Captivating Norwegian bands and artists: a new doorway to Nordic music

City BoyDonkeyboy

Donkeyboy – City Boy (Official video)

Donkeyboy is a Norwegian band bringing the sparkle of ’80s pop into the present.

Their sound—glittering synthesizers intertwined with airy, echo-drenched vocals—is irresistibly appealing.

Their debut single “Ambitions,” released in 2009, achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Norwegian charts consecutively along with the follow-up “Sometimes.” That same year, they swept three categories at a music awards show, including Best New Artist, and were chosen to join the tour of legendary seniors a-ha—an episode that speaks volumes about their talent.

This crystal-clear Scandinavian synth-pop is perfect for a drive or whenever you want to lift your mood.

You’re sure to get hooked.

Girl In OsloBIGBANG

Bigbang – Girl In Oslo

BigBang is a rock trio from Norway formed around frontman Øystein Greni.

Renowned as “Norway’s best live band,” their fiery performances have captivated countless fans.

Their music is rooted in rock ’n’ roll with a rugged sound that carries the soul of the blues.

Unforgettable melodies like “Girl in Oslo” created a major buzz across Europe.

It’s no surprise their live album set an all-time sales record in their home country.

Even after more than 30 years since their formation, they continue to evolve—so turn up their music and lift your spirits!

IsaEnslaved

ENSLAVED – Isa

Like glaciers carving the earth, the Norwegian band Enslaved continually reshapes the conventions of metal.

Formed in 1991 by two teenagers, just 13 and 17 at the time, they built their foundation on Norse mythology.

Their music has evolved from early Viking metal into a grand, progressive sound.

Since their 1994 debut, their relentless pursuit of exploration has been widely acclaimed, earning them a prestigious Norwegian music award for the album Vertebrae.

Fusing aggression with artistry, their sound defies genre boundaries and is sure to stir the sensibilities of anyone seeking an intellectually stimulating experience.

The Golden CoreMotorpsycho

Motorpsycho ‘The Golden Core’

Motorpsycho, a band that has led Norway’s music scene for over 30 years, is a rock group formed in Trondheim in 1989.

The core members are Bent Sæther and Hans Magnus Ryan.

Known for their shape-shifting style centered on psychedelic rock, they incorporate everything from hardcore and jazz to country.

With albums like Blissard and the classic Let Them Eat Cake, they have earned four Spellemann Awards—often called the Norwegian Grammys—cementing their formidable legacy.

Their fearless embrace of change and ongoing pursuit of experimental sounds are highly regarded by fans who seek music that defies genre boundaries.

Do Ya Wanna Taste ItWIG WAM

Wig Wam – “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” (Peacemaker Theme Song)

Formed in Halden, Norway in 2001, Wig Wam is a bona fide rock band that embodies the flamboyance of glam metal and the soul of classic rock.

Showcasing their signature track “In My Dreams” at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, they finished 9th and made their name resound across Europe.

From their debut album, “667.

.

The Neighbour of the Beast,” they have consistently delivered melodies that instantly grab listeners and powerful performances.

In 2022, one of their songs was selected for the opening of a popular drama series, drawing global attention once again.

Their sound, which brings the heat of vintage rock into the present, is perfect for anyone who just wants to get fired up without overthinking.

Don’t Say You Love MeM2M

M2M – Don’t Say You Love Me

M2M is a female pop duo from Lørenskog, Norway (east of Oslo).

The two members, Marion Raven and Marit Larsen, have been friends since they were five.

At eight, they formed a band called Hubba Bubba; at twelve, they released an album as Marion & Marit, and Synger Kjente Barnesanger was nominated for a Spellemann Award.

They later renamed themselves M2M, signed with Atlantic Records in 1998, and made their major debut in 1999 with the single “Don’t Say You Love Me.” Their first album, Shades of Purple, released in 2000, was well received and became a hit, but their second album was not a commercial success, and they disbanded.

Since 2005 and 2006 respectively, they have each been active as solo artists.

Since Last WednesdayHighaskaite

Highasakite – Since Last Wednesday (Official Video)

Highasakite is a five-member indie pop-rock band from Norway.

They released their debut album, All That Floats Will Rain, in 2012 and made their international debut in 2013 with the EP In and Out of Weeks.

They were nominated for Best New Artist at the Norwegian Grammy Awards, released their worldwide debut album Silent Treatment in 2014, and also performed in Japan at Hostess Club Weekender.

In 2016, they released Camp Echo and appeared at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Since Last Wednesday is a track from the Silent Treatment album, and its music video is distinctive.