Forefather (band)
English folk metal band blending Viking and black metal.
Forefather is an English folk metal band from Surrey, known for incorporating elements of Viking metal and black metal. Formed in September 1997 by brothers Wulfstan and Athelstan, the band has released seven studio albums as of 2017.
- origin
- Surrey, England
- formed
- September 1997
- genre
- Folk metal, Viking metal, black metal
- years_active
- 1997–present
- label
- Angelisc Enterprises, Karmageddon Media, Seven Kingdoms
- members
- Athelstan, Wulfstan
Lore & Background
Forefather was formed in September 1997 by brothers Wulfstan and Athelstan. Their debut album, Deep Into Time, was released in 1999 on their own label, Angelisc Enterprises, which also released The Fighting Man (2000) and Engla Tocyme (2002). In 2004, the band's fourth album, Ours Is the Kingdom, was released by Karmageddon Media, which also re-released the band's entire back catalogue remastered with bonus tracks. The band then established a new label, Seven Kingdoms, releasing Steadfast in 2008 and Last of the Line in 2011. Their seventh album, Curse of the Cwelled, was released on St George's Day in April 2015, followed by Tales from a Cloud-Born Land in 2017. Both brothers are former members of the folk metal project Folkearth.
Reader's Guide
Forefather represents a consistent presence in the English folk metal scene, blending traditional folk elements with Viking and black metal influences. Their discography, spanning from 1999 to 2017, shows a steady output on independent labels, including their own Angelisc Enterprises and Seven Kingdoms. The band's significance lies in their DIY approach and their role in the broader folk metal movement, particularly through their incorporation of Viking themes. Their re-released back catalogue on Karmageddon Media helped solidify their early work. As a duo, Athelstan and Wulfstan have maintained a distinct sound, and their involvement in Folkearth connects them to a wider collaborative folk metal network. While not a mainstream act, Forefather has a dedicated following within the metal community, and their albums remain reference points for fans of English folk metal.
Did You Know?
- Forefather was formed in September 1997 by brothers Wulfstan and Athelstan.
- The band has released seven studio albums, the latest being Tales from a Cloud-Born Land in 2017.
- Both Athelstan and Wulfstan are former members of the folk metal project Folkearth.
- Their album Curse of the Cwelled was released on St George's Day in April 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Forefather (band)?
Forefather is an English folk metal group that blends Viking metal and black metal into their sound. The band was put together in September 1997 by two brothers, Wulfstan and Athelstan, and has remained active ever since.
Where is Forefather from and who founded the band?
The group hails from Surrey, England, and was established in 1997 by the brother duo Wulfstan and Athelstan. Those two siblings have served as the core members throughout the band's entire run.
What genres does Forefather play?
Their music sits at the intersection of folk metal, Viking metal, and black metal. This blend gives their songs a distinctly Anglo-Saxon and Norse-flavored character within the broader metal scene.
Which labels has Forefather released music on?
Over the years the band has put out records through Angelisc Enterprises, Karmageddon Media, and Seven Kingdoms. By 2017 they had accumulated seven studio albums across those imprints.
How long has Forefather been active?
The brothers have been making and releasing music continuously since 1997, making them a long-running presence in the Viking and folk metal community. Their catalog spans nearly three decades of output as of the late 2010s.
More in Viking metal musical groups 1-22
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