[2025] Recommended German bands. Popular overseas bands.

Stone InGuru Guru

Guru Guru – Stone In (1970)

Like Amon Düül, Guru Guru developed a rock sound with strong psychedelic colors.

However, unlike Amon Düül, their music was not as heavily conceptual; a slightly irreverent, tongue-in-cheek stance was also evident—that was a hallmark of Guru Guru.

Ah!Oval

Oval – Ah! (Official Music Video)

The techno music unit is Oval.

Germany originally produced acts like Kraftwerk, so it should be strong in electronic music and avant-garde sounds.

Lately it’s been overshadowed by metal, but if songs like this gain popularity, it could become a musical powerhouse on par with the UK and France.

Keep Your Eye On The TwistedPink Cream 69

Pink Cream 69 Keep Your Eye On The Twisted

It’s a band that stands out in Germany for its unusually multinational lineup.

In addition to Germans, there are American and Swiss members, and they’re involved in a variety of activities such as music production.

It leans more toward hard rock than metal, and the vocals are easier to make out.

In den Gärten PharaosPopol Vuh

Popol Vuh – In den Gärten Pharaos (In den Gärten Pharaos)

Among German progressive rock, Popol Vuh, together with Klaus Schulze, masterfully crafted synthesizer music.

The faint performance heard behind the nearly 17-minute-long synthesizer piece is something that sets it apart from today’s industrial rock scene in the UK and the US.

Forever YoungAlphaville

Alphaville – Forever Young ~Official Video

They’re an electropop band with striking synthesizer sounds.

This song, along with many of their singles, became huge hits not only in Germany but also across Europe and the United States.

The melodies have a sound that appeals to Japanese listeners, so it’s definitely worth listening to at least once.

Eagle Fly FreeBASSINVADERS

Bassinvaders – Eagle Fly Free

This is a heavy metal project by Helloween’s bassist, Markus Grosskopf, with the bass taking center stage.

Only a metal powerhouse like Germany could come up with something like this.

As you’d expect, the bass really stands out in the songs, making them irresistible for bass enthusiasts.

Hoodoo ManBirth Control

Birth Control – Hoodoo Man 1972

Early German rock initially produced distinctive avant-garde and psychedelic music, but gradually began to give rise to renowned hard rock bands.

Birth Control was a band active from the early 1970s, and in their early days they created music reminiscent of ELP.