Five Instruments You Didn't Expect to Find in Metal

As I have alluded to before, I am not a pure metalhead, but I am very enthusiastic about particular genres of metal. I don't like more conventional types of music, music that you'd hear every day somewhere. Music is meant to awaken something in you, not simply be background noise. For me, that requires music to almost always be on the more unique and eclectic side. The majority of the music I listen to originates from another continent, and when I speak about some of the bands I enjoy or shows I have been to, it is actually met with a lot of intrigue. People are genuinely surprised to hear about these genres and either learn about new instruments, or hear them in a way they never imagined hearing them before. As such, I want to list five instruments many people wouldn't expect to find in a metal band.

1. Accordion - Yep, the polka instrument. You may remember Steve Urkel with one of these. This one probably is only mildly surprising as punk music is like to feature the accordion on occasion. Still, some people cannot place what they perceive to be a very heavy genre with an instrument like the accordion. There are quite a few folk metal bands that feature the accordion. Want to have a listen? Try Koennin Kuokkamies by Korpiklaani
2. Hurdy Gurdy - This is an instrument many people I talk to have not even heard of. What is a hurdy gurdy? Part violin, part bagpipe, part piano, and part jack-in-the-box. There's a box with a crank that spins a wheel that rubs against strings. Notes are played using keys on the hurdy gurdy while drone strings, strings not touched by the crank operated wheel, emanate a sound similar to that of a bagpipe. It's a very prevalent music in folk metal, so there are quite a few bands to choose from in order to listen to the sound. Eluveitie's Of Fire, Wind, and Wisdom features the hurdy gurdy prominently and is celtic metal at its finest
3. Harp - Quite possibly one of the most tranquil instruments, one often associated with love and poetry, can be found practiced by big hairy man with all sorts of tattoos. It's far from a fixture in metal bands, but the few who do utilize it really pull it off well. It adds a very nice subtle touch to the music. Furor Gallico is one of my favorite bands, and their song Banshee features the harp multiple times throughout the song.
4. Trumpet - You are about to enter the wonderful world of Swing Metal. Diablo Swing Orchestra, an avant garde metal band from Sweden, is one of the most unique bands you'll ever come across. Horns, strings, opera, and metal make for one hell of a dance party. Seriously, I can't listen to this band without wanting to learn how to become a really good swing dancer so I could dress up all fancy and do these amazing routines. Get ready to boogie when you listen to Guerilla Laments.
5. Bagpipes - When people think of bagpipes, they most typically think of Scotland and St. Patrick's Day parades here in America. Elsewhere, though, bagpipes absolutely don't fall into those same stereotypes. Bagpipes are often not given a fair shot by folks; the first thought that comes to mind would be the loud, slow, droning sounds that seem to drag on forever. The upbeat, more intricate melodies rarely get recognized, and when played in conjunction with other instruments, the bagpipes prove to be one of the greatest and most enjoyable instruments out there, in my humble opinion. Again, many bands to choose from on this instrument, but Liam by In Extremo shows off Dr. Pymonte's very nice custom-made pipes.