Folk metal bands seem to fall into two camps, consisting of bands
who are really just metal bands with token folk instruments making
rare appearances, and bands that really are more folk than metal.
Metsatöll hail from Estonia and while they are quite likely the most
well-known Estonian folk metal band, they are also the BNR pick for
favorite folk metal band period, precisely since they really don't
fall into either camp.
They are undeniably metal, heavier than most folk metal bands,
yet their native folk influences, embodied
by arrangements and vocal stylings as well as eclectic instruments,
are core to their sound.
It's a marriage that feels organic and natural, rather than forced or
awkward as can be the case, and it's refreshing and original in its
execution.
Cherry-picking from their discography, they don't have a dud release and
their general style is fairly consistent throughout, but their last two
albums (2014's Karjajuht and
2019's Katk Kutsariks) feel slightly heavier and faster than their
previous work, and would be a good place for a new listener to dig in.
Current Members
Markus Teeäär
vocals/guitars
Varulven (Lauri Ounapuu)
guitars/folk instruments/backing vocals
KuriRaivo (Raivo Piirsalu)
bass/backing vocals
Tonis Noevere
drums
Former Members/Guests
Marko Atso
drums/backing vocals
Discography
Hiiekoda 2004
Ma laulaks seda luguda
Lahinguväljal näeme, raisk!
Rauavanne
Saaremaa vägimees
Hundi loomine
Kui meid sõtta sõrmitie
Sõjahunt
Merepojad
Merimees menneb merele
Hundi süda sees
Velekeseq noorõkõsõq
Raiun kui rauda
Alle-aa
Eestimaa vabadiku laul puu oksa peal
Sajatus
Kotkapojad
Hiiekoda
Ussisõnad
Markus Teeäär
Varulven
KuriRaivo
Marko Atso
Terast Mis Hangund Me Hinge 10218 2005
Sissejuhatus
Veresulased
Hundiraev
Terasetuli
Mõõk
Terast mis hangund me hinge
Metsaviha 1
Metsaviha 2
Põhjatuulte pojad ja tütred
Oma laulu ei leia ma üles
Markus Teeäär
Varulven
KuriRaivo
Marko Atso
SutekskäijaEP 2006
Sutekskäija
Hakkame mehed minema
Hundi loomine (R2 Live)
Sõjahunt (R2 Live)
Saaremaa vägimees (R2 Live)
Markus Teeäär
Varulven
KuriRaivo
Marko Atso
Curse Upon IronLIVE 2007
Intro / Veresulaste koor / Choir of Bloodservants
Merepojad / Sons of the Sea
Meeste laul / Men's Song
Saaremaa vägimees / The Giant-Hero of Ösel
Pikse litaania / Litany to Thunder
Teomehe-laul / Serf's Song
Hiiekoda / My Sacred Grove
Hundiraev / Wolfrage
Pärismaalase lauluke / An Aboriginal Song
Kaitse, Jumal, sõja eest / God,Protect Us from War
Oma laulu ei leia ma üles / I Cannot Find My Song
Lahinguväljal näeme, raisk! / See You on the Battlefield,Damn !