Indeed it is surprings, how many styles there are in Heavy Metal music, almost more, than in any other kind of music. At least it seems so. Whether it's True-Thrash, Death, Black or nor Pagenmetal - and no end in sight. 
Well with this kinda metal named Pagan Metal, many people don't really have an idea yet, exept the real fans And even I had to get familiar with it first. 
Pagan is a metal genre, dealing with ancient religions and myths. It is played with old instruments, like backpipes harmonica , flute, but also electric guitar. The whole thing comes from Scandinavia, who've got most of those bands. Originally developed in the middle of the 90s, Pagan Metal is getting  more and more popular, and you can't really compare it with the usual middle age metal tunes. Therefore pagan is to heavy and too much folk. 
Now I think, it is rather difficult to describe, and the best is, to check it out personally. Currently the chance is very high, 'cause the Pagan Metal Fest is on tour right now in Germany, and today in Munich at the Backstage Werk. It's sold out, which means, aprox. 1.000 fans, who rather have preferred to come here instead of watching a soccer match.

Yep I confess, seven bands after each other, is just a bit too much for me. But it's also a matter of time, which let me come to the scenery first at the third band,. the first two one's are local groups called Kromlek and the other is named Equilibrium

Number 3 is  Eluveitie from Switzerlnad, who declair their music as  Folkmusik-Melodic Death Metal Mix 

Founded in 2002, the swiss lot has released 2 Ep's and one full record so far. And this band is the first one I see and take pics off: 
Wherebey in the beginning I get a shock, as the photopit is cramped with people, most of them I've never seen before in my life, who take pics as well. I presume the promoter has invited the complete fanzine society of southern Germany. The space is so crowded, that you just can't move, and this with 90 degrees under the limelights.

I must admit, I do like these boys (and girls), and what the do. And this is done with a lot of energy and never gets boring at any time. 
Oh before I forget, because of the short sets of each band, there are not song lists available. Proably it ain't worth it by just 5 or 6 songs. Shame, 'cause this is really a bit short, including a restricted sight to the stage, because of the crowd.

Number 4 is TYR aus Dänemark, oder besser gesagt, von den Färöer Inseln.

They are going for 10 years now and try to combine ballads from the Faroer Islands with a more melodic style named Viking Metal. This band sings in english and faroer.
Their new album 'Land' will be out on may 30. - And there ain't much more to say about this band, exept putting out a decent stage presence. I personally miss the famous sparkle jumping over....

The fifth band of the  Paganfest is ‚Moonsorrow’ and they are from Scaninavia as well, but from  Finland.

Ville and Henri Sorvali founded the Band in 1995.And their goal always was and is to combine finnish folk music with heavy metal.  Live on Stage this lot rather look extroverted with their blood drunk outfit.  Or rather call it coloured water... But it doesn't miss out on it's effect.  Keyboardist Markus Eurénwho is in the band since 2000 is celebrating his  30. birthday today and gets a special salut. 
You can feel, that this band gets a lot more attention than the one's before. . And it's coming to an end, when  Korpiklaani Frontman Jonne Järvelä comes on stage and sings along with his collegues. 

Moonsorrow have taken along their Tulimyrsky EP, out on may 30. - This band has definately got the longest songs of all, so after taking pics for 4 tracks, there are just two more left. And the calls from the audiance for one more song get ignored. 

And  here – we go..... Korpiklaani, from Finland as well....

and again..... folkmusic mixed up with heavy rhythm. Whereby this and lies the focus much more on the folk aspect. And they got a very positive aura, most of all it's their singer Jonne Järvelä, who ain't putting out this kind of dead serious face, but rather grins all the time and constantly. He's got aura, that's for sure. 

Korpiklaani got 5 albums so far, whereby the newest Cd 'Korven Kunignas' has just come out one  month ago. So there's plenty of material to be played. And they have indeed got a bit longer stage time. 

These fins got their most fans here in Germany. And Jonne once said: 'back home they call us - Old people Music with Heavy Metal guitars.' Who cares. And so, we over here can hope, that this band will come back again soon. Respect, this is a great performance. 

The last one's are  Ensiferum, who were born in 1995 from Kimmo Miettinen back in Finland as well.

Three albums, one EP and a Live DVD and a re release of their Demos, that's the result.
By the way, you can't really talk about a headliner position here. Because the last 3 bands just about enjoy the same status in popularity. And again, it's folk and metal, Ensiferium put out. A little irritating indeed. That's why I don't say much more. But at least, what I can say is, - it was loud, very loud.... I don't survive the finale of the Paganfest, 'cause I leave early. But I did get a general impression. And I come to the conclusion that Korpiklaani are the real winner tonight. And that's my friends is not only due to the music but also to the spirit... Yep there it was the famous sparkle, jumping across like father elk with some spring feelings....