Cultural trauma in the lyrics of the Estonian folk metal band Metsatöll

Abstract

This article explores the lyrics of the Estonian folk metal band Metsatöll in relation to collective national and cultural trauma focusing on the following themes: the fight against foreign invaders and overlords, land, nature, wolves, kin and family, as well as ancient beliefs. Cultural trauma can be defined as the collective experience of horrendous and traumatic events that leave marks on a group’s consciousness. This article suggests that Metsatöll’s lyrics are a means of processing cultural trauma that has been caused by years of occupation and oppression, the end of singing nationalism of the 1980s and changing values brought on by the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent globalization, capitalism and materialism. This trauma is processed through neo-pagan lyrics and the aesthetics of folk metal. Inspiration for the lyrics can be found in maausk (‘earth faith’), mediaeval chronicles, the national narrative of the great battle, Estonian mythology and folk poetry. Christianity and foreign influences are rejected by resorting to authentically Estonian ancient practices. The lyrics are true to the genre of folk metal in general, and metal music is seen in this study as a fitting vehicle for processing cultural trauma. The study also contains a brief analysis of white masculinity in crisis, as well as a critical discussion on ethno-centric nationalism in a postcolonial context.