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10 Featured Celtic Metal Tracks You Need to Listen To

by Barbara
Finntroll

Celtic metal is a genre that blends the rich, ancient melodies of traditional Celtic music with the power and intensity of heavy metal. This fusion creates a unique sound, filled with soaring bagpipes, fiddles, and flutes, intertwined with electric guitars, powerful drumming, and aggressive vocals. For fans of both metal and folk music, Celtic metal offers a dynamic and captivating listening experience. The genre has gained a strong following over the years, with many bands incorporating themes from Celtic mythology, history, and folklore into their music.

This article will delve into some of the most influential and compelling Celtic metal tracks that you should listen to. These songs capture the essence of Celtic culture while maintaining the raw energy of metal. Whether you’re new to the genre or a long-time listener, these tracks represent some of the best that Celtic metal has to offer.

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10 Featured Celtic Metal Tracks You Need to Listen To

1. “The Viking Song” – Finntroll (2007)

From the album Nattfodd, “The Viking Song” by Finntroll is a powerful anthem that perfectly blends elements of black metal and folk music. The song’s driving guitar riffs and intense drumming set the tone for a battle-ready atmosphere, while the inclusion of folk instruments like the accordion and violin adds a unique texture. The lyrics tell the story of Viking warriors, capturing the spirit of Nordic history and Celtic traditions. The track is fast-paced and aggressive, with dark, growling vocals that evoke the brutality of Viking raids. “The Viking Song” is a prime example of how Celtic and Nordic themes can be seamlessly woven into a metal sound.

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2. “The Foggy Dew” – The Dubliners & The Chieftains (1995)

While not a traditional Celtic metal band, The Dubliners and The Chieftains’ collaboration on “The Foggy Dew” features elements that are often embraced by Celtic metal artists. The powerful fusion of traditional Irish folk with a heavier, more dramatic delivery makes this version of the song an iconic one. The song’s history and its connection to Irish independence lend an emotional weight to the performance. The intense instrumentation and the narrative focus on struggle and resistance are themes that have been adopted by many Celtic metal bands. Although this track doesn’t follow a full metal format, its impact on the genre is undeniable.

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3. “Battle Song” – Eluveitie (2006)

Eluveitie’s “Battle Song,” from their album Spirit, is a quintessential example of how Celtic metal can merge melodies of the ancient past with modern metal’s raw intensity. The song’s fast-paced rhythm is propelled by pounding drums and electric guitars, while the melodic sections are laced with the sounds of traditional instruments like bagpipes, flutes, and fiddles. Lyrically, “Battle Song” delves into themes of warfare and survival, resonating with the warrior spirit that pervades Celtic culture. The song’s unique blend of melodic death metal with Celtic elements creates a sound that is both haunting and energizing, making it a standout track in the Celtic metal scene.

4. “The Gael” – Clannad (1989)

Clannad’s “The Gael,” while not strictly metal, has been famously adapted by the Celtic metal community. Originally part of the soundtrack to the movie The Last of the Mohicans, the song has been covered by several metal bands, including Celtic folk metal group, Celtic Spirit. The song’s sweeping melodies, played with traditional Irish instruments, evoke a sense of grandeur and melancholy. Its uplifting energy and strong connection to Celtic heritage are key elements that make it a perfect fit for the Celtic metal genre. The version by Celtic Spirit, in particular, adds a heavier twist, blending the original folk sound with electric guitars and a more aggressive rhythm section.

5. “Tales from the North” – Turisas (2007)

Turisas’ “Tales from the North,” from the album The Varangian Way, is a perfect example of symphonic and folk metal blending seamlessly. The song combines epic orchestration with the energy of metal, featuring both choral arrangements and traditional folk instrumentation. The use of bagpipes, fiddles, and hard-hitting metal guitars creates a cinematic and immersive atmosphere that transports the listener to the Viking age. Lyrically, the track touches on themes of conquest and the harsh northern lands, incorporating both historical and mythological elements. Turisas’ ability to mix grandeur with intensity makes “Tales from the North” a standout in the genre.

6. “The Isle of Skye” – Skyclad (1995)

Skyclad is one of the pioneers of Celtic metal, and their track “The Isle of Skye,” from the album The Silent Whales of Lunar Sea, showcases their ability to blend the traditional sounds of the British Isles with heavy metal. The song’s lush acoustic guitar lines and fiddles set a folk-like mood, while the heavy drumming and guitar riffs add a layer of power and aggression. The lyrics tell the story of the magical Isle of Skye, drawing upon Celtic myths and the island’s rich cultural history. The track’s atmosphere is both atmospheric and heavy, making it a perfect example of how folk elements can be amplified by the intensity of metal.

7. “Morrigan’s Call” – The Dreadnoughts (2011)

“The Morrigan’s Call” by The Dreadnoughts is a raucous and fast-paced Celtic punk metal track that focuses on the Celtic goddess Morrigan, associated with war, fate, and sovereignty. The song’s driving rhythm is underscored by powerful guitar riffs and a catchy melody that incorporates both traditional and metal elements. The lyrics tell the story of the Morrigan’s power and her connection to the land of the Celts. With its high-energy performance and traditional instruments like the mandolin and banjo, “Morrigan’s Call” is a perfect blend of Celtic folklore and heavy music, making it a fan favorite within the Celtic metal genre.

8. “Embrace of the Endless Ocean” – Ensiferum (2012)

“Embrace of the Endless Ocean,” from Ensiferum’s Unsung Heroes, is a symphonic death metal track that mixes epic storytelling with the power of heavy metal. The song features choral vocals and orchestral elements, creating a sweeping, cinematic feel. The track’s lyrics delve into the theme of the sea and the hero’s journey, often found in Celtic mythology. The powerful, thrashing guitar riffs blend seamlessly with the folk-inspired instrumentation, including mandolins and fiddles, making for a track that is both melodic and intense. Ensiferum’s ability to merge folk and metal seamlessly has made them a key figure in the Celtic metal community.

9. “Heathen’s Legacy” – Korpiklaani (2005)

Korpiklaani’s “Heathen’s Legacy,” from their album Tales Along This Road, is a driving, fast-paced track that blends Finnish folk traditions with metal. The song’s energetic rhythm section, complete with electric guitars and drums, is matched by the traditional sounds of the accordion, fiddles, and flutes. The lyrics explore themes of ancient pagan traditions and the legacy of the heathens, connecting deeply with Celtic spiritual beliefs. The band’s ability to blend folk melodies with hard-hitting metal creates an infectious energy that has made Korpiklaani one of the most popular Celtic metal bands in the world.

10. “A Sailor’s Song” – Saltatio Mortis (2011)

Saltatio Mortis, a German medieval folk metal band, offers a unique blend of Celtic metal with their track “A Sailor’s Song.” The song features rousing folk-inspired melodies with heavy guitar riffs and a rhythmic drumbeat that drives the energy forward. The lyrics focus on the life of a sailor and the hardships they face, with strong references to the maritime history of Celtic nations. The track’s catchy chorus, combined with its upbeat tempo, makes it a standout in the folk metal scene. Saltatio Mortis’ fusion of traditional instrumentation and metal elements creates a track that is both infectious and empowering.

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Conclusion

Celtic metal is a genre that successfully combines the ancient sounds of Celtic folk music with the power and intensity of modern metal. The tracks highlighted in this article showcase the best that Celtic metal has to offer, from the epic battle songs of Eluveitie and Turisas to the raucous folk-infused anthems of Korpiklaani and Finntroll. These songs bring the myths, history, and legends of Celtic cultures to life, all while embracing the energy and aggression of metal. Whether you are drawn to the traditional melodies or the heavy riffs, Celtic metal offers a truly unique and powerful musical experience. With its blend of heritage and heaviness, the genre continues to captivate listeners and evolve with each new album. For fans of both folk and metal, Celtic metal is a genre that is here to stay, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.

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