I checked out their song, “I am the Black Wizards” from the bands 1994 album, ‘In the Nightside Eclipse.’ I couldn’t help feeling that as the song traveled through its progressions, I had embarked on a medieval quest. Emperor came together in the ‘90s, releasing its last recording during the early 2000s. This next band hailing from Norway brings, in my opinion, a dark magical feel to Scandinavian metal, as their style is called black metal. Still, more importantly, this track has a serious and steady groove from the guitar, bass, and drums that create a perfect storm for the vocalist to rides atop the fast rhythm. After listening to their debut EP and then experiencing this track, I could hear the band’s journey. I listened to one of At the Gates’s most famous songs from the bands 1995 release, “Slaughter of the Soul,” also the title track on the album. In 2018, At the Gates released their sixth studio album, To Drink from the Night Itself, with a 2021 album in production. The self-titled second track ‘At the Gates’ got my attention when the primal vocals sounded off into the first minute of the song as I tried to make out the singer’s lyrics. I gave this album a listen, and I have to say that I found myself tapping my feet and bobbing my head to the bass and drums that seem to drive metal music. The bands on-again, off-again standing began in 1990, launching their first album, Gardens of Grief. Here’s a list of the best Scandinavian metal bands for your listening pleasure At the Gatesįirst up on my journey into the thrashing, Nordic sounds of Scandinavian metal is a metal band out Sweden called, At the Gates. The metal genre’s intensity makes me feel like having anything less would ruin the experience. I decided to share how I approached my maiden voyage across the ocean of Scandinavian metal on a speed boat (because sailing would take too much time). If you’re new to the genre, consider this an overview.
#Metal bands series#
Get to Know Scandinavian MetalĪs this music series on Scandinavian music continues, I’ll share a more in-depth look into the history of Swedish and Norwegian metal. Sounds like exactly what you need? Then the list below is for you. What makes Scandinavian metal music so popular? The rawness of the genre allows its musicians and listeners alike to let go of any angst in the form of primal screams and physical thrashing. Sweden forged its Scandinavian metal in a darker, more grim approach to metal called, death metal. Black metal hails from Norway and is identified as frenzied, with haunting keyboard melodies. Scandinavian metal, particularly black metal, or Viking metal and death metal, drew upon the region’s Norse mythology. Scandinavian metal, also known as extreme metal, first became popular in the Scandinavian underground during the 1980s, from bands first appearing out of Sweden and Norway. Well, let’s pretend that I’m that friend asking you to check out some music, only this time, we’ll explore it together! Let’s dive in. If you ever deviate from your favorites, it’s usually because of a friend recommendation. Most of us avid music listeners have our favorite genres, artists, and songs. But what if I told you that Scandinavian metal isn’t just for pure metal heads its charms are actually quite broad.
Scandinavian metal music may not have the widest fanbase, but it’s likely one of the most passionate you’ll come across, making it a lightning rod of interest even for those who aren’t necessarily into the music. The sound certainly stands in stark contrast to the way we perceive the calm and collected Scandinavian culture, and yet it has grown deep and meaningful roots in the region.
Why do Scandinavians love metal music? It could be that it allows an otherwise reserved people a way to express Big Feelings. Scandinavian metal music has inspired an intense fandom that stretches outside of the north and across the world. Scandinavian Metal, meaning metal hailing from Denmark, Sweden, Norway (and sometimes Finland and Iceland), is one of the most well-known of the region’s categories with a rich history and unique sound.