Oriental Metal

Oriental metal is a fusion genre that blends traditional heavy metal with elements of Middle Eastern, North African, or East Asian music. Emerging in the late 1990s and gaining popularity in the 2000s, it features a unique combination of distorted guitars and thunderous drums alongside traditional instruments like erhu, morin khuur, or oud. Vocalists often alternate between guttural metal growls and traditional singing styles, sometimes incorporating throat singing. The genre's rhythms are complex, often incorporating folk time signatures and tribal percussion. Lyrically, oriental metal frequently explores cultural mythology, history, and spirituality. It shares similarities with folk metal but is distinguished by its focus on non-European cultural elements. The genre has helped bring attention to traditional music from various regions while offering metal fans a fresh, culturally rich sound. Its impact extends beyond music, sometimes sparking interest in the cultures it draws from and challenging stereotypes about both metal and traditional music.

The Funeral

Myrath

Single - Released December 16, 2025