We recently spoke to Belarusian symphonic metal vocalist Belle Morte about her band’s new album Pearl Hunting – as well as vampires and The Exorcist. With all the folk-fusion in Pearl Hunting, from Armenian jazz and Japanese to Celtic music, we had to test Belle’s knowledge on our favorite folk-fusion metal bands.
Naturally, Belle knew all the bands already, but loved sharing her thoughts on each hit.
Bloodywood “Nu Delhi”
Based in New Delhi, India
“Nu Delhi” is just insanely cool. The energy, the musicians’ professionalism, and the fierce eclectic mix of rap-core, brutal modern metal, and traditional Indian influences leave only one expression—wow!
Ignea “Incurable Disease”
Based in Kyiv, Ukraine
This vocalist is amazing, ranging from light, mesmerizing, mystical singing to absolutely demonic growls. The arrangements are also very impressive, with fascinating vocal parts. She combines a fairly standard minor scale in the chorus with unexpected shifts into Eastern modes in the verses, blending classic modern metal with subtle ethnic elements.
Cemican “Kukulkán Wakah Chan”
Based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“Kukulkán Wakah Chan” is a gorgeous blend of brutal metal with blast beats, breakdowns, and growling, combined with Native American flutes and chants. The guitar riffs are absolutely killer; it’s just really cool and authentic.
Want more of Belle-approved folk metal? Check out her curated Spotify playlist.