[2025] A roundup of recommended popular bands from Sweden

Summer LoveThe Fooo Conspiracy

FO&O – Summer Love (Official Video)

A four-member boy band formed in 2012 by members who were in their mid-teens at the time.

With high-quality songs and looks, they have an appeal that rivals similar groups in the UK and US.

In 2013, they were chosen as the opening act for Justin Bieber’s concert in Sweden, which rapidly boosted their recognition.

Although the four-member lineup ended after a member left in 2016, they made a fresh start by changing the group’s name to Felix, Oscar & Omar / FO&O.

WrathNASUM

NASUM – “Wrath” (Official Music Video)

Even if you enjoy fairly heavy heavy metal, some people hesitate when they hear the term grindcore.

For those folks, I recommend Nasum, a three-piece from Sweden.

Formed in 1992, they released a total of four albums.

Their later albums in particular lean more toward metal, and amid the noisy sound you can sense a distinctly Nordic, lyrical phrasing that showcases their unique sensibility.

It remains deeply regrettable that in 2004 their frontman, Mieszko Talarczyk, passed away in an unfortunate accident.

War EternalArch Enemy

ARCH ENEMY – War Eternal (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Alongside In Flames and At the Gates, they are one of the most important bands that laid the foundations of Swedish melodic death metal.

Centered around guitarist Michael Amott—also known for his work with Carcass and Spiritual Beggars—the band is a five-piece that has, since the 2000s, also been known for featuring female vocalists.

Each vocalist throughout their history has their own strengths, so I recommend listening and comparing the albums from each era.

Dom AndraKent

Kent – Dom Andra (Official Music Video)

They may not be all that well-known in Japan, but in Sweden they’re a band with nationwide popularity.

Active since as far back as 1990, they started out aiming for a 90s-style alternative rock sound and later shifted toward synth-pop.

They create such wonderful music that it feels like a shame their songs—sung in their native language—haven’t gained more recognition in the English-speaking world.

Their 1999 album Hagnesta Hill, which also has an English-language version, is an absolute must-listen for fans of early Radiohead!

All That She WantsAce of Base

Ace of Base – All That She Wants (Official Music Video)

Ace of Base is a music group from Sweden.

With two female vocalists and two other male members, they were often compared to ABBA.

Their musical style is also similar to ABBA’s, excelling in Europop and dance music.

Their 1993 album The Sign became a massive hit worldwide.

Their songs are notable for catchy melodies and a sound that incorporates reggae rhythms, and they were even sometimes referred to as “Chinese reggae.” If you like pop music, be sure to check them out.

Ritual UnionLittle Dragon

Little Dragon – Ritual Union

Formed in 1996, they’re a five-piece band fronted by Nikkei Swedish female vocalist Yukimi Nagano.

They’ve earned high acclaim, cracking the top five on the U.

S.

dance charts, and their 2014 album Nabuma Rubberband was nominated for a Grammy.

They interpret elements of electronica, R&B, and pop with a distinctive sensibility, and the blend of their unique vocals with the live band’s ensemble is, in short, exquisitely sophisticated.

BewitchedCANDLEMASS

Candlemass – Bewitched

Candlemass is one of the most important bands that laid the foundation for the heavy, dark sound of doom metal, hailing from Sweden.

Formed in 1984 around Leif Edling, they have captivated many fans with dramatic songs and a unique world-building aesthetic, starting with their classic 1986 release Epicus Doomicus Metallicus.

Their 2019 album The Door to Doom was nominated for a Grammy, earning international acclaim for its musical excellence.

Despite numerous changes in vocalists, they established a singular style that weaves together massive riffs, majestic melodies, and operatic vocals.

While influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, they pursue an even grander and more dramatic musicality—highly recommended for those drawn to weighty, monumental music.