Folk metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines traditional folk music elements with heavy metal instrumentation and themes. Bands often incorporate instruments like violins, flutes, and bagpipes, creating a unique sound that reflects cultural heritage. Lyrics frequently draw from folklore, mythology, and historical events, celebrating the band's cultural roots. Originating in the 1980s and gaining popularity in the 1990s, folk metal has roots in various cultures, including Celtic, Norse, and Slavic traditions. Notable bands in the genre include Finntroll, Korpiklaani, and Eluveitie, each bringing their own cultural influences and musical styles to the folk metal scene.