Amorphis is a Finnish heavy metal band founded by Jan Rechberger, Tomi Koivusaari, and Esa Holopainen in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they evolved into playing other genres, including progressive metal and folk metal. They frequently use the Kalevala, the epic poem of Finland, as a source for their lyrics.
Amorphis performing in 2018
Amorphis in 1992 with Jukka Kolehmainen of Abhorrence
Amorphis playing at Tuska 2009
Santeri Kallio at Metal Frenzy Festival 2017 in Gardelegen
Folk metal is a fusion genre of heavy metal music and traditional folk music that developed in Europe during the 1990s. It is characterised by the widespread use of folk instruments and, to a lesser extent, traditional singing styles. It also sometimes features soft instrumentation influenced by folk rock.
Subway to Sally, seen here performing live at the 2005 Sundstock Openair, has been credited as setting off medieval metal.
A.A. Nemtheanga fronts the Irish Celtic black metal act Primordial.
Orphaned Land is a leading performer of oriental metal.
Nine Treasures performing at WOMEX 15, Budapest