Rooted in traditional instrumentation and melodic or rhythmic ideas historical to a region, folk metal is easily the most culturally rich subgenre of the heavy music family.
Contending for Folk Metal Album of the Year, our nominations range from Asia and the Middle East to Eastern Europe. Both The Hu and Uuhai are representing Mongolian folk metal on their new records Hun and Human Herds respectively. From Poland, Lyrre is driven by hurdy-gurdy player Michalina Malisz (ex-Eluveitie) for Nothing is Promised, while Sentinels of Shamash by Jerusalem-based Melechesh mixes black metal with Middle Eastern sounds. Originally from Belarus, Hramnicy – the sixth full-length record by Znich – showcases a folksy pagan metal. Vote for your favorite below (and be sure to stay tuned for our other best of the year categories to vote on).