Zaria is a symphonic folk metal band from Medvode, Slovenia, formed in 2013. Their six-piece lineup has released five albums including "Where Adventures Begin" and "Tell the Wind," blending symphonic grandeur with folk metal storytelling.

Zeit der Dunkelheit is an atmospheric black metal band from London, formed in 2024, that combines black metal with medieval folk instrumentation including bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, and recorders. Their releases "Die Letzten Tage" and "Das Ende Der Zeit" feature German-language lyrics exploring dark medieval themes.

Zergeyth is a one-man Karelian folk black metal project from Saint Petersburg, Russia, formed in 2013 by Sergey Nikiforov. Their albums "Pajot Kezäs Kodoilas" (2013) and "Nyt" (2021) feature lyrics entirely in the Karelian language, exploring the region's history and folklore.

Zhraja is a gothic and folk metal band from Minsk, Belarus, incorporating industrial elements into their layered sound. Their eclectic approach blends traditional Belarusian folk melodies with heavy gothic atmospheres and electronic textures.

Zmey Gorynich is a folk metal/deathcore band from Moscow, Russia, formed in 2013. Named after the three-headed dragon of Slavic mythology, they deliver a self-described "buffoonish Folk Metal Opera" that combines traditional Russian instruments like gusli, balalaika, and domra with heavy metal in an outrageously theatrical style.