Melechesh is an ethnically Assyrian black metal band that originated in Jerusalem and is currently based in Amsterdam. Ashmedi started the band as a solo project in 1993. In the following year, guitarist Moloch and drummer Lord Curse were added to the line-up. The band's goal was to create a type of black metal incorporating extensive Middle Eastern influences mainly based on Assyrian (Mesopotamian) and occult themes ; the band invented the title "Mesopotamian metal" or "Sumerian Black Thrashing Metal" to best describe their type of metal. They are sometimes referred to as oriental metal.
Live at Hole in the Sky, Bergen Metal Fest 2007
Ashmedi
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