The Top Five Nordic Folk Music Groups
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If you’re a fan of Nordic folk music, then check out this list of the top five Nordic folk music groups. From Finland to Sweden, these groups will definitely give you a taste of the Nordic music scene.
Nordic Folk Music
Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the North Germanic people of Scandinavia. Nordic folk music has been around for centuries, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for Nordic folk music. This has led to the formation of many new Nordic folk music groups.
Defining Nordic Folk Music
Nordic folk music includes the music of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Åland, Finland and Greenland. It is often referred to as Nordic music or Scandinavian music. Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the people who settled in the region, including the Sami people, and it has been influenced by music from Central Europe and other parts of Europe.
Nordic folk music is typically played on traditional instruments such as the Hardanger fiddle, tagelharpa, accordion and clarinet. Folk songs are often about love, nature or events in history. The singing style is usually soft and melodic.
Nordic folk music has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Some of the most popular Nordic folk music groups include Värttinä from Finland, Gjallarhorn from Sweden, Hedningarna from Norway and Orphanage from Iceland.
The Five Best Nordic Folk Music Groups
Nordic folk music has seen a surge in popularity in recent years with the rise of bands like Wardruna and Heilung. But there are many other great Nordic folk music groups out there that are worth checking out. In this article, we will be taking a look at the five best Nordic folk music groups.
1. Wardruna: Hailing from Norway, Wardruna is one of the most well-known and respected Nordic folk music groups. Their music is based on ancient Norse mythology and they use a variety of traditional instruments in their recordings. They have released three albums so far, with a fourth one scheduled to come out later this year.
2. Heilung: Another Norwegian band, Heilung is somewhat similar to Wardruna in that their music is based on ancient Norse mythology and they use traditional instruments. However, they also incorporate elements of ambient and dark ambient music into their sound, which gives their music a truly unique atmosphere. They have released two albums so far, with a third one scheduled to come out later this year.
3. Finntroll: A Finnish band, Finntroll plays what is known as “humppa metal”, which is a fusion of Finnish humppa (a traditional dance music) with heavy metal. They have been around since 1997 and have released six albums to date, with a seventh one scheduled to come out next year.
4. Ensiferum: Another Finnish band, Ensiferum plays “Viking metal”, which is a fusion of heavy metal with traditional Scandinavian folk music. They have been around since 1995 and have released seven albums to date, with an eighth one scheduled to come out next year.
5. Garmarna: A Swedish band, Garmarna play “folk rock”, which is a fusion of traditional Swedish folk music with rock & roll. They have been around since 1990 and have released seven albums to date, with an eighth one scheduled to come out next year
The First Group – Dala Horses
Dala Horses come from the Swedish region of Dalarna and play traditional Swedish folk music. The group was formed in 2004 by brothers Erik and Anders Larsson. Dala Horses have won multiple awards and been nominated for Grammy Awards.
Dala Horses’ History
Dala Horses are a Swedish folk music group that was founded in 2006. The group is made up of four members: Andreas Lundgren, Anders Rosén, Johan Hederfeldt, and Ola Strandberg. The name “Dala” comes from the Swedish province of Dalarna, where the group members are from.
The group’s musical style is a mixture of traditional Swedish folk music and contemporary pop music. Their use of traditional instrumentation, such as the fiddle and the accordion, gives their music a unique sound.
Dala Horses have released four albums: “Dala Horses” (2006), “Astrid & Veronika” (2008), “So Long Summertime” (2010), and “ Echoes of Childhood” (2013). In addition to their albums, they have also released several singles, such as “Jag Vill Ha Dig” and “Annelie.”
The group has toured extensively throughout Sweden and Europe. They have performed at various festivals, including the Sweden Music Awards, where they won the award for Best Folk Music Group in 2009.
Dala Horses’ Music
Dala Horses is a Swedish musical group that formed in 1967. The band is named after the traditional Swedish wooden horse toy called the “dala horse”. Their music is a mix of folk and pop, with a strong influence from Swedish folk music. They have released 11 albums, and their most recent album, “Hemma igen” was released in 2016.
The Second Group – The Fjellfolk
The Fjellfolk are a Norwegian folk music group that was formed in 2008. The group consists of four members who all sing and play a variety of traditional Norwegian instruments. The Fjellfolk have released two albums, the first of which was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy.
The Fjellfolk’s History
The Fjellfolk are a five-piece, traditional Nordic folk music group from the mountainous regions of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The group’s name means “mountain folk” in Norwegian, and their music is steeped in the rich culture and history of the Scandinavian mountains.
The Fjellfolk formed in 2013 when friends Jens Ryland (Norway), Henrik Lindstrand (Sweden), and Anders Graae (Denmark) decided to start playing music together. The three had all grown up in mountain communities and been influenced by the region’s traditional folk music. They were quickly joined by two more members, drummer Mads Eriksen and fiddler Ingebjørg Tveiten, and the Fjellfolk were born.
The group’s self-titled debut album was released in 2014 to critical acclaim, and they have since toured extensively throughout Scandinavia and Europe. Their music has been described as “infectious” (The Herald Scotland) and “full of energy and life” (Folking.com). The Fjellfolk are sure to get your feet tapping with their unique blend of Traditional Nordic Folk Music!
The Fjellfolk’s Music
The Fjellfolk is a five-piece band from the mountainous regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Their music is a blend of traditional Nordic folk music and modern pop sensibilities. The Fjellfolk’s self-titled debut album was released in 2016 to critical acclaim.
The Fjellfolk’s music is characterized by its use of traditional folk instruments such as the Hardanger fiddle, the mandolin, and the accordion. The band’s lyrics are primarily in Norwegian, with occasional Swedish and Finnish phrases. The Fjellfolk’s music has been described as “atmospheric” and “ethereal”.
In addition to their debut album, The Fjellfolk has released two singles, “Solen skinner” and “Nordnatt”.
The Third Group – Hedningarna
From Sweden, Hedningarna is a folk music group that has been playing music together since 1987. They have a very unique sound that has been compared to everything from acid jazz to Nordic metal. Hedningarna has been nominated for four Grammy Awards and has won two.
Hedningarna’s History
Hedningarna is a Swedish musical group founded in 1986 by fiddlers Johan Hedin and Anders Waller, who wanted to create new music using traditional Swedish folk instruments. The band’s name, which means “the heathens” in Swedish, was chosen to reflect their rebellious nature.
Hedningarna quickly gained popularity in Sweden and beyond with their unique sound and energetic live shows. They have released 11 albums, including Karelia Visa (1992), which was nominated for a Grammy Award, and When the Sun Sets (2000), which won the Swedish Grammy Award for Best Folk Music Album.
Hedningarna has collaborated with a number of well-known musicians, including Paul McCartney, who invited them to perform with him at his concert in Stockholm in 1993. They have also composed music for film and television, including the theme song for the popular Swedish TV show Bron/Broen (The Bridge).
In recent years, Hedningarna has undergone some personnel changes, but the band’s founder, Johan Hedin, remains active as a composer and arranger. Hedningarna continues to tour internationally and their music remains as fresh and exciting as ever.
Hedningarna’s Music
Hedningarna’s music is an innovative mix of old Nordic folk music and modern electronic sounds, often with a medieval or rock style twist. Their music has been used in films and TV shows such as The Lord of the Rings, The Viking Sagas, Game of Thrones, and even The Simpsons. Hedningarna has released twelve albums, three DVDs, and a book, and their music has been metal detecting around the world.
The Fourth Group – Gjallarhorn
Hailing from Sweden, Gjallarhorn is a five-piece band that plays Nordic folk music. The band consists of members who play a variety of instruments, including the fiddle, cello, accordion, mandola, and flute. Gjallarhorn’s music is heavily influenced by the Scandinavian folk traditions, and their songs often tell stories of Swedish history and mythology.
Gjallarhorn’s History
Gjallarhorn is a folk music group from Finland that is made up of four members: guitarist and singer Maria Kalaniemi, fiddler Lindy-Maija Lehto, double bassist Hanna Välitalo, and Hardanger dulcimer player Johanna Virtanen. The group has been together since 1998 and has released seven albums. Gjallarhorn’s music is influenced by the Finnish folk music tradition, as well as by other Nordic cultures. In addition to traditional folk songs, the group also writes original compositions.
Gjallarhorn’s Music
Gjallarhorn’s sound has been described as a cross between British and Nordic folk music, with a strong focus on storytelling. Their lyrics are often based on Norse mythology and folklore, and they frequently use traditional Nordic instruments like the Hardingfele (a type of fiddle) and the Nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle). Gjallarhorn has been praised for their ability to infuse modern sensibilities into their music while still staying true to the folk roots of their sound.
The group has released six albums since their debut in 2001, and they continue to tour throughout Europe and the United States. If you’re looking for a truly unique musical experience, be sure to check out Gjallarhorn!
The Fifth Group – Valkyrien Allstars
Valkyrien Allstars is a Norwegian band that was formed in 1999. The band is known for their unique blend of folk music and rock. They have released four studio albums and have toured extensively throughout Europe.
Valkyrien Allstars’ History
Valkyrien Allstars is a Norwegian folk music group consisting of fiddlers Eivind Nordhus, Ingrid Støver Janson and Geir Draugsvoll, accordionist Frode Nyvoll, singer Helene Bøksle, and “hardangerfiddle” (a traditional Norwegian instrument) player Ragnhild Furebotten. The group met while studying folk music at the University College of Telemark and decided to form a band together in 2002.
The band has released four albums: “Norwegian Moods” (2006), “Folktronica” (2009), “Elements” (2011), and “Nordic Virtuosity” (2014). They have won several awards, including the Norwegian Grammy for Best Folk Album (for “Nordic Virtuosity”) and the Folk World Music Award (for “Elements”).
The band has toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, including Womad, Celtic Connections, Belgrade Music Festival, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, Singapore Sunfest, and others.
Valkyrien Allstars’ Music
Valkyrien Allstars is a Norwegian folk music group that formed in 1999. The group is made up of Bugge Wesseltoft, Eivind Aarset, Nils Petter Molvaer, and Lars Anders Breivik. The group has released five albums: Valkyrien Allstars (1999), Kobolt (2000), 9 F World Music (2001), Live in Warsaw (2002), and Electric Norway (2004).
The group’s sound is a blend of jazz, rock, and traditional Scandinavian folk music. Their music is mostly instrumental, but they do occasionally sing in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and English.
