There are plenty of folk-metal bands out there, but few are as interesting as Mongolian quartet Tengger Cavalry. The band formed in 2010, blending nomadic music from Central Asia with metal. Frontman Nature Ganganbeigal is not only versed in Khoomei, or throat singing, but can also play Mongolian nomadic instruments including Montolian horese-head fiddle Morin Khuur, Mongolian flute and Tibetan horn. Now living in New York, Ganganbeigal and his new American band members are kicking off a headlining tour starting this Sunday (dates below). The vocalist shared his five favorite other international bands with Metal Insider.
5) Aldaspan (Kazakh)
Aldaspan is a folk rock band with metal influence originated from Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country that has strong nomadic culture influence. The band adopts the traditional plucking instrument of Kazakhstan, Dombra, by adding pick up and electronic guitar system. The Dombra sounds like heavy metal guitar yet still convey the glory of Kazakhstan nomads and eagle hunters. Tengger Cavalry highly respects all the nomadic culture, including Kazakhstan, so Aldaspan is def on the list.
4) Suld (China)
Suld is another Mongolian folk metal band from Inner Mongolia, China. Being friend with the vocal Baisile for long time, I highly respect their music and helped distribute their music on iTunes and Amazon. They incorporate Tuva throat singing with new-wave heavy metal influenced riff and drum beat. A must listen if you are big fan of Tengger Cavalry.
3) Leshak (Moscow)
Leshak is a Slavic folk influenced folk metal band. Their music always have great flute melodies that bring you into the deep forest of Russia. The melody arrangement of flute parts are sophisticated and sometimes weaved with beautiful harmony and even bagpipe as company.
2) Dalriada (Hungary)
Hungarian folk metal band with Native language singing. Very folky yet catchy vocal melody arrangement. New song arrangement also incorporate piano and flute, which has very popy yet still folky sound. The chorus of the band is very epic, open and free. The band also sing about Shamanism and ancient wisdom and nature.
1) Niburta (Hungary)
Compared to Dalriada, Niburta has more ancient and raw folk melody and the metal parts are also more extreme. The band also something use throat singing overtone in the music, which is very cool. People say that Native Hungarian has ancient Asian nomadic blood so I am very interested in Hungarian culture. Although the music is still very European sounding, their tribute to the Tuvan throat singing parts are still very awesome.
Tengger Cavalry tour dates:
5/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
5/16 – Huntington, WV @ V Club
5/17 – Indianapolis, IN @ 5th Quarter Lounge
5/18 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
5/19 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
5/20 – Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
5/21 – Omaha, NE @ Alchemy
5/22 – Denver, CO @ 3 Kings Tavern
5/24 – Seattle, WA @ Highline
5/25 – Portland, OR @ Ash St. Saloon
5/26 – San Francisco, CA @ Elbo Room
5/27 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
5/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room
5/31 – Austin, TX @ Grizzly Hall
6/1 – New Orleans, LA @ Siberia
6/2 – Asheville, NC @ Mothlight
6/3 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Belvederes
6/4 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall – Marlin Room
