Satanic Black Metal VS. Viking/Folk Black Metal Black Metal Discuss Satanic Black Metal VS. Viking/Folk Black Metal in the Metal Genres forums; I think Viking metal is more catchy, wheras Pagan black metal is a little more grim. There's a melancholy ...

[Surma]

I think Viking metal is more catchy, wheras Pagan black metal is a little more grim. There's a melancholy feeling there, unlike Folk Metal for example, which is more about taverns. I think Pagan/NS black metal is mourning an ancient time wheras Viking/folk metal just takes inspiration from there, but maybe is a little less political> I'd say that for example that Graveland sounds very different to Ensiferum.

[Alfader]

I think you're right, but I wouldn't say Pagan BM is political in any way.

[mischmetall]

Folk and Black Metal are almost equally good to me. I prefer one over the other at different times,depending on my mood. But overall, I do prefer folk metal a bit more.

[Alfader]

I like Folk Metal in general, but of what I have experienced, I think really good bands are rare within the genre.

[Asura]

I know some good folk bands: Korpiklaani really good...sometimes amazing..


Skyclad

Finntroll

Cruachan--have listened to a few songs..


not necessarily folk black metal

[Surma]

If you like Cruachan you may appreciate other Irish Pagan bands such as Belinus and Waylander (I believe Bruce Dickinson quite likes the latter as there's a picture of him with the CD)

[Vempyre]

Viking/Folk bands actually have talent so they get my vote.

[Malleus]

I like both styles but definitely prefer the viking/pagan/folk stuff better. Finntroll, Moonsorrow, Korpiklaani etc

[Alfader]

Originally Posted by Malleus

I like both styles but definitely prefer the viking/pagan/folk stuff better. Finntroll, Moonsorrow, Korpiklaani etc

Those are rather just folk metal than folk black metal, I believe.

[Surma]

Originally Posted by Alfader

Those are rather just folk metal than folk black metal, I believe.

I think he's right. Its good stuff but ain't black metal. Btw just because a black metal band is pagan it may not necessarily mean Viking. There are top quality Slavic black metal bands too! I personally really dig Nokturnal Mortum, Temnozor, Kroda etc. But though I relate more with Pagan ideas and imagery I will say I predominantly prefer the sound of Satanic black metal.