The difference, by ear
Folk metal grafts European dance music onto metal. Oriental metal has a harder problem - a modal system with intervals the guitar cannot produce.
Both are part sung, part screamed and move at much the same pace, around 110 to 180 bpm. To hear the difference, play Orphaned Land next to Skyclad. Oriental metal grew out of folk metal, a year later.
In figures
Oriental metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Folk metal › Oriental metal
In short
Middle Eastern modes, oud and traditional percussion built into progressive or death metal.
How it sounds
- Middle Eastern modes - hijaz, kurd - used as the basis for riffs.
- Oud, saz, darbuka and other traditional instruments built into the arrangements.
- Vocals alternating between Western technique and Eastern melisma.
Key acts
- Orphaned Land
- Melechesh
- Myrath
Start here
The pickOrphaned Land - Mabool. A concept album about the flood, told through three faiths.
Full page →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 →