[2025] The Appeal of Canadian Rock: Recommended Popular Bands from Canada

Mmm Mmm Mmm MmmCrash Test Dummies

Crash Test Dummies – Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm (HQ)

Crash Test Dummies, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, are a rock band formed in 1989.

They achieved international breakthrough success with their 1993 single “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.” Brad Roberts’s distinctive bass-baritone voice is striking, and their music ranges widely from acoustic folk to electric alternative.

They signed with BMG Records in 1991 and became popular in Canada that same year with the single “Superman’s Song.” Heavily influenced by XTC, they have actually covered two of the band’s songs.

In 2015, they released “Promised Land,” marking a restart.

They’re a band I highly recommend for fans of folk rock.

Thank You PainThe Agonist

THE AGONIST – Thank You Pain (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Among the many renowned Canadian bands that have emerged in the heavy metal scene, The Agonist has gained popularity for featuring a female vocalist who commands both ferocious death growls and beautiful clean parts.

The group’s predecessor band was formed in 2004 by Alissa White-Gluz—who now fronts Sweden’s world-famous melodic death metal band Arch Enemy—along with guitarist Danny Marino and bassist Chris Kells.

That same year, they changed their name to The Agonist and began their full-fledged activities.

In 2007, they released their debut album, Once Only Imagined, produced by Cryptopsy guitarist Christian Donaldson, a legend in their local death metal scene.

Its modern extreme sound—tinged with influences from contemporary metalcore—and Alissa’s skillful vocals generated buzz among metal fans in Japan as well.

Their second album, 2009’s Lullabies for the Dormant Mind, saw a marked improvement in both songwriting and performance, and they made their first visit to Japan in 2010.

As mentioned, Alissa later left to join Arch Enemy; her successor, Vicky Psarakis, is no less capable, and as of 2021 the band continues to operate steadily.

Even if you find ultra-extreme metal a bit daunting, The Agonist’s music is packed with beautiful melodies—so give them a try.

Kluskap O’ KomVOIVOD

VOIVOD – Kluskap O’ Kom (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Voivod is a thrash metal band from Quebec.

They are often regarded as pioneers of thrash metal in Canada and are held in high esteem.

Although Voivod is now considered a veteran band, over their long career they have experienced various events, including the addition of a former Metallica member and the death of a bandmate.

Yet despite these hardships, the fact that they have never disbanded and continue to be active to this day is nothing short of remarkable.

BelowWhite Lung

White Lung – Below (Official Video)

White Lung is a girls’ band formed in 2006.

That said, they’re by no means the cute type; drawing heavily from post-punk influences, they’ve built a cult following with their dark, throbbing sound.

In recent years, their melodic sensibilities have sharpened, as heard on “Below,” fusing with their swirling, growling post-punk sound.

Many expect them to finally break through in a major way.

They’re a band to watch closely going forward.

Romantic RightDeath from Above 1979

Death From Above 1979 – Romantic Rights (MTV Version) [Official Video]

I think Death From Above 1979 is one of the most eccentric bands in Canada.

The band is a duo consisting of bass and drums.

First of all, it’s very unusual for a band to have no guitar.

Their songs are also eccentric, mixing punk, noise, alternative, and techno into a highly stimulating sound.

The simple yet ferocious combination of growling, buzzing bass and drums is said to be supported not only by rock fans but also by techno fans.

Fight The Good FightTriumph

Triumph – Fight The Good Fight

Formed in 1975, Triumph is a hard rock band from Ontario, Canada, that shines brilliantly in rock history.

Alongside Rush, they supported Canada’s hard rock scene and captivated many fans with a distinctive sound that also incorporated elements of American progressive hard rock.

A track from their 1979 album Just a Game reached No.

38 on the Billboard charts, and their 1981 album Allied Forces became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

In 1986, they broke into the U.

S.

Top 40, steadily building their popularity.

In 2008, they were inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame, and they have continued to be active energetically since reuniting.

They’re a must-listen not only for hard rock fans, but also for anyone who loves the classic rock sound of the ’80s.

CellophaneMETZ

METZ – Cellophane [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

METZ is a three-piece band from Toronto.

When you listen to their music, those in their thirties or older might feel a sense of nostalgia.

They strum noisy guitars and sing melodies laced with irony, as if they were a Seattle band from the ’90s.

They’re the very definition of a grunge band.

It’s been over 20 years since the grunge boom faded.

If a grunge revival comes, METZ might be the band to lead that generation.