Left-hand Side of the Stage: Folk Metal Bands: A

The following are the Folk Metal bands beginning with A that I think you need to hear. I decided against an intro text for every band, but have included one where I felt it was necessary. I have listed then in alphabetical order for now as I will be posting separate lists, at a later date, of the best bands and songs (including Spotify play lists).

Abinchova

Country: Switzerland

Recommended album: Verstecktke Pfade (2011)

Similar artists: Equilibrium; Kromlek

Acyl

I was unsure at first as to whether or not to include Acyl as they are not Folk Metal in the style that most of you may be used to, rather they take their inspiration from the traditional Folk music of their original homeland of Algeria. But of course this is without doubt Folk Metal!

Country: France

Recommended album: Aftermath (2016)

Similar artists: Arkan; Melechesh; Orphaned Land; Sepultura

Adorned Brood

Country: Germany
Recommended album: Kuningaz (2012)

Similar artists: Wolfchant; Black Messiah; Equilibrium

Aes Dana

Aes Dana, like many of their French contemporaries, opt for a heavier (almost Black Metal) sound influenced by the Celtic music of Brittany.

Country: France

Recommended album: Formor (2005)

Similar artists: Heol Telwen; Bran Barr; Eluveitie; Waylander

Alkonost

Country: Russia

Recommended album: Oktagramma (2018)
Similar artists: Dalriada; Arkona; Grai

Anabioz

Country: Russia

Recommended album: There the Sun Falls (2014)

Similar artists: Arkona; Korpiklaani; Svartsot; Eluveitie; Amon Amarth

AnodhoR

Country: Spain

Recommended album: Break the Silence EP (2016)

Similar artists: Alkonost; Frosttide; Claim The Throne; Drakum

Note: This is not the track I'd recommend, but is the only one on YouTube

Apocalypse Orchestra

These Swedish oddballs are definitely not your average Folk Metal band, but I feel that their Medieval Folk / Doom / Prog Metal hybrid sound means that they deserve a place on this list anyway.

Country: Sweden

Recommended album: The End is Nigh (2017)

Similar artists: Falkenbach; Circulus; Opeth; Forefather

Arafel

Country: Israel

Recommended album: For Battles Once Fought (2011)

Similar artists: Equilibrium; Månegarm; Ensiferum

Arkona

One of the heavier additions to this list, Arkona's sound straddles the line between Folk Metal and Pagan Black Metal but mostly falls, in my opinion, just on the right side to justify their inclusion. Besides, Masha is a beast of a vocalist, both live and on record.

Country: Russia

Recommended album: Goi, Rode, Goi! (2009)

Similar artists: Alkonost; Dalriada; Grai