with European medieval and folk music. It took root in Germany during the 1990s, fuelled by growing interest in medieval re-enactment, medieval markets and renaissance fairs. A pivotal moment came in Berlin in 1994 when a collaboration between rock band Noah and members of Corvus Corax gave birth to In Extremo, one of the genre's absolute pioneers.
Medieval metal is distinguished by the integration of ancient instruments: bagpipes, flutes, hurdy-gurdies, harps, lutes and citterns stand alongside electric guitars, bass and drums. The result is a sound that is simultaneously epic and festive, anchored in an unapologetic medieval imagery. Lyrics, often in Latin, Old High German or Middle English, evoke battles, taverns, courtly love and ancient cosmology. Many bands perform in period costumes as part of fully theatricalised stage shows.
Today's scene is dominated by long-standing German pillars. In Extremo and Saltatio Mortis regularly top the German charts, while Subway to Sally and Schandmaul cultivate a more intimate acoustic-electric sound. TANZWUT and CORVUS CORAX bring a darker, more ritualistic approach, and Eluveitie adds a Celtic dimension from Switzerland.
Medieval metal flourishes at the great Mittelalterfestivals across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Wacken Open Air, Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum and the many open-air medieval markets form the natural stages of a genre that perpetuates a millennial heritage under the amplifiers.