Recommended Finnish bands. Popular bands from overseas.
Finland is a country where rock music has developed remarkably, even by global standards.
In particular, the capital city Helsinki is known as a sacred ground for heavy metal, attracting highly skilled heavy metal bands from around the world.
This time, we’re introducing bands from Finland, a hot zone for rock bands!
From classic, long-standing groups to modern bands gaining popularity with innovative sounds, we’ve picked a wide range.
If you love rock, you’ll find bands here you won’t be able to resist—so sit back and enjoy to the very end!
Recommended bands from Finland. Popular international bands (1–10)
EagleheartStratovarius
Stratovarius is a metal band that has represented Nordic metal since the 1980s.
They deliver melodic songs infused with classical tones to their listeners.
Among the many Nordic metal bands, they stand out for their genre-defying appeal.
Despite multiple lineup changes, they consistently produce highly thematic tracks.
You can enjoy a passionate sound along with the light, driving rhythms characteristic of power metal.
This band is recommended for those looking for a great entry point into metal.
Silent WatersAmorphis
Amorphis is a band that delivers a unique brand of heavy metal infused with Finnish folk music to listeners.
Even among Finland’s rapidly rising metal scene, they are known for producing many melodious tracks.
Ethnic melodies that evoke the grandeur of Nordic nature blend perfectly with the intense rock sound characteristic of metal.
They have performed in Japan multiple times, showcasing songs that are both folky and tinged with melancholy.
If you’re interested in Nordic folk metal or pagan metal, be sure to give their music a listen.
BatteryApocalyptica
Apocalyptica is a music group primarily composed of multiple cellists and a drummer.
Renowned for their live performances, they tour around the world and have gained fans far beyond Europe.
In Japan, some of their tracks have been featured in video games and TV commercials, so some listeners may already recognize their sound.
You can experience the cellists’ skillful, high-speed performances spanning from low to high registers.
Although their songs mainly feature the acoustic tones of string instruments, they deliver a heavy, powerful sound—making them a very cool band.
Would You Love A MonstermanLordi
Roadie is a band known for their striking costumes themed around “monsters.” They’re also recognized for dynamic live performances that incorporate pyrotechnics.
They create passionate tracks featuring shouts and death growls, delivering straightforward hard rock to their listeners.
Their songs are also marked by somewhat lyrical melodies, which—paired with their elegant stage costumes—leave a lasting impression.
Despite their international popularity, they maintain an aura of mystery as a rock band.
Sons Of Winter And StarsWintersun
Wintersun is a metal band founded by Jari Mäenpää, who is also active as a music producer.
Their songwriting is rooted in Viking metal that incorporates elements of Nordic folk music.
The band is composed of members skilled in technical performance, delivering an overwhelming sense of groove.
Pay attention as well to the classical melodies woven into their straightforward metal sound.
Listen to their tracks and imagine warriors battling against the vast natural backdrop of Finland.
In My Sword I TrustEnsiferum
Ensiferum is a band that delivers a folky sound that conjures images of warriors dodging swords.
As a Viking metal act themed around a grand, epic worldview, they’ve captured attention from around the globe.
While they craft songs resounding with a heavy metal punch, they also incorporate folk-tinged tones using instruments like the banjo and acoustic guitar.
Many listeners are captivated by their impressive choral work powered by death growls.
Try listening to their music while imagining people fighting against the backdrop of Finland’s majestic nature.
Boulevard of Broken DreamsHanoi rocks
Hanoi Rocks is indispensable when talking about the Nordic rock ’n’ roll scene.
Formed in 1980 in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, they won popularity with melodious rock numbers.
The light, breezy sound shaped by the superb combination of vocalist Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy is particularly striking.
Many listeners are surely captivated by Michael Monroe’s cool vocals, which perfectly match the rhythmic performances.
They’re a rock band defined by passionate, catchy melodies that resonate beyond genre boundaries.