Morgarten (band)
Swiss folk–black metal band named after the Battle of Morgarten.
Morgarten is a folk–black metal band formed in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 2005. The group draws its name from the Battle of Morgarten (1315), and its lyrics are primarily inspired by Swiss history and heroic fantasy. The band has performed across Europe alongside acts such as Finntroll, Wind Rose, Saor, Finsterforst and Kvaen.
- formed
- 2005
- origin
- Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- genre
- Folk–black metal
- label
- Inner Wound Recordings
- notable_albums
- Risen to Fight (2015), Cry of the Lost (2021)
Lore & Background
Morgarten was founded in 2005 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The band's name references the Battle of Morgarten, fought on 15 November south of Zürich, where a small force of Swiss Confederates repelled Duke Leopold I of Austria. The group's songwriting focuses on Swiss history and heroic fantasy.
The band released its first self-produced album, "Risen to Fight", in 2015. For the second album, "Cry of the Lost" (2021), Morgarten signed with Swedish label Inner Wound Recordings. That album is freely inspired by the story of Arnold von Winkelried. After the first album, the band toured Europe and played festivals including Dark Troll Festival, Mead & Greed, Heathen Gathering, Cernunnos Pagan Fest, March Into Walhalla and Mahlstrom Open Air. In 2025 they performed at Hellfest in France, their biggest show to date.
Keyboardist Maël Porret is also the 2020 Swiss champion of acrobatic paragliding solo. The current lineup consists of Pierric Weber (vocals, guitar), Ilann Porret (guitar, vocals), Cédric Volet (bass, backing vocals), Maël Porret (keyboard) and Joël Volet (drums).
Reader's Guide
Morganten occupies a niche within European folk–black metal by grounding its identity in Swiss national history and the legend of the Battle of Morgarten. Their debut album "Risen to Fight" (2015) established their sound, while "Cry of the Lost" (2021) deepened their narrative focus on figures like Arnold von Winkelried. The band's extensive touring—including major pagan and folk festivals—and a 2025 Hellfest appearance demonstrate their steady growth within the scene. Their significance lies in representing Swiss historical themes in a genre often dominated by Norse or Celtic mythology, and in maintaining a consistent lineup that includes a champion paraglider. The group's discography remains small, with two studio albums, but their live presence across Europe has built a loyal following.
Did You Know?
- The band's name comes from the Battle of Morgarten (1315), where Swiss Confederates defeated Duke Leopold I of Austria.
- Keyboardist Maël Porret was Swiss champion of acrobatic paragliding solo in 2020.
- Morgarten's second album "Cry of the Lost" is freely inspired by the story of Arnold von Winkelried.
- The band played its biggest show at Hellfest in France in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morgarten?
Morgarten is a folk–black metal band that was formed in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 2005.
Where does the name 'Morgarten' come from and what inspires their lyrics?
The band takes its name from the 1315 Battle of Morgarten, and their songwriting centers on Swiss history and heroic fantasy narratives.
What are Morgarten's most notable albums?
Their key studio releases are Risen to Fight (2015) and Cry of the Lost (2021), both put out through Inner Wound Recordings.
Who has Morgarten shared the stage with?
The group has performed across Europe alongside fellow folk and black metal acts including Finntroll, Wind Rose, Saor, Finsterforst, and Kvaen.
What sets Morgarten apart from other folk metal bands?
They carve out a distinct niche by rooting their sound in Swiss historical heritage rather than the more common Norse or Celtic traditions that dominate the genre.
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