Finntroll is a Finnish metal band from Helsinki that combines elements of black metal and folk metal. Finntroll's lyrics are mostly in Swedish, the only exception being the song "Madon Laulu" on Visor om slutet. Finntroll's original singer, Katla, decided to use Swedish over Finnish since he was part of a Swedish-speaking minority in Finland and the sound of the language seemed to better suit the band's "trollish" outfit. Despite several vocalist changes, this tradition has continued.
Finntroll at Rockharz Open Air 2016 in Germany
Finntroll at Masters of Rock 2007
Finntroll perform live at Bilston, Wolverhampton in October 2013
Guitarist Samuli "Skrymer" Ponsimaa at Rockharz Open Air 2018 in Germany
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