Tolkien metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by its thematic focus on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. Musically, it combines elements of power metal, folk metal, and black metal, often featuring soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, and lush instrumentation, including keyboards and orchestral elements. Lyrics typically draw from Tolkien's works, exploring themes of mythology, epic quests, and fantastical worlds. This genre gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly in Europe, as a niche within the broader metal scene. Tolkien metal's cultural significance lies in its ability to tap into the rich imaginative heritage of Tolkien's world, resonating with fans of fantasy literature and gaming. While sharing similarities with power metal and folk metal, Tolkien metal's distinctiveness stems from its literary inspiration and often symphonic arrangements, setting it apart from other metal subgenres.
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