The difference, by ear
The comic extreme of the same instincts, and the genre that most often gets folk metal dismissed by association.
Both are part sung, part screamed, but pirate metal is a little faster: 150 to 200 bpm against 120 to 180. To hear the difference, play Skyclad next to Alestorm. Pirate metal grew out of folk metal, thirteen years later.
In figures
Folk metal
Where it sits
In short
Traditional instruments and folk melodies built into metal. Every region has written its own version.
How it sounds
- Real traditional instruments - fiddle, pipes, flute, accordion - not just synthesizer patches.
- Modal melodies from local folk music used as the main riff.
- Folk dance rhythms adapted to a metal drum kit.
Key acts
- Skyclad
- Korpiklaani
- Eluveitie
- Finntroll
Start here
The pickFinntroll - Nattfödd. Black metal at Finnish polka tempo, and it works.
Full page →Pirate metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Folk metal › Pirate metal
In short
Power metal with accordion and lyrics about rum. A small genre, entirely shameless and very effective live.
How it sounds
- Accordion, fiddle and hurdy-gurdy-style keyboards over fast power metal.
- Choruses written as sea shanties, built for singing in unison.
- Lyrics exclusively about pirates, rum and naval battles - without exception.
Key acts
- Alestorm
- Running Wild
- Swashbuckle
Start here
The pickAlestorm - Captain Morgan's Revenge. Exactly what the title promises.
Full page →