5 Dark Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

Discover five of the best dark folk music artists who are creating some of the most unique and interesting music today. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking for something new to listen to, these artists are definitely worth checking out.

Who are dark folk music artists?

There are many dark folk music artists out there making great music, but here are five that you definitely need to know about.

1. King Dude
An American folk musician from Seattle, Washington, King Dude is known for his dark, gothic style of music. His 2013 album, Songs of Flesh & Blood – In the Key of Light, is a great example of his work.

2. Maestus
A black metal band from the United States, Maestus incorporates elements of dark folk music into their work. Their 2016 album Deliquesce is a must-listen for fans of the genre.

3. Heilung
A Danish-Norwegian musical group, Heilung describe themselves as “a historical reenactment group that aim[s] to bring the sounds of the Iron Age alive again through live music and performance.” Their song “Krigsgaldr” is a beautiful and haunting example of their unique style.

4. Wardruna
A Norwegian musical group founded in 2003 by Einar “Kvitrafn” Selvik, Wardruna create music based on Norse and Germanic paganism and mythology. Their song “Runaljod – Ragnarok” is a powerful and atmospheric track that will transport you to another time and place.

5. Saltland
The solo project of Canadian musician Rebecca Foon, Saltland is a perfect example of dark folk music at its best. Her album A Common Truth is full of beautiful melodies and lyrics that will stay with you long after you’ve heard them.

What is dark folk music?

Most people think of folk music as happy, upbeat, and cheery. However, there is a whole subgenre of folk music that is dark, depressing, and sometimes even scary. This type of music is often called “dark folk” or “Gothic Americana.”

If you’re looking for something a little different, here are five dark folk artists you need to know:

1. King Dude
2. Chelsea Wolfe
3. Marissa Nadler
4. Annette berries
5. Emma Ruth Rundle

Where did dark folk music originate?

Dark folk music, also known as gothic folk or ethereal folk, is a subgenre of folk music that emerged in the late 1970s. Gothic folk is characterized by its focus on dark, often melancholic themes and its use of traditional folk instrumentation.

Ethereal folk, on the other hand, is defined by its use of ethereal and dreamlike vocals and its lilting, ethereal melodies. This subgenre began to take shape in the early 1990s with the release of Cocteau Twins’ album Heaven or Las Vegas.

If you’re a fan of dark or ethereal music, then you need to check out these 5 dark folk artists:

1. Dead Can Dance
2. This Mortal Coil
3. Inkubus Sukkubus
4. Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows
5. In The Woods…

Why is dark folk music gaining popularity?

Music has always been a way for people to express the darker sides of their personalities, and folk music is no different. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for dark folk music, with artists like Chelsea Wolfe and King Dude leading the way.

So why is this type of music gaining popularity? For one, it taps into a deep well of emotion and feeling that can be cathartic for both the artist and the listener. It can also be incredibly beautiful, with its focus on atmosphere and mood.

If you’re looking to explore the dark side of folk music, here are five artists you need to know:

1. Chelsea Wolfe

Chelsea Wolfe is a Californian singer-songwriter who combines elements of doom metal, gothic rock, and industrial music in her atmospheric folk sound. She’s been described as “the love child of Siouxsie Sioux and Nick Cave,” and her album Hiss Spun was named one of Pitchfork’s top 50 albums of 2017.

2. King Dude

King Dude is the stage name of American musician Tyler Oliver Bates. He crafts dark folk songs that are sometimes compared to early Nick Cave or Current 93. His 2016 album Music to Make War To was ranked by Stereogum as one of the year’s best albums.

3. Emma Ruth Rundle

Emma Ruth Rundle is an American singer-songwriter and musician from Los Angeles, California. She rose to prominence as a member of the post-metal band Red Sparowes, but has since embarked on a solo career crafting atmospheric folk songs with a dark edge. Her 2017 album Marked for Death was critically acclaimed, with many praising her ethereal vocals and gothic songwriting style.

4. Wardruna

Wardruna is a Norwegian musical group founded by Einar Selvik (stage name Einar Kvitrafn) in 2003. The group combines elements of Nordic folk music with traditional instruments like bukkehorn (a type of horn made from a goat’s skull) and lokapsamler (an old type of zither). Their music often has a meditative quality, with lyrical themes inspired by Norse mythology and nature.

5 . Daniel Rossen

Daniel Rossen is best known as a member of indie rock bands Grizzly Bear and Department Of Eagles, but he also releases solo work under his own name (as well as under the moniker DRRT). His solo material is typically more subdued than his work with Grizzly Bear, trading in dense arrangements for more minimalistic folk songs that often have an ethereal quality. His debut EP Silent Hour/Golden Mile was released in 2012 to critical acclaim, with many praising Rossen’s fragile vocals and intricate guitar work

How can I get into dark folk music?

Although “dark folk” is a relatively new genre, there are a number of artists who have been creating music in this style for years. If you’re looking to get into dark folk, here are five artists you need to know.

1. Henryk Gajewski

Henryk Gajewski is a Polish musician who has been creating dark folk music since the early 1990s. His music is heavily influenced by Polish folklore, and he often incorporates traditional instruments into his songs. Gajewski’s music is atmospheric and melancholic, and it’s sure to appeal to fans of dark folk.

2. Nówodworski Pentyński

Nówodworski Pentyński is another Polish musician who creates dark folk music with a strong focus on Polish folklore and tradition. His music is atmospheric and often quite eerie, making it perfect for fans of dark, atmospheric music.

3. Empusae

Empusae is a Belgian dark ambient/industrial project that has been active since the early 2000s. The project’s music is characterized by its dark, atmospheric soundscapes and its use of field recordings. Empusae’s music is perfect for fans of dark ambient and industrial music.

4. Auntie Flo

Auntie Flo is a Scottish DJ and producer whose music combines elements of Afrobeat, techno, and house. His music often features samples of traditional African instruments, giving it a unique sound that has earned him widespread acclaim from critics and listeners alike. Auntie Flo’s music is perfect for fans of Afrobeat, house, and techno.

5. Cult Of Dom Keller

Cult Of Dom Keller are an English rock band who create dark, psychedelic rock tunes with shoegaze and krautrock influences. The band’s dense, feedback-laden sound will appeal to fans of both psych rock and shoegaze, while their krautrock influences give their music an added layer of depth.

What are some of the best dark folk music artists?

There are many great dark folk music artists out there, but here are five of the best:

1.京都 1944-
2. blackbird
3. The Orchids
4. Emma Pollock
5. Weyes Blood

What are some of the best dark folk music albums?

There are a lot of great dark folk music albums out there, but these five artists are some of the best in the genre.

1. Marissa Nadler – Strangers
2. Chelsea Wolfe – Hiss Spun
3. Anna von Hausswolff – Dead Magic
4. Lingua Ignota – All Bitterness, All the Time
5. Emma Ruth Rundle – On Dark Horses

What are some of the best dark folk music festivals?

If you love dark folk music, chances are you’ve been to your fair share of festivals. But what are some of the best dark folk music festivals out there? Here are five that should definitely be on your radar.

1. Wave-Gotik-Treffen: This festival takes place in Leipzig, Germany and features a wide range of dark folk bands. If you’re looking for a truly international experience, this is the festival for you.

2. Ragnarokr Fest: This annual event takes place in North Carolina and features some of the best dark folk bands in the United States. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, this is the festival for you.

3. Stonehenge Festival: This English festival is one of the most well-known dark folk music festivals in the world. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, this is the festival for you.

4. Forchester Fest: This German festival takes place in the town of Forchheim and features a wide range of dark folk bands. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, this is the festival for you.

5. Whitby Goth Weekend: This English weekend-long event takes place in Whitby and features some of the best dark folk bands in the world. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, this is the festival for you.

What are some of the best dark folk music websites?

1. Blackest Ever Black
2.Drag City
3. 4AD
4. Sacred Bones Records
5. Southern Lord

What are some of the best dark folk music radio stations?

Celtic, Medieval, and Renaissance music radio station playing 24 hours a day. Music from the British Isles and Northwestern Europe including folk, celtic, old-time, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, world and new age.

Folk Alley is an online radio station of the Public Radio Exchange. It is “dedicated to celebrating and supporting the traditional arts through exclusive programming, audio archives, events and education.” You can listen to Folk Alley live or choose from their past programs for later listening.

Voice of America’s Folk Music Playlists offer a wide range of music from around the world including the United States. You can filter by country or region and listen to clips of each song.

The Thistle & Shamrock is a radio program that has been “playing the best of Celtic music since 1983.” It is available as a live stream or as a podcast that you can listen to at your convenience.

Proper Gael is an online radio station that plays “a mix of traditional & contemporary Celtic music.” You can listen live or choose from their on-demand shows.