10 Fascinating Niche Music Genres Which Need To Be Heard

Another entry on this list which has roots in the classic progressive rock era of the 1970s. As you might expect, this genre blends contemporary rock sounds with medieval -sounding compositions and traditional acoustic instruments. In the 1970s, bands such as Gryphon, Gentle Giant and Amazing Blondel were at their creative and commercial heights. Each of these groups successfully combined centuries-old compositional techniques, specifically borrowing from baroque and renaissance music, with decidedly modern sounds.

Another notable name here is Ritchie Blackmore. The talented guitarist, and founding member of influential heavy rockers, Deep Purple, formed his own medieval rock band, Blackmore's Night, in 1997, releasing eleven albums on which he played acoustic guitar, hurdy gurdy, mandolin and other traditional stringed instruments.

From the classic era, Camel, Renaissance and Pentangle all merged rock with traditional aesthetics, both lyrically and sonically. Modern bands carrying the torch, in one form or another, include In Extremo , Schandmaul and Tri Yann.