[2025] A roundup of recommended popular bands from Sweden

Passing ThroughCult of Luna

Cult Of Luna – Passing Through – Official Video

A seven-piece band from Umeå, Sweden, renowned as a leading force in post-metal.

Since forming in 1998, Cult of Luna has pursued a distinctive sound that fuses elements of post-metal, sludge metal, and doom metal.

With an unconventional lineup featuring three guitarists and two drummers, they construct a sonic world that is both massive and intricate.

Since their 2004 album “Salvation,” they have solidified a more singular musical identity, and in 2016 they received Album of the Year from the music site Metalorgie.

com.

Their live performances, where visuals and sound intertwine, are widely acclaimed as overwhelming, captivating stages.

They are highly recommended for those drawn to long, heavy riffs blended with delicate instrumentation, and for listeners seeking a deep exploration of sound.

It Must Have Been LoveRoxette

Roxette – It Must Have Been Love (Official Music Video)

Roxette is a pop rock duo from Sweden.

Formed in 1986, they captivated music fans around the world with catchy melodies and a sound that blends pop with a rock edge.

Soon after their debut, they produced a string of hits such as “The Look” and “Listen to Your Heart,” achieving international success.

In May 1990, they scored a massive hit with a song featured on the soundtrack of the film Pretty Woman.

Their music, a seamless fusion of Marie Fredriksson’s powerful yet delicate vocals and Per Gessle’s masterful songwriting, continues to move many listeners to this day.

Highly recommended for those seeking melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Wolverine BluesEntombed

Entombed – Wolverine Blues [Official Video]

Entombed, counted among the most important bands in Sweden’s death metal scene, is known for its distinctive “chainsaw guitar sound.” They changed their band name in 1989 and debuted the following year with the album Left Hand Path.

From there, they pioneered a new frontier by creating their unique “death ’n’ roll” style that fused death metal with rock ’n’ roll.

Their influence remains strong today, as evidenced by events like the 25th-anniversary live performance of their seminal work Clandestine in 2016.

Although L.

G.

Petrov sadly passed away in March 2021 at the age of 49, Entombed is highly recommended not only for those interested in melodic death metal, but also for listeners drawn to experimental sounds that incorporate elements of rock ’n’ roll.

Sister SurroundThe Soundtrack of Our Lives

TSOOL – Sister Surround – Musicvideo

The Soundtrack of Our Lives is a rock band formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, known for a strong psychedelic edge and a mystical musical worldview that reinterprets ’60s and ’70s rock for today, captivating many listeners.

Since their 1996 debut album, Welcome to the Infant Freebase, they have pursued a singular sound, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album with the acclaimed Behind the Music in 2003.

They supported Oasis on the band’s 2002 North American tour, gaining international recognition.

Their stage presence—often performing in monk-like robes—is also striking.

Their songs have been featured in EA Sports games and Hollywood films.

After disbanding in 2012, they made a long-awaited return in 2023.

Highly recommended for fans of psychedelic and progressive rock.

MorphogenesisScar Symmetry

SCAR SYMMETRY – Morphogenesis (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Scar Symmetry is a melodic death metal band from Sweden.

Formed in 2004, they have attracted attention with complex yet catchy rhythms and a diverse vocal style.

From their 2005 debut album, Symmetric in Design, they established a unique sound that also incorporates progressive elements.

Their 2008 release, Holographic Universe, is considered one of their musical peaks and captivated fans.

After subsequent changes in the vocal lineup, they continued to evolve further.

Always pushing into new territory—such as creating a trilogy themed around transhumanism—Scar Symmetry is highly recommended for those who enjoy heavy soundscapes paired with philosophical lyrics.

Good F**king MusicSolence

Solence – Good F**king Music (Official Music Video)

Sorens is a rock band whose appeal lies in a crossover sound that fuses thunderous, bass-heavy electronica with hard rock.

Sweden is known as a metal powerhouse, but their passionate, catchy sound is truly one of a kind.

Also pay attention to their melodious choral work, unfolding alongside fierce guitar riffs and deep synths.

If you like nu-metal, crossover rock, or screamo, you’ll be hooked.

Give their fiery tracks a listen—you’ll find yourself headbanging before you know it!

White FlagNormandie

Normandie – White Flag (Official Music Video)

Normandie is a band that delivers expansive melodies that conjure images of Sweden’s rich nature and beautiful cityscapes.

They’re known for songs with a grand atmosphere and are often described as “stadium rock,” perfectly suited to large-venue performances.

The vocalist’s emotive, wistful singing pairs brilliantly with the heavyweight instrumentation characteristic of hardcore.

Since they’ve produced many melodic tracks, they’re approachable even for newcomers to metal and hardcore.

They’re a band where you can experience the freshness of Swedish pop and the passion of hard rock at the same time.