Fun fact: my music taste is relatively…. Interesting. Not quite out there, but I would call it eclectic. Most of it is perfect for chilling on a rainy day or even getting through some tough times. So I figured I would share some of it with you today, to create a playlist of sorts. Without any further a-do, let’s begin, shall we?
1. Alcest: Sur L’Ocean Couleur de Fer
Country of origin: France
Genre: Post-metal/shoegaze
Album this song is from: Écailles de Lune
The title translates to “On the Iron-colored ocean” and the lyrics are beautifully grim, but the true highlight of this song are the instruments. The guitars in this song are fantastic. Simply fantastic.
2. Nest: Moonbow
Country of Origin: Finland
Genre: Neo-Folk/ambient
Album this song is from: Trail of the Unwary
There is interestingly enough a black metal band of the same name, but today we’re discussing the neo-folk group that gives a whole new meaning to contemplation and ambience. Inspiration for the music comes from old folk tales and oddly enough, J.R.R. Tolkien.
3. Katatonia: Soil’s Song
Country of Origin: Sweden
Genre: Progressive metal
Album this song is from: The Great Cold Distance
Speaking of contemplation, if you ever wanted to sit there and think about humanity, its existence, and maybe what’s going on in your own head, this is the band for you.
4. Din Brad: Durere
Country of Origin: Romania
Genre: Folk/dark folk
A side project for the members of the metal band Negură Bunget, Din Brad takes traditional Romanian folklore and puts a darker spin on it. Another notable track off of the album Dor is Amar (or really any track off this album really, still one of my favorite albums to date to be honest).
5. Žalvarnis: Skauda Galvelį
Country of Origin: Lithuania
Genre: Folk Rock
Album this song is from: Žalio Vario
Their lyrics mainly derive from Lithuanian folklore, but this song in particular has a very particular vibe to it; not quite calm, but pretty chill nonetheless.
6. L.E.A.F.: Suurin
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Genre: Folk
Album this song is from: Lys
Derived from an old rite from Northern Finland, the song is meant to invoke power and transformation; but if you just wanted something to make you feel more confident on a rainy, drowsy day, this is the one.
7. Huldre: Ulevinter
Country of Origin: Denmark
Genre: Folk Metal
Album this song is from: Intet Menneskebarn
The music on the album Intet Menneskebarn ranges from dance-folk-metal happy to 100% witchy and dark, but this one stood out to me particularly for the powerful feeling you get when you listen to it.
I hope you guys enjoy at least one of the songs on this list, and if you would like to see another one of these in the future in the comments below!