The Baltics; I don't know much about the culture myself, aside from seeing they share Slavic and Scandinavian elements. Naturally the pagan resurgence is strong as hell there. This band kills it:

Skyforger -Latvia

So much to praise here.

This is a band with less of a black metal influence than most underground pagan metal bands. Melodic riffs, but easy on the tremolo picking, light on the the double bass. They've got a more hard rock vibe that's energetic and not atmospheric. The guitar style is similar to classic metal like Sodom blended with Thrash metal. Tremolo scales are reserved for bridges, chorus and interludes, as is double kick which is a subtle accent to the drum rolls rather than overtaking the percussion. Vocals are clean, yet gruff, with shouting and strategically placed chants or low-mid range screams.

Skyforger possess a universal appeal which is rare among metal bands.

Some songs are straight covers of Latvian folk songs with or without metal influence; 'Zirgi zviedza' is mostly vocals with tambourine, chimes, a traditional folk instrument called a Kokle, with ambience from the subtle sound effect of water slowly flowing in an icy brook.

A band member of Skyforger playing a Kokle:

Kokle (Kankles in Lithuanian) is an ancient Baltic string instrument, which with a time became one of our national symbols here in Latvia! It has specific sound and therefore sometimes is lovely called Zelta kokles (The Golden kokle) or Dieva kokles (Kokle of Dievs). Dievs is main God – Creator, one who made this world.

Read more about Kokle on Skyforger's homepage

Listen to Zirgi zviedza:

'Migla Migla, Rasa Rasa' is a calm folk song contrasted with some hard metal riffs, and of course, more high stringed sounds of the Kokle.

Their newest abum, Senprūsija, was released in 2015. The full album is online, I suggest at least checking out the intro in conjuction with the first track; baritone vocals introduce the folk element to quickly transition to an opening song you can't ignore. Their song-writing has matured into something completey flawless, and I mean flawless. Every element of each song combines into a totally compelling auditory experience.

Here is a recent live performance of "Rāmava;" a slower-paced song with some folk-inspired chanting.

Senprūsija, full album:

Romuvos -Lithuania

True to Viking Metal their songs compose melodies reminiscent of nomadic voyages through the North lands and seas. Much of their lyrics are English. In 'Under The Glaciers Of The Baltijos' folk vocals carry the songs rhythm accented by light drums and high strings.

Impaled Nazarene -Finnland

Though themes of Satan and moral transgression dominate this bands artistic ethos, rather than folk traditions, I decided to include them because they are awesome. Satanism is like a bridge between Christianity and Paganism; the nihilistic force which tears down religious idols to make way for the resurgence of Ancient rites.

Their style I'd describe as 'blackened thrash metal.' Fast-paced, heavy on the double kick and dissonance, here is "Absence of War does not mean Peace" (true, no?)

Korpiklaani -Finland

I don't think they need much introduction. Korpiklaani's fun-loving drinking anthems have made them a worldwide favourite. There's some absurdist style comedy in this song and vid:

There are men underground
Who have never seen the sun
But they really know how to party!

Turmion Kätilöt -Finland

This is a real kick you in the gut kind of band. Metal with industrial elements, growling vocals in Finnish language, just the right amount of synth between the double kick and power chords. Not an overt pagan folk influence, but fun and weird as fuck.

Turisas -Finland

The Varangian Way. Is the only way!

The Varangians (Old Norse: Væringjar; Greek: Βάραγγοι Varangoi, Βαριάγοι Variagoi) was the name given by Greeks and East Slavs to Vikings, who between the 9th and 11th centuries ruled the medieval state of Kievan Rus' and formed the Byzantine Varangian Guard.
Varangians Wikipedia [and Варяжская]

Volkolak -Russia

Including because of the Varangian theme reminded me I forgot them in the Slavic tribute and I fuckin' love this unique band! Folk with rural style; from Siberia. Nothing else like it that I've heard!

Ugniavijas -Lithuania

Pure folk music. Primal drum beats compliment the kokle in polarity. From the album 'Songs of War':

Kilkim Zaibu

is a metal festival in Latvia. The festival page is a great place to find out about new bands from all genres of metal and folk, if you can't make it out to Latvia. Let me know if you've been to the festival!

https://www.kilkimzaibu.com/en

So much great music, so little time...but worry not, I have an anthology in my mind and data to save you the time curating!

Next: A tribute to two of my all time favourite Pagan Metal bands.