Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular bands overseas.

ZENITONUKA

ONUKA – ZENIT (Official Music Video)

Onuka is a band that has gained popularity for its music centered on the electro-folk genre, which blends electronic music and folk.

Known for their strongly message-driven works, their sound makes you feel as if you’re reading a single philosophical book.

One of their masterpieces is “ZENIT.” It delivers a powerful punchline to the trend-chasers: while trends vanish in an instant, art endures forever.

ЛегковажнаСКАЙ

СКАЙ – Легковажна (Official Video)

SKAI is a pop rock band representing Ukraine.

Active since 2001, the band has enjoyed worldwide success, including tours across Europe and the United States from the mid-2010s.

Their most high-profile moment came with their appearance at Eurovision in 2017.

Many people likely discovered SKAI through that performance.

The band’s appeal lies above all in their catchy musical style.

While darker tones are common among Ukrainian artists and bands, SKAI’s songs are usually arranged with a comparatively bright feel.

If you like upbeat, catchy bands, be sure to check them out.

JinnslammerIGNEA

IGNEA — Jinnslammer (Official Video)

Like Russia, Ukraine has seen the development of symphonic metal with strong classical elements and melodic death metal.

One of the leading Ukrainian melodic death metal bands is IGNEA.

Although they have a female vocalist, her impressively deep death growls stand out even on a global scale—if you listen with your eyes closed, her growls sound completely like a man’s.

The unique contrast between her death vocals and the band’s melodic, beautiful performance is compelling, so I recommend them to anyone looking for something a bit different.

За тобойMizantropia

Mizantropia – За тобой (I’m after you)[OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Misanthropia is a symphonic metal band known for its distinctive and rare lineup featuring a female drummer and a female vocalist.

Their twin-guitar power and the vocalist’s lyrical delivery make a strong impression, and they have attracted attention in Ukraine for many years.

Even within the broad category of symphonic metal, styles vary widely; in Misanthropia’s case, their sound also carries a folk metal vibe.

Recommended for listeners who aren’t fond of overly aggressive metal.

ЇжачокФліт

Фліт Їжачок (2004)

Fleet is a punk rock band formed in Ukraine.

They are currently based in the United States and have earned high acclaim in the punk rock scene.

What truly sets Fleet apart is their intermittent metal-infused sound.

While many people associate punk rock with bright and accessible melodies, Fleet’s works, though upbeat, also convey a distinctly hard edge.

With many unique melodies, they’re a must-check band for anyone seeking a distinctive punk rock act.

Обращение к белорусскому народуYARMAK

YARMAK – Обращение к белорусскому народу

Rapper Yarmak has gained popularity for his wide-ranging musical style, from unique tracks to politically charged content.

While this type of rapper is rare in the United States, in Ukraine and across Europe there are many rappers who address politics and the economy.

His piece “Обращение к белорусскому народу” (Appeal to the Belarusian People) expresses his perspective on the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Since there’s no translation available, it may be difficult to grasp the meaning, but you can still feel much of his emotion and intensity through the flow.

Солдат5’nizza

5`NIZZA – Солдат

Pianoboi is a Ukrainian music unit known for a sound with strong reggae and Latin influences.

While their music is acoustic across the board, it’s far from laid-back; as noted, it leans heavily into the upbeat grooves of reggae and Latin music.

Because Ukrainian artists are less mainstream compared to those from the English-speaking world, Japanese translations of their lyrics can be hard to find.

If you’re looking for a band you can enjoy for the vibe alone, be sure to check out Pianoboi.