Northern Oak
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Sheffield , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, live performances |
Northern Oak was a folk metal ensemble originating from Sheffield, England, active between 2006 and 2016. Their initial album, Tales From Rivelin (2008), was succeeded by two live studio EPs titled Into The Attic, 28 July 2009 and Northern Oak. They later released their sophomore full-length record, Monuments, in December 2010. This second album garnered praise from underground music outlets including Metal Hammer Magazine, Zero Tolerance Magazine, and Terrorizer. The group ceased operations in 2016.
The band blended traditional folk instruments with a contemporary heavy metal arrangement, featuring electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. Flautist Catie Williams enriched the sound with flute, alto flute, and recorder performances, while the keyboardist provided synthesized sounds emulating harpsichord, church organ, bagpipes, and triangle. The name Northern Oak symbolized their roots in Northern England and their affinity for the English oak tree, reflecting a deep connection to nature and rural landscapes.
History
Established in late 2006 by Chris Mole (guitar), Elliot Sinclair (keyboards), James Harris (vocals), and Daniel Loughran (drums), Northern Oak swiftly crafted their musical identity and produced their first demo titled Rivelin. Following their debut live show in 2007, flautist Catie Williams joined the lineup, steering the band toward a stronger folk influence.
The recording sessions for their debut album Tales From Rivelin took place amid several personnel changes: Daniel Loughran departed and was succeeded by Jesse Harrison on drums; Kimberley Sears joined as bassist; Martin Collins assumed lead vocal duties after a brief period with Carl Aspinall. Released in March 2008, the album received favorable critiques from publications such as Terrorizer and Zero Tolerance. Their track 'Madness of the Feral Moon' was featured on Iron Age Records' Volume 1 compilation alongside prominent folk metal groups.
In 2008, Northern Oak enhanced their live presence, including an appearance at the Gathering of the Clans festival introduced by Martin Walkyier of Sabbat fame. Early in 2009, drummer Jesse Harrison and bassist Kimberley Sears exited; Richard Allan took over bass responsibilities while Paul Whibberley became the new drummer. The band broadened their setlist and issued two live practice EPs during 2009 to showcase upcoming compositions. They secured a deal with independent label Mynydd Du Records after engaging with Aled Pashley of Annwn.
Throughout 2009, Northern Oak toured extensively across the United Kingdom, participating in festivals such as Edinburgh’s Highland Fire Festival and Leicestershire’s Gathering of the Clans.
In 2010, recording for their second album Monuments was completed at Sheffield University Soundhouse, featuring cover artwork by Travis Smith. The album launch occurred on 11 December at Sheffield Corporation with support from Old Corpse Road and Secrets of the Boudoir Burlesque troupe, marking a significant achievement for the band. Founding keyboardist Elliot Sinclair departed due to relocation; Digby Brown stepped in as his replacement.
On 7 June 2011, Northern Oak was announced to perform on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2011. Their set on 13 August included their inaugural acoustic performance. Throughout that year, they extensively toured England promoting Monuments, including participation in The Great Exhibition UK mini-tour alongside Old Corpse Road, The Prophecy, and Eibon la Furies during November.
Characteristics
Northern Oak fused traditional English folk tunes with the aggressive edge of progressive metal guitar work and the intense vocal style typical of black metal. Their sound incorporated authentic folk instruments such as the flute, alto flute, and recorder, complemented by keyboard-generated traditional tones. The band's folk melodies were heavily influenced by flautist Catie Williams' deep knowledge of English folk music—some pieces were directly borrowed (for instance, Only Our Names Will Remain includes elements of The Snows They Melt the Soonest, while The Scarlet Lady integrates a rendition of King of the Faeries)—with other tracks crafted in a similar vein. The lyrical content explored profound philosophical ideas about life, death, and existence, often expressed through themes rooted in nature, history, or mythology. Influences cited by the group included acts like Opeth and Agalloch.
Final line-up
- Martin Collins – vocals, spoken word (2009–2016)
- Chris Mole – acoustic guitar, electric guitar (2006–2016)
- Catie Williams – flute, alto flute, recorder (2007–2016)
- Richard Allan – bass guitar (2009–2016)
- Digby Brown – keyboard (2010–2016)
- Paul Whibberley – drums (2009–2016)
Former members
- Daniel Loughran – drums (2006–2008)
- Elliot Sinclair – keyboard (2006–2010)
- James Harris – vocals (2006–2008)
- Carl Aspinall – vocals (2009)
- Jesse Harrison – drums (2008–2009)
- Kimberley Sears – bass guitar (2008–2009)
- Lindsey Campbell – vocals (2007–2008)
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Tales From Rivelin | Unsigned |
| 2009 | Into the Attic | Unsigned |
| 2009 | Northern Oak | Mynydd Du Records |
| 2010 | Monuments | Independent |
| 2014 | Of Roots and Flesh | Independent |
Studio albums
- Tales From Rivelin (2008)
- Monuments (2010)
EPs
- Into The Attic (2009)
- Northern Oak (2009)
Compilation albums
- Iron Age Records: Sampler 1 (2008)
Videos
- Gawain (2010)
- Live performance of Arbor Low (2010)