[2025] A Roundup of Must-Listen Western Bands Poised to Break Through

I’ll Know You’re Not AroundDying Wish

Dying Wish – I’ll Know You’re Not Around (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Dying Wish are known for combining the signature aggression of metalcore with melodies that hit straight to the heart.

Since forming in 2016, they’ve steadily built a fanbase through relentless live performances.

Their 2019 track Enemies In Red, featuring the vocalist of Knocked Loose, drew major attention, and their October 2021 debut album Fragments of a Bitter Memory firmly established their presence in the scene.

Frontperson Emma Boster’s soul-baring screams, together with the band’s cohesive, heavy sound, seem to resonate with listeners’ feelings of frustration and anger.

With their third release, Flesh Stays Together, slated for 2025 and widely expected to propel them even further, anyone seeking a touch of melancholy amid ferocious music should give them a listen.

Their dramatic sonic world is sure to stir your emotions.

I Wanna Be Your LoverUs

Us –I Wanna Be Your Lover (Live in Japan 2024) [Visualizer]

Asu, a five-piece from Finland hurling rock ’n’ roll’s primal impulse into the present, is an insanely cool band that’s bound to draw serious attention.

Rooted in garage rock and fused with the ferocity of punk and the soul of the blues, their sound bursts with raw energy.

Formed in 2021, they steadily built their reputation through live shows and made their major-label debut in Japan in 2024 with the album “Underground Renaissance.” They were given the rare honor of playing six stages over three days at Fuji Rock 2024, and have been invited back again for 2025—proof of just how hot they are right now.

No overthinking needed—check out their badass rock!

Total euphoriaCaroline

caroline – Total euphoria (Official Video)

Caroline is a London-based musical collective.

Rooted in post-rock and folk, their experimental sound blends elements of classical and minimal music.

Their ensemble’s striking contrast between silence and roaring intensity is nothing short of breathtaking.

Their debut single “Dark blue,” released in 2020 on the prestigious Rough Trade label, achieved the remarkable feat of earning a nomination for the AIM Awards’ newcomer category on the strength of that one track alone.

Their 2022 album “caroline” also received widespread critical acclaim, firmly establishing their reputation.

With a Japan tour set for 2025, they’re a must-see for fans seeking innovative rock.

DoomsdaySunday (1994)

Sunday (1994) – Doomsday (Official Video)

An indie trio from the Los Angeles scene, they captivate with a dreamy atmosphere.

Carrying on the lineage of The Sundays and Mazzy Star while adding a modern twist, their sound feels like delightfully quirky dream pop.

Their debut EP, “Sunday (1994),” released in 2024, and their first track, “Tired Boy,” have enchanted many listeners with themes of forbidden love and wistful melancholy.

The fact that their first live show in October 2024 sold out immediately speaks to their rising profile.

Blending reverence for past music with contemporary sensibilities, their work is irresistible for listeners who want to sink into a nostalgic soundscape.

There’s no doubt they’re poised for even greater heights—keep an eye on them!

Getting OlderEGOISM

EGOISM – Getting Older (Official Video)

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Egoism are distinguished by their dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes.

Rooted in dream pop and shoegaze, their music shines among the nation’s indie scene.

Selected for a Triple J grant in 2020, they unveiled their long-awaited debut album, “And Go Nowhere,” in May 2025, which reached No.

9 on the ARIA charts.

Their greatest allure lies in the weightless harmonies created by their twin-vocal best-friend duo.

This beautiful sonic world will gently embrace anyone who listens.

If you love shoegaze, dreamy pop, or bands like The 1975, this is a group you should definitely check out!

Lick the StarGlixen

Glixen – Lick the Star (Official Music Video)

Emerging from Arizona and garnering major attention in the US shoegaze scene, Grixen is a band to watch.

Since launching in 2020, they’ve made their mark with a signature contrast between engulfing, heavy guitar tones and airy, delicate vocals that float above the mix.

Following their debut EP She Only Said around 2021, they went on to perform at the Coachella festival in 2025.

Their talent is widely recognized, with leading music outlets naming them among “new artists to watch.” On their EP Quiet Pleasures, produced with a renowned producer, you can feel the musical depth—like the beauty of melody shimmering beneath the wall of sound.

Highly recommended for listeners seeking a heavy yet beautiful sound that carries the spirit of ’90s alternative.

The Invisible ManMaruja

Maruja – The Invisible Man (Music Video)

The genre-defying sound born from Manchester’s music scene is truly stunning.

Maruja is a rock band formed in 2014 that has been drawing attention for their intense musical style, fusing post-punk, noise, and even cosmic jazz.

Their 2024 EP, “Connla’s Well,” was praised by international media as “powerful and compelling,” and even ranked 4th in Our Culture Mag’s Best EPs of the Year—clear proof of their talent.

In September 2021, they were victims of equipment theft, but a donation of £4,000 from singer Louis Tomlinson showed just how many people their music has captivated.

Their sound, where chaos and passion swirl, may shake the sensibilities of anyone who can’t be satisfied with ordinary music.