Empyrium is a German symphonic folk/doom metal and (later) neofolk/dark folk band.The band draws inspiration from nature as some of the album titles reveal. Consequently, Empyrium are often referred to as a dark folk or apocalyptic folk band, expressing in their music (most conspicuously in the last two albums) sentiments akin to those expressed by some other 'legislators' of the genre, as Forseti, Orplid, and Ulver (Kveldssanger). Connoisseurs of dark folk will mention that many of Empyrium's compositions are true representatives of the genre, as, for instance, Dying Brokenhearted, The Shepherd and the Maiden Ghost ("Where At Night…"), Heimwärts, Waldpoesie, Die Schwäne im Schilf ("Weiland"). Intricately woven and always impregnated with an exquisite wistfulness or profound, remorseful sadness (Dying Brokenhearted), these compositions may be regarded as a manifesto of the dark-folkloristic gloomy and pantheistic Weltanschauung. The lyrics are mostly in English, though in Weiland only German is performed. Like the Norwegian black metal band Burzum, Empyrium also used Theodor Kittelsen's drawing on one of their album covers (Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays).
Von Thronstahl is a German martial-industrial, neoclassical and neofolk band founded in 1995 by Catholic brothers Bernhard and Josef Wilhelm Maria Klumb.
Their music incorporates bombastic Wagnerian arrangements, neofolk-style acoustic guitar riffs, martial/industrial rhythms and sometimes also industrial rock elements.
The group has been often accused of propagating racist and fascist political views through their lyrics and appearances, which they combine with haute couture-related imagery on album covers and during live performances. The politics expressed in their music are very controversial; they wish to have the EU abolished and return to an imperialistic Europe. (from Last.fm)
A great 3 way split album for those who adore Neofolk and Neoclassical, as well as martial Industrial and Ambient music in a weird somber atmosphere. This dark and thrilling album gathers three Neofolk/Martial Industrial projects: Omne Datum Optimum (r.i.p.), Gaë Bolg and the Church of Fand, and Nothvs Filivs Mortis. Recommended for anyone into dark, weird, industrial music with original compositions and unique styles.
The late period Elvis sideburns that Albin Julius has been sporting in recent photos do not seem to be simply an aesthetic selection: he has fully embraced the cult of rock and roll. Although vestiges remain, he and the rest of the band have pushed away from the neofolk and avant garde martial trappings of the past into their own semi-perverted form of rock music. (source)
Finnish Neofolk / Ambient project NEST by Aslak Tolonen and Timo Saxell, well known far beyond the mentioned genres. Every connoisseur Agalloch, remembers beautiful split Agalloch / Nest from 2004 , which is literally killing its brevity, fans Skepticism likely heard interpretation «The Gallant Crow» from Nest. Aslak Tolonen had to take part in groups Shape Of Despair, Todesbonden, Tevana3, Tuonenpolku, Where Rivers End, and of course Syven, new main project by Aslak Tolonen.