Folk metal

Subject: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:59 PM

Anyone else curious? Or can point me good places?

I've been trying to dig further into folk metal lately, and I am not finding anything quintessentially British that is current - odd since Skyclad are generally credited with inventing the genre.

I'm more interested in using the metal approach to reinforce folk, rather than folk to flavour metal.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:35 PM

Alestorm..

Scots folk pirate metal..

[fairly similar in sound and style to viking folk metal band Turisas ]

worth a few minutes quick investigation .. maybe ..???


http://www.myspace.com/alestorm

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Hamish
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 01:04 AM

Well I have been known to do "Another One Bites the Dust" in a folk style...

...that may not be quite what you mean, though.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 03:27 AM

I think folk metal is mainly performed by Scandinavians, Germans and Slavs nowadays.
Heck, there is even Tuvan throat-singing metal, can't get much direr than that.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 03:33 AM

For Scandinavian bands try 'Hedningarna' and 'Hoven Droven' I have a few CD's by both bands and they kick butt! Especially 'Tra' by 'Hedningarna'
For Tuvan metalase try 'Yat-Kha' I would start with their live album from 2001.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Charley O'Neill
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 05:06 AM

What about Sheffields, Glory Stokes Ceilidh Band ? Check em out

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 05:15 AM

Alestorm - well, good production values, song content almost camp in the way it self-guys, and for me hard to see as a continuum of the folk spectrum.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Locksley
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 05:21 AM

I have to ditto the mention of Glorystrokes. Absolutely superb, and I think they are doing the ceilidh at Cecil Sharp House on 20th, IIRC. They also have a myspace page at www.myspace.com/glorystrokes.

Would Peatbog Faeries count as metal too? They're rocky, but I'm not sure how far towards metal they really are...

L

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:05 AM

I like the Peatbog Faeries, but they are very rooted in Scottish/Celtic and I would put them in rock rather than metal.

I have now had s listed to Glorystrokes and I like bits - but of course I hate piano (except for Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and some classic boogie-woogie players) and I'm not sure about the way the humpty button melodeon is in use - I see it for dance, but maybe not what I am looking for. And on balance I think I'd put them in rck rateer than metal.

Must do some work and stop surfing!

The style I like is quite towards Bluehorses, but more actual folk song and I'm not sure I'm keen on the drummer...

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Joe G
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:30 AM

I love Glorystrokes - I was amazed to find that the group includes members of Crucible whose music is equally good but in much more traditional vein.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:36 AM

You could try Cruachan - but again very much in the cel**c /Irish tradition.

Elfcall

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Joe P
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:39 AM

Glorystrokes are more glam maybe?

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:42 AM

I always thought Folk Metal meant Pewter !!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Jayto
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:47 AM

The Legendary Shack Shakers mixes Appalachian folk with metal and punk. They are one of my fav bands. They have alot of influences so some you may not hear any folk in but the majority you do.

Golgol Bordello is gypsy/punk/metal they are really cool as well. Not as hard core metal as some of the bands mentioned. Balkan Beat Box is an offshoot band of Golgol Bordello and they are in the same vein. I dig both of them alot.

cya
JT

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 11:52 AM

Hednigarna interesting but definitely not folk metal from my perspective. Possibly twisted folk or acid folk.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:02 PM

Not gettng Yat-Kha. Remind me a bit of Jack Bruce's lifetime without Jack Bruce.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:09 PM

Outlandish Knights positively cerbrative in relation to where I think I am going - remind me bit in places of "Hocus Pocus". Very good, but not the direction I am hunting.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:19 PM

what does cerbrative mean?

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Dunc McF
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:31 PM

Our guitarist (Geoff Taylor) is from a (very) metal background.
Whether we've tamed him too much isn't my call.
We play mostly English Trad songs (despite two Scots in the band!!)
and are proud our reviews have always stressed the 'Englishness' of our material rather than lazyily dub us 'Celtic'!

Not Folk metal, then - But try this, Richard?...
http://www.myspace.com/theduncanmcfarlaneband

'Live' we're much heavier than on CD (I'm told!)
Over and out - Duncan

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:17 PM

Mistype. Cerebrative.

Listening now

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:28 PM

Very nice stuff nicely done Duncan. Not sure how it relates to metal - indeed in places more folk than folk-rock.

Ah well, I needed to go and have a rummage and see what I found.

Rummaging.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Acorn4
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:40 PM

I've heard Ozzie Osbourne always has a Child ballad up his sleeve!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 08:31 AM

My 16 year old son loves 'Korpiklanni' from Finland. Very good they are!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 08:32 AM

They are indeed - but they are not metalling British folk music, they are metalling Finnish and Swedish folk music (and folklore).

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Jayto
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:51 AM

Most of the Folk Metal bands I have heard are Scandinavian. I really like hearing this mixture and wish more American and British bands would venture into this genre.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:34 AM

Try this for size, Richard!

Chuck Owston

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:05 AM

When Bach, used folk tunes, the result was Baroque music--not something flled folk-baroque.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:54 AM

i was clutching at straws even suggesting Alestorm..

[pantomime pirate folk metal !!!???..
do they do bookings for childrens birthday parties ..]

..clearly, providing a list of really excellent scandinavian and central/northern
european pagan medieval folk metal bands is so much easier


but us Brits seem to me to be virtually nonexistent in this most positively interesting and creative genre..

..actually.. musically, i wouldn't mind having a go at it,
i love loud guitars and battle drums and bagpipes..

but think all the stage costume mud, woad, and animal skins
might create havoc
with heat rashes during summer gigs..

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:19 PM

As mentioned above, Korpiklanni are fab. They're playing at Leeds Rio's on December 5. I can heartily recommend Tyr from the Faroe Islands as well. Loads of trad melodies but they stick to rock instruments.

Apart from Alestorm, who are quite a good laugh live, and Fintroll, I've only come across one recent British example, The Clan Destined, but they are another Martin Walkyier project. A little heavier than Skyclad but pretty good in its own way.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:48 PM

Thnk you Spleen. Nice dog on his myspace page. I'm sure that was a drum machine on one of the tracks! Aimed at rock not metal, but good go for a bloke my age!

I'm liking some of this band (so long as the bird sings, not the bloke)

DIsturbed

Off to try the Walkier connection

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:56 PM

No! There is no folk in the Clan Destined and the metal is dogshit, so are the vox and production.   Some fair shredding. And there appears to be rap noise called "Clan Destined" which is very confusing.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 01:19 PM

Still nothing UK-ish to touch Bluehorses

Billy Boy

Barbra Ellen (not as heavy as some of theirstuff)

Wraggle-Taggle Gypsies -O

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:33 PM

Mesen' & t'band are regularly requested to do our versions've SQ's 'Rockin' al over the World/ Sweet Caroline' set!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Acorn4
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 04:26 AM

I remember it from Shrewsbury, Mr H, and a fine rendition it was indeed!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 05:21 AM

Having noticed some interest in Hoven Droven, please be aware; they are already booked for Shrewsbury 2009.

All the Best

Alan

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 05:34 AM

Not metal here, but psychedelic folk-rock. Get quite heavy at times, especially on the first album, Hazy Days. Pop chums with the Bluehorses.

Mary Jane

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 05:36 AM

And here is their My Space

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 07:57 AM

Thank you Spleen

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Musket
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 08:05 AM

About 30 years ago, when I was in a rock band on a Saturday night and at the folk club on the Sunday, I once went to Sheffield City Hall to watch a rock band of the day, possibly Judas Priest, Hawkwind or whatever, and was totally bowled over by the support band.

Mamas Boys, came from Northern Ireland and a fusion of heavy rock c/w jigs & reels, with a wizard fiddle player. I decided that my two musical sides should melt together in a similar way, but a) couldn't get my bassist to visit a folk club and b) couldn't get my mates at the fold club to go electric.

c) Still dreaming....

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 11:04 AM

I just get the feeling that this sort of stuff has the same effect on the folk world as alcopops have on the world of discerning cask beer drinkers - totally destroys the sense of taste.
Probably just me...
Ray

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 11:43 AM

QUOTE: "I just get the feeling that this sort of stuff has the same effect on the folk world as alcopops have on the world of discerning cask beer drinkers - totally destroys the sense of taste.
Probably just me..."

Probably...

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 01:26 PM

Oh no, when it first hit these shores, Two Dogs was refreshingly different.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Jayto
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 02:17 PM

I don't think it will have a bad effect on folk at all. I think it may spur some people to look into folk more. I know I heard a song years ago that was an alt country song that had a heavy appalachian folk overtone. I loved it so much I got to looking into appalachian folk more and before long I was in love with folk in general. If it hadn't been for that song exposing me to folk by adding it as an element to the song who knows where I would be today musically. I think it will spur thought and exploration and end up drawing people to folk that may not have came otherwise.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 08:52 PM

You're probably right, Jayto. Thinking back a few years it was skiffle that got me into Old Time music.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 01:58 PM

I'm sure I read somewhere that the surviving brothers from Mama's Boys formed Celtus who became reasonably popular with their "celtic" rock. Another pretty decent band in that vein are Dare formed by ex Thin Lizzy (now there's a band with the odd folk moment) keyboard player Darren Wharton.

I quite like The Clan Destined, Mr Bridge, but then I also like Leo Sayer so I'm no flag bearer for good taste!

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 05:18 AM

Blue Horses?
Blackmore's Night?

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: matt milton
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 06:32 AM

Check out Wolfmangler and Dead Raven Choir, if you don't know them already. Both are projects of D Smolken, a Polish-American musician.

Death metal played on acoustic instruments would be one description, but that would ignore the sparseness and dramatic use of silence in his music. Very much something you'll either love or hate. Me, I can't get past his Bela Lugosi goth vocals, but I like the music very much indeed.

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: s&r
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 06:52 AM

Thread drift (slightly) we just returne from Music Live at the NEC, and the thing we noticed most was that young performers on the open mic sets played heavy rock/metal/etc on acoustic guitars

Stu

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 08:34 AM

Blackmore's Night: --


http://www.myspace.com/blackmoresnight1



Nice sound - but hardly either folk metal or metal folk....

(and as for the Youtube clip were Night starts by calling Baez a folk singer - grrrr 1954195419541945!!)

Subject: RE: Folk metal
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 01:08 PM

BlueHorses I do mention above and very good they are.