Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular bands overseas.
Ukraine, which has been in the news a lot lately because of the war.
This incident may have prompted many people to pay attention to Ukraine as a country for the first time, don’t you think?
Ukraine has developed music similar to Russia’s, and in genres such as symphonic metal and ambient, it boasts world-class prowess.
This time, we’ve picked out a popular band that’s active in Ukraine.
If you’d like to support Ukraine’s music scene or help its people in any way, please check out the Ukraine relief funds below.
Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular overseas bands (1–10)
And you startAntytila
Antytila is a Ukrainian band that has gained popularity with songs filled with passionate emotion.
While continuing their musical activities, they joined the Territorial Defense Forces to help stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
They performed “Stand By Me” with the rock band U2, who visited to support Ukraine, inspiring the Ukrainian people.
In “2step ft Antytila,” created with Ed Sheeran, they appear in military uniforms in the music video, delivering a powerful message.
They are a musical group whose warm sound, unfolding with a grand atmosphere, leaves a lasting impression.
ОбіймиОкеан Ельзи
Okean Elzy, a rock band representing Ukraine.
Although they specialize in alternative rock, their style differs greatly from that of American and British bands.
In Ukraine, as in Russia, darker tones are popular, and their works are no exception, resulting in a brooding atmosphere.
Because of this, you may feel their sound is different from typical alternative rock.
Despite the darkness, their music remains catchy—be sure to give it a listen!
СекретДруга Рiка
Druha Rika is a Ukrainian band that excels at Britpop, the music that was born in the UK in the 1990s.
Britpop is a movement that emerged in the 1990s aiming to return to traditional British rock.
While inheriting the lineage of the iconic Britpop bands that thrived in the ’90s, Druha Rika incorporates dance-music approaches and stages live performances featuring strings, creating a cross-genre appeal.
Their songs range from calm atmospheres to refined, stylish sounds, making them a band that fans of Western rock should definitely give a listen.
ВЕСНАВоплi Вiдоплясова
Vopli Vidopliassova is a Ukrainian band that has gained popularity for its wide-ranging musicality, spanning punk rock, folk rock, and psychedelia.
Unlike bands from Japan or the English-speaking world, they are known for a style that blends traditional Ukrainian music into rock.
Their sound uniquely weaves a traditional atmosphere into punk and psychedelic elements.
If you like darker tones, be sure to give them a listen.
Rozy / DonbassDakh Daughters
Dark Daughters, a Ukrainian music group known for their distinctive visuals, has been gaining popularity.
Their striking style blends gothic “dark cabaret” music with theatrical elements.
Among their works, Rozy / Donbass is especially popular and served as the breakthrough that brought them recognition at home.
It’s a compelling piece with the intensity of a scene lifted from a musical, paired with an audacious musical approach—an intriguing contrast.
Definitely check it out.
Be What You AreScarleth
Scarless is a band with a strikingly beautiful yet powerful sound that blends power metal and symphonic metal.
They may not be widely known, but I personally think they are among the top-tier metal bands from Ukraine.
Their greatest appeal, above all, lies in their commanding vocals and hard-hitting sound.
Despite their intensity, they showcase solid expressive range, which is incredibly captivating.
Be sure to check them out.
Восьмий КолірМотор’Ролла
A rock band from Ukraine whose name is a coined word combining “motorcycle” and “rock ’n’ roll.” With an alternative sound that embraces grunge and nu metal, they have remained highly active even during the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020.
Tracks like “Восьмий Колір” from their third album “…шо кому не ясно?” offer a fresh, comfortable rock vibe that feels distinct from popular Western music, including in Japan.
Their sound, at once melancholic and exhilarating, is addictive—this is a rock band that any rock fan should know.