Heavy riffs meet Anatolian soul in thunderous metal. 131–179 BPM.
Turkish Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that originated in Turkey in the late 1980s. It incorporates elements of traditional Turkish folk music, such as microtonal scales and instruments like the bağlama, with the aggression of thrash and death metal. Bands like Mezarkabul (formerly Pentagram) pioneered the sound, which has since evolved into various subgenres.
The defining artists of Turkish Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Turkish Metal.
Turkish Metal is characterized by fast, aggressive riffing typical of thrash and death metal, but with distinct melodic elements borrowed from Turkish folk music. Guitars often use microtonal bends and scales, mimicking the sound of the bağlama or ney. Drumming is intense, with double bass pedals driving blast beats and complex rhythms. Vocals range from guttural growls to clean, melodic singing, sometimes incorporating traditional Turkish vocal techniques.
The rhythm section is tight, with bass lines often following the guitar riffs but adding depth. Tempos vary from mid-paced stomps to frantic speeds, with occasional slow, atmospheric passages. The overall sound is dark and powerful, yet infused with a melancholic, oriental flavor that sets it apart from other metal genres.
Turkish Metal emerged in the late 1980s, with the band Pentagram (later Mezarkabul) forming in 1987 in Istanbul. They blended Western heavy metal with Turkish folk melodies, creating a unique sound that resonated locally. The scene grew slowly due to censorship and political turmoil, but by the 1990s, bands like Dying, Soul Sacrifice, and Almora expanded the genre.
In the 2000s, Turkish Metal diversified into death, black, and folk metal, with bands like Cenotaph, Decaying Purity, and Kargoth gaining international recognition. The genre often addresses themes of Turkish history, mythology, and social issues, distinguishing it from Western metal.
Culturally, Turkish Metal exists in a complex space, balancing Western influences with national identity. It has faced censorship and stigma but remains a vibrant underground scene, with festivals like Metalcamp and Rock'n Coke (now defunct) providing platforms. The genre continues to evolve, incorporating electronic elements and progressive structures.
How Turkish Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Turkish Metal, focus on capturing the aggression of the drums and the unique guitar melodies. Use a tight, punchy drum sound with prominent double bass (BPM 140-180). Snare should be sharp, and cymbals bright. Guitars should be heavily distorted but with clarity for the microtonal bends; consider using a slight delay or reverb to enhance the folk-like melodies. Bass should be present but not muddy, locking in with the kick drum.
Typical samples include traditional Turkish instruments like bağlama, ney, or darbuka, often layered with metal instrumentation. These can be triggered via MIDI or recorded live. The mix should be aggressive but allow space for the melodic elements. Use sidechain compression to let the kick punch through. For vocals, blend growls with clean harmonies, and consider adding reverb to create an atmospheric feel.
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