Viking metal is one of the heavy metal subgenres that has helped diversify the music scene. Focussing on Norse mythology, it has some similarities to pagan metal but what else does it involve and how does Viking metal fit in with Norse mythology in the entertainment world?
Norse Mythology in Popular Culture
Our love of the Viking age and Norse Gods can be seen in numerous other types of entertainment such as movies and TV shows. Vikings: Valhalla is one of the recent examples on the Netflix platform, released in 2002 as a sequel to the successful Vikings on the History Channel. 2022 also saw the release of The Northman, a movie starring Alexander Skarsgård as a tough Viking prince looking for revenge.
This growing interest in the culture has led to museum exhibitions like the VÍKINGR – Viking Age Exhibition in Oslo as well as the upcoming Viking Age Museum in the same city. Norse mythology can also be seen online when you play Paddy Power Slingo. Among the themed games, we can see Slingo Journey to Asgard. Based on the Slingo format that combines slots and bingo, it features a Viking character and has a list of rounds with names like Valkyries Victory and Crystal Quest. Rune stones are used in one of the bonus rounds, with swords and crystals among the other elements.
What Is Viking Metal?
In this context, it’s easier to see why Viking metal has captured the attention of many heavy rock fans while Norse mythology has been on the rise in general entertainment. This subgenre first appeared at the end of the 1980s, initially as part of the black metal movement. While the music is normally quite diverse, expect slow, heavy riffing and harsh vocals. There is often a strong folk influence in the instrumentation together with rousing choruses.
Whether it sounds anything like the music Vikings listened to is an intriguing question. Many of the top bands are from Norse countries and often claim Viking heritage, but are they faithful to the music of the time? This description from the National Museum of Denmark describes flutes and lyres being used in ancient Norse music, while the vocals are compared to the howl of a dog.
What Should You Listen to?
Bathory and Enslaved were two of the first groups to try this style and find some success. This list of the ten best Viking metal albums by Louder includes 1990’s Hammerheart by Bathory and 1997’s Eld by Enslaved. The most recent album on the list is Twilight of the Thunder God, which was released by Amon Amarth in 2008. 2024 has seen new albums including Fimbulvinter, by Brothers Of Metal.
The Viking metal subgenre isn’t right for everyone, but it’s been around long enough to suggest that it’s here to stay. The current high level of interest in Norse mythology and Vikings should ensure that these songs continue to appeal to a certain type of metal fan while possibly reaching a new audience.
