Medieval metal is a distinctive subgenre of folk metal primarily originating in Germany (where it's known as Mittelalter-Metal), which fuses heavy metal music with traditional medieval folk elements. The genre emerged in the mid-1990s, pioneered by influential bands such as Subway to Sally, In Extremo, and Schandmaul. It is characterized by the prominent use of period instruments like bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, and shawm, creating a sound often associated with medieval taverns.

While a German phenomenon, the genre drew inspiration from the English folk metal band Skyclad, formed in 1990, and built upon the groundwork laid by the medieval folk group Corvus Corax, which began in 1989. Subway to Sally shifted to a German-language, traditional approach in 1995, while In Extremo formed in 1994, growing from a collaboration between rock and Corvus Corax members. Both bands, along with Schandmaul (who debuted in 1999), have achieved considerable chart success in Germany, solidifying medieval metal's enduring popularity into the 21st century.