Vikings are legendary warriors, seafarers, and explorers who emerged from the Nordic regions during the late 8th century. They left a lasting legacy in history, with their conquests and exploits inspiring countless works of literature, art, and music. In fact, Vikings have been the subject of numerous songs over the years, spanning multiple genres and styles.
From epic ballads to heavy metal anthems, songs about Vikings offer a glimpse into their fascinating culture, mythology, and way of life. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 songs about Vikings, highlighting their unique features and significance.
These songs cover a range of themes, including Viking battles, mythology, seafaring, and exploration. Some are based on historical events and figures, while others are purely fictional or inspired by Viking lore. They feature a diverse array of musical styles, from traditional Nordic folk to contemporary metal, showcasing the enduring influence of Vikings on modern music.
Through these songs, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Viking culture and its enduring impact on the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a metalhead, or simply a lover of great music, this list is sure to have something that will resonate with you. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 20 songs about Vikings!
1. “Viking” by Peter Hammill
“Viking” by Peter Hammill is a haunting, atmospheric ballad that paints a vivid picture of Viking life and culture through poetic lyrics and intricate instrumentation.
2. “Invaders” by Iron Maiden
“Invaders” by Iron Maiden is a fast-paced, high-energy track that tells the story of a Viking invasion from the perspective of the invaders themselves, with driving guitar riffs and thundering drums.
3. “Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner
“Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner is a sweeping orchestral masterpiece that captures the spirit of the Valkyries, legendary Norse goddesses who were said to choose who would live and die in battle.
4. “I Am A Viking” by Yngwie J. Malmsteen’S Rising Force
“I Am A Viking” by Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force is a classic ’80s metal anthem that celebrates the warrior spirit of the Vikings with virtuosic guitar solos and powerful vocals.
5. “One Rode to Asa Bay” by Bathory
“One Rode to Asa Bay” by Bathory is a black metal epic that tells the story of a Viking funeral, with atmospheric keyboards, harsh vocals, and driving guitars.
6. “Stonehenge” by Spinal Tap
“Stonehenge” by Spinal Tap is a hilarious parody of Viking metal, with over-the-top lyrics, goofy costumes, and a catchy, sing-along chorus.
7. “Singing Swords” by Heavy Load
“Singing Swords” by Heavy Load is an epic power metal track that celebrates the valor and bravery of Viking warriors with soaring vocals, chugging guitars, and thunderous drums.
8. “Twilight Of The Thunder God” by Amon Amarth
“Twilight of the Thunder God” by Amon Amarth is a death metal masterpiece that tells the story of Thor’s battle against the giants, with pummeling riffs, growling vocals, and epic orchestrations.
9. “Great Heathen Army” by Iced Earth
“Great Heathen Army” by Iced Earth is a crushing metal track that tells the story of the Viking invasion of England, with pounding drums, blistering guitar solos, and powerful vocals.
10. “End of an empire” by Turisas
“End of an Empire” by Turisas is an epic folk metal ballad that tells the story of a Viking hero’s final battle, with haunting melodies, lush orchestrations, and soaring vocals.
11. “Valhalla” by Black Sabbath
“Valhalla” by Black Sabbath is a classic heavy metal track that imagines the Viking afterlife as a place of eternal glory and battle, with driving riffs, thundering drums, and powerful vocals.
12. “Hail to the Hammer” by Tyr
“Hail to the Hammer” by Tyr is a rousing folk metal anthem that celebrates the power of Thor’s hammer, with catchy melodies, chugging guitars, and soaring vocals.
13. “Cry of the Blackbirds” by Amon Amarth
“Cry of the Blackbirds” by Amon Amarth is a brutal death metal track that tells the story of a Viking battle, with crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and relentless drums.
14. “King of Kings” by ManoWar
“King of Kings” by ManoWar is a bombastic power metal epic that tells the story of a Viking warrior who becomes a legendary king, with shredding guitars, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals.
15. “Barbarian” by The Darkness
“Barbarian” by The Darkness is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Viking culture, with catchy riffs, over-the-top vocals, and hilarious lyrics.
16. “Up On The Mountain” by King of Asgard
“Up on the Mountain” by King of Asgard is a haunting folk metal track that tells the story of a Viking hero’s journey to a mountaintop, with atmospheric keyboards, pounding drums, and powerful vocals.
17. “Shores In Flames” by Bathory
“Shores in Flames” by Bathory is a black metal epic that tells the story of a Viking raid, with atmospheric keyboards, harsh vocals, and driving guitars.
18. “Swedish Pagans” by Sabaton
“Swedish Pagans” by Sabaton is a high-energy power metal track that celebrates Viking history and culture, with catchy melodies, chugging guitars, and anthemic vocals.
19. “Thousand Years of Oppression” by Amon Amarth
“Thousand Years of Oppression” by Amon Amarth is a crushing death metal track that tells the story of Viking oppression by Christian conquerors, with pummeling riffs, growling vocals, and epic orchestrations.
20. “Heathens From the North” by Heavy Load
“Heathens from the North” by Heavy Load is a triumphant power metal track that celebrates the Viking spirit of adventure and exploration, with soaring vocals, chugging guitars, and thunderous drums.