Popular French bands. Recommended groups.

SouvenirsNovelists FR

NOVELISTS – Souvenirs (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

If you’re into bands like metalcore or post-hardcore, you might already know that France actually has many groups with a distinct personality different from those in the U.

S.

or the U.

K.

Novelists from Paris—now performing as “Novelists FR”—are one such band.

Their sound is progressive metalcore grounded in high musicianship, featuring the tightly constructed ensembles characteristic of what’s known as “djent,” built on complex rhythms and riffs.

While they do have aggressive, even brutal aspects, their refined songs also weave in strong melodic parts, and the overall quality is high.

They’re not extremely heavy either, which might make them approachable for newcomers.

Of course, if you’re not used to djent, the deliberately offset, syncopated rhythms might throw you off at first.

But once you get accustomed to it, it feels incredible—so give it a try!

AirEinleit

Einleit – Air (Official Video)

We’re an electropop band influenced by groups like Radiohead, James Blake, Alt-J, MGMT, and Metronomy.

Our sound mixes dark electro with an energetic, punchy rhythm.

By the way, our vocalist Jun Suzuki is half Japanese, and we’re planning to shoot the music video in Japan.

Grand DérèglementFrànçois & the Atlas Mountains

Frànçois & The Atlas Mountains – Grand Dérèglement (Official Video)

It’s indie pop with a unique worldview born from an unusual combination.

The hybrid, airy pop melodies carried by African rhythms are soothing to the soul.

The singer, François, is someone you just can’t take your eyes off.

CubicleRinocerose

Rinocerose – Cubicle

Rhinoceros is a French electro band that has been active since 1997 and continues to this day.

This track not only features an easy-to-get-into groove and the cool raspiness of the vocals, but it’s also a work whose uniquely creative music video you’ll definitely want to check out.

I Think I Like U 2Jamaica

JAMAICA – I Think I Like U 2 (official video)

French rock can feel a bit rustic, but even on first listen, this band has a coolness that doesn’t seem French at all.

The album “No Problem,” which features this track, even has cover art that looks like it could be from a British rock band.

The way the sound unfolds is meticulously crafted, making it a fascinating listen.

J’t’emmène au ventLouise Attaque

Louise Attaque – J’t’emmène au vent (Clip Officiel remasterisé)

Louise Attaque is a French folk rock band active since 1994.

Their songs evoke wide open plains, and their distinctly French melodies and vocals are irresistibly catchy.

True to the folk rock label, their music often features gentle tones and country-tinged arrangements, making them a great recommendation even for those who aren’t fond of heavier band sounds.

New WavePleymo

Pleymo – New Wave (Clip officiel)

Genres like nu metal and rap metal, which boomed from the late 1990s into the 2000s, were centered around American bands, but France actually has some fantastic groups as well.

Formed in 1997, Pleymo fuse heavy riffs with hip-hop grooves, wielding sharp French-language rapping and irresistibly sing-along choruses as their weapons.

The band’s frontman, vocalist Marc Maggiori, is also a professional animator with deep knowledge of Japanese anime; he’s a big Japanophile who admires directors Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Oshii.

They performed at major festivals like Summer Sonic and were hugely popular at the time.

Some of you might remember the MC he did at Summer Sonic where he said he was a fan of the classic anime AKIRA and that visiting Japan had been his dream.

Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2007, but made a surprise reunion in 2017 and are still active today.

In the 2020s, with so many metalcore and deathcore bands incorporating nu metal elements, if you’ve become interested in Pleymo, be sure to check out their acclaimed second album from 2002, Episode 2: Medecine Cake!