Folk Bands|Modern Folk|Neofolk|Medieval and Pagan Folk Music
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Modern Folk Bands and Folk Music: The Story
Folk music as we know it is the oldest one in history - it comes from the times when people were just starting to explore the horizons of musical art and folklore, and had only nature and their everyday life to praise in their songs. However, Pagan Folk music has stood the test of time and, moreover, it has taken a whole new direction which is very popular nowadays, not only in Europe, where it all began, but also in different parts of the world.
Now there is a whole new cult of modern folk music (sometimes also referred to as "neofolk") with a number of outstanding bands dominating the scene and countless folk music festivals worldwide.
Being a crazy fan of the genre, I created the list of top folk bands which already left their trace in history of folk music. It is never going to be 100% complete, since I am constantly looking for new talents in the industry, and the best ones always have a chance to be added to the list, so, the readers are welcome to bookmark this article to follow the news.
Now there is a whole new cult of modern folk music (sometimes also referred to as "neofolk") with a number of outstanding bands dominating the scene and countless folk music festivals worldwide.
Being a crazy fan of the genre, I created the list of top folk bands which already left their trace in history of folk music. It is never going to be 100% complete, since I am constantly looking for new talents in the industry, and the best ones always have a chance to be added to the list, so, the readers are welcome to bookmark this article to follow the news.
Contents at a Glance
Table of Contents
Omnia
Neoceltic Pagan Folk - Netherlands
Omnia is an international act based in Netherlands, with their music being inspired by different countries and cultures, which makes them one of the brightest folk bands in the world. It may be hard to give a precise description to their style, but Omnia themselves call their music "neoceltic pagan folk."Their distinctive feature is outstanding spectacular, beautifully decorated live performances which include fireshows performed by band members themselves. The band's independence in music industry is aslo an interesting fact which deserves attention: Omnia release their albums on personal label (Pagan Scum Records) OMNIA - Promo Trailer live at Castlefest 2009
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Buy music of Omnia from iTunes
| Track | Artist | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wytches' Brew | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| The Raven | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Tine Bealtaine | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Alive! (Radio Version) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Jabberwocky | OMNIA | Wolf Love | |
| Etrezomp-ni Kelted (Live) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Auta Luonto (2009 version) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Dil Gaya (Radio Version) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Dulaman (2009 version) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Richard Parker's Fancy | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Old Man Tree | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| En Avant Blonde (Live) | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Were You At The Rock? | OMNIA | World of Omnia | |
| Odi et Amo (2009 version) | OMNIA | World of Omnia |
Omnia on Amazon
- World of Omnia
- Official Omnia's Website
The Moon and the Nightspirit
Pagan Folk - Hungary
The Moon and the Nightspirit is a pagan folk music gem form Hungary. Led by two outstanding musicians multi-instrumentalists Mihaly and Agnes, this project is truly a unique entity for European folk music scene.Their shamanic melodies with Agnes' enchanting voice and tribal percussion beats can really evoke the spirits of the Ancient World.
Their tunes are so mesmerizing that you will want to listen to them over and over again.
Currently, The Moon and the Nightspirit are becoming a very popular project within the dark folk scene: they have gained audience in the USA (which is pretty difficult for a band playing Medieval or Folk music of Ancient Europe), and started following Omnia's path by choosing to self-release their music.
The Moon and the Nightspirit-Eg fele (live)
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The Moon and the Nightspirit on Amazon
- The Moon and the Nightspirit
- The official kingdom of The Moon and the Nightspirit
Faun
Darkwave/Medieval/Pagan Folk - Germany
Faun's most distinctive feature is the combination of traditional instruments like celtic harp, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and modern rhythms with ambient soundscapes. What also spices up their music is variety of languages they use in their songs: from Latin to Scandinavian. Faun - Egil Saga
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Faun on Amazon
- Faun
- Faun's official space
Qntal
Darkwave/Industrial/Neofolk/Medieval - Germany
Qntal have gone even further than Faun - they mix electronic and darkwave music with Medieval and folk tunes in nearly every composition. Qntal have everything one may expect from talented musicians - from hurdy-gurdy, lute and violin to engulfing soundscapes, gothic atmospheres and dance beats. Just like all the good folk bands, Qntal do not just indulge in English language, but also sing in Latin, old German and other ancient European languages. Many of Qntal's songs are based on European folklore: old ballads and famous medieval songs. Qntal - Entre Moi Et Mon Amin (radio edit)
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Qntal on Amazon
- Qntal
- Qntal's official website
Elvin's Tales
Pagan/Medieval/ Neofolk - Estonia
Elvin's Tales is a new star in Pagan and neofolk genre, but their music has already conquered the hearts of folk music lovers worldwide. Based in Tallinn, Estonia, this outstanding international project gave shelter to talented musicians from Estonia, Germany and Russia.The music of Elvin's Tales is simple, atmospheric and melodic, yet it has a strong touch of magic and ancient wisdom in the lyrics.
The band released their first demo record "Since the Dawn of Times" in the spring of 2011, and are planning to record their debut full-length album by early 2012.
Elvin's Tales - Winds are Silent (official video)
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Buy Elvin's Tales' music online
- Elvin's Tales on Myspace
- Elvin's Tales official Myspace profile
- Elvin's Notes
- The official blog of Elvin's Tales
- Elvin's Tales Squidoo lens
- Lens about Elvin's Tales and their first demo release
Neun Welten
Acoustic Dark Folk/Neofolk - Germany
Neun Welten's music is mostly instrumental, with classical acoustic guitar, flute and violin dominating. They do not stick to a single direction of folk music, incorporating traditional folk and dark neofolk elements into their compositions. The main themes in Neun Welten's music are mythology and nature. Deep, dark and mysterious, this kind of music is definitely not for listening in a car, but it goes well during rainy autumn evenings in peaceful surroundings. Neun Welten - Der Stille See
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Neun Welten on Amazon
- Neun Welten on Myspace
- Official Neun Welten's space
Valravn
Darkwave/Modern Folk - Denmark
An outstanding combination of darkwave and Scandinavian folk music. At times they sound somewhat similar to Qntal, but with traditional vocals and dancy rhythms. With the band's love to experiments, one may even find numerous references to other progressive musical styles, even maybe some resemlance to Björk.Valravn are a perfect choice for those who do not limit their musical tastes to simply folk music, but want to explore the genre.
Valravn - Koder på snor [ Official ]
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Valravn on Amazon
- Valravn
- The official website of Valravn
Eivør Pálsdóttir
Traditional Folk/Folk Rock
The music of this blonde valkyrie from Faroe Islands is an amazing mixture of haunting tribal rhythms, traditional ballads and modern jazzy and symphonic orchestrations. Although most of the songs, especially from later releases, are from easy listening category, Eivør's talent can nevertheless please the pickiest folk music listeners out there, considering the diversity in her musical style. Loading poll. Please Wait...
Eivor on Amazon
- Eivor
- Eivor's Official Website
Nest
Ambient Neofolk
Nest is a unique representative of what can be called ambient neofolk style. There just two people behind the name of this Finnish band, but the sweet melodies and atmospheres they create can have greater effect on listeners than a whole symphonic orchestra playing. The music of Nest is a combination of soft and deep ambiences with melodies of kantele - a traditional finnish string instrument with unfogettable sound and tone. Each composition of Nest carries the listener away into the acnient worlds of magic and wonder. This is a truly impressive folk band (or rather folk duo) that will please fans of both ambientand folk music. Loading poll. Please Wait...
Nest on Amazon
Do you like folk music? Share your thoughts
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Karyukai
Apr 12, 2012 @ 10:59 am | delete
- I love international folk music. I'm a huge fan of Eivør and Valravn, but I've discovered so much more here. Thank you! I'll be returning to vote on more of your polls when I've properly explored all the groups here.
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cmadden
Apr 11, 2012 @ 12:49 pm | delete
- Great lens, love the music!
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waldenthree.net
Mar 5, 2012 @ 7:51 pm | delete
- It's an intersting new style. Not sure how popular and lasting will be in future. Our area here in Virginia , Celtic traditional and Blue Grass are among the favorite styles. Congrads on your Squidoo trophy. Conversations helps with new ideas new topics. Thanks.
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Terrie_Schultz
Mar 3, 2012 @ 3:11 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! I love this genre of music. I was already familiar with a couple of these bands, (Omnia and Faun) but not the others. Thanks so much for sharing!
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cajkovska
Feb 1, 2012 @ 11:11 am | delete
- Nice.... i like Omnia the most
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