Recommended Italian bands. Popular bands from abroad.

Ci Sono Molti Modiafterhours.

Afterhours – Ci Sono Molti Modi ( Live @ Mediolanum Forum, 10/04/2018)

Afterhours, who have secured a firm place in Italy’s alternative rock scene, formed in Milan in 1985.

Although they initially wrote lyrics in English, they switched to their native language with the 1995 album Germi, cementing their domestic following.

They debuted in 1987 with the single “My Bit Boy,” developing an experimental sound that distilled noise and post-punk.

Their landmark album Hai paura del buio? is hailed as a milestone of Italian alternative rock.

In 2009, they won the Critics’ Award at the Sanremo Music Festival, and a film theme song crafted by frontman Manuel Agnelli also received an award, underscoring their artistic acclaim.

Their profound poetic world and passionate performances come highly recommended for listeners seeking compelling rock or wishing to delve into the depths of Italian music.

TU CON CHI FAI L’AMOREThe Kolors

The Kolors – TU CON CHI FAI L’AMORE (Official Video – Sanremo 2025)

Hailing from Naples, The Kolors are an Italian band that skillfully fuse a pop-rock foundation with elements of funk, electronica, and Italodisco reminiscent of the 1980s.

Formed in 2009, they rose to nationwide fame after winning the popular talent show “Amici di Maria De Filippi” in 2015.

Their album “Out,” released the same year, topped the Italian charts, and the included track “Everytime” became a major hit.

Since then, they have continued to produce catchy songs such as “Frida (mai, mai, mai)” and “Italodisco,” the latter dominating Europe’s summer of 2023.

They boast numerous awards, including MTV Italian Music Awards, and have competed at the Sanremo Music Festival.

Recommended for those who love polished sounds and passionate performances, and for anyone looking to discover fresh Italian pop.

L’unicaPerturbazione

Perturbazione – L’unica (Official Video)

Perturbazione, a band that shines uniquely in Italy’s indie pop scene.

Formed in 1988, they’re a pop-rock group known for delicate Italian lyrics and a versatile sound.

After releasing the album “Waiting to Happen” in 1998, they switched to Italian-language lyrics.

Their 2002 masterpiece “In circolo” secured their place in the music scene, earning a spot in Rolling Stone Italia’s “100 Most Beautiful Italian Albums.” At the 2014 Sanremo Music Festival, they won the Press Room Award with “L’unica” and placed sixth.

Their artistic experiments—such as painting live during performances—are part of their appeal.

Highly recommended for music fans who value the resonance and musicality of words.

Nuotando Nell’ariaMarlene Kuntz

Marlene Kuntz – Nuotando Nell’aria

Marlene Kuntz have been forging their own path in Italy’s alternative rock scene since their formation in 1988.

Fusing noise rock and post-hardcore with literary depth, they craft music in Italian whose lyrics leave a deep imprint on listeners.

Their 1994 debut album, Catartica, made a powerful impact, and they cemented their status with classics like Il vile.

They even appeared at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2012.

Nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award in 2001, they have received high acclaim, with their songs for the film Tutta colpa di Giuda earning a 2010 David di Donatello nomination.

Highly recommended for those seeking sharp, emotionally rich sounds.

THE BIRTH OF EVILAncient Bards

ANCIENT BARDS – THE BIRTH OF EVIL [Official Videoclip]

I thought the guitar in this song was really cool with a flashy, glimmering vibe.

It’s also a track where I’d love people to pay attention to the female vocalist’s makeup in the promo video.

The surging sense of speed throughout the song makes you want to start headbanging before you know it.

Dietro L’Intima RagioneBlastema

Blastema – Dietro L’Intima Ragione (Official Video) – Sanremo 2013

Formed in 1997 in Forlì, Italy, BrasteMa creates soul-stirring music grounded in alternative rock.

Their hallmarks are passionate vocals, powerful guitar riffs, and unforgettable lyrics.

They released the album “Pensieri illuminati” in 2010, and at the 2013 Sanremo Music Festival their song “Dietro l’intima ragione” placed fourth in the newcomers category.

This achievement showcased their musical identity, and they have also supported acts such as Skunk Anansie.

With songs that deliver themes of self-discovery and love through passionate performances, they’re recommended for anyone seeking the depth of Italian rock and powerful, emotionally resonant vocals.

AltroveEugenio In Via Di Gioia

Eugenio In Via Di Gioia – Altrove

In Italy’s music scene, one band shines with a particularly bright glow: Eugenio in Via Di Gioia.

Formed in Turin in 2012, they began their career performing on the streets.

While grounded in indie folk and pop, they skillfully weave in elements of traditional Italian music, swing, and dancehall, creating a sound that lifts listeners’ spirits.

In 2014, they released their debut album, Lorenzo Federici.

Their song Tsunami, which won the Mia Martini Critics’ Award at the 2020 Sanremo Music Festival, is widely recognized as one of their signature tracks.

In addition to this accolade, their Critics’ Award at the Premio Buscaglione in their debut year is also noteworthy.

Their music often addresses social themes such as environmental issues, yet delivers them through approachable melodies.

They’re a perfect choice for those seeking music that pairs exhilarating melodies with profound messages, or anyone eager to explore distinctive sounds from Italy.