neofolk
Sign in to saveAlso known as neo folk, folk noir, apocalyptic folk, dark folk
Neofolk (originally known as apocalyptic folk) is a music genre that originally emerged during the 1980s through the British post-punk and industrial music scene. It is primarily characterized by acoustic instrumentation and draws influences from dark wave and post-industrial styles such as dark ambient.
Key facts
- Music genre.name
- Neofolk
- Music genre.other_names
- Apocalyptic folk (early)
- Music genre.stylistic_origins
- Folk dark wave dark ambient post-punk traditional folk music experimental post-industrial
- Music genre.cultural_origins
- 1980s, England
- Music genre.derivatives
- Martial industrial
- Music genre.other_topics
- Anti-folk folk punk freak folk neopagan music neoclassical darkwave
via Wikipedia infobox
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Sol Invictus Live.jpg
Show 2 more facts
- inception
- 1980-00-00
- Commons category
- Neofolk
via Wikidata · CC0
~5 min read
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Characteristics
- History
- Forerunners
- 1980s–2000s: Origins
- Culture
- Related genres
- Martial industrial
- References
- Further reading
Neofolk (originally known as apocalyptic folk) is a music genre that originally emerged during the 1980s through the British post-punk and industrial music scene. It is primarily characterized by acoustic instrumentation and draws influences from dark wave and post-industrial styles such as dark ambient.
== Characteristics == Neofolk blends elements of traditional and contemporary folk music with post-industrial and avant-garde influences, distinguishing it from mainstream folk traditions. It is commonly defined by the use of acoustic instruments. Artists incorporate influences from genres such as dark wave and dark ambient. Vocals may range from melodic singing to spoken word, with arrangements emphasizing atmosphere and mood over conventional song structures. Most neofolk artists stem from Nordic countries, Germany and Italy. The style often incorporates lyrical themes drawn from paganism, nature, and European history and mythology.