[2025] Recommended Instrumental Bands in Western Music: Popular Overseas Bands

ContradanzaVanessa Mae

Vanessa Mae – Contradanza

Vanessa-Mae comes from a classical background, but I feel she’s focused on blending that with a band sound since her debut.

Part of the appeal is how well the violin suits a rock sound.

At the same time, it still carries a hint of classical, which makes for a nice balance.

The interplay between the guitar and violin is also one of the highlights.

Defcon 5Man or Astro-man?

Man Or Astro-Man? – Defcon 5 (Live on KEXP)

While not very well known in Japan, Man or Astro-man? has enjoyed a cult following overseas since forming in 1992.

There are several theories about their curious band name, but a leading one traces it to the tagline on the American poster for the 1960 Japanese tokusatsu film The Human Vapor.

True to the offbeat charm their name suggests, their musical style is rooted in the instrumental sound known as 1960s surf rock, yet incorporates the experimental sensibilities of late-’70s to early-’80s new wave, and is packed with clever nods that reveal their deep love for classic sci-fi films and TV.

In live performances, all members don costumes and sets inspired by sci-fi movies, keeping their identities under wraps and operating as a conceptual band.

They’ll even nonchalantly use modified guitars—moves that might rile purists of classic surf music—but their music is enjoyable even if you don’t catch the references, and it might be a good idea to check out some live videos to sample their sound before diving into the recordings.

Since the 2010s, a female guitarist has joined the lineup, and her powerful playing is a must-see!

The Bounty HunterEstradasphere

Estradasphere – The Bounty Hunter

Estradasphere, an insanely multi-talented five-piece multiplayer of a band.

I can’t even tell how many instruments they’re using in this track.

The structure is almost overly elaborate, with no sign of the song ending.

And yet, it mysteriously ends up as a sophisticated Latin piece that evokes a major South American city.

If it clicks with you, it’ll really click.

Personally, it gives me the image of Lupin making a getaway.

Return To InnocenceEnigma

Enigma – Return To Innocence (Official Video)

Here’s a track from the German music project Enigma.

It’s top-tier among instrumentals of this kind, with rapid shifts that keep it from ever getting boring.

There’s some singing here and there, but in this piece the voice feels like just another instrument.

Including those elements, I think you can fully appreciate the strengths of an instrumental.

ATLAS NOVUSScale the Summit

SCALE THE SUMMIT – “ATLAS NOVUS” Official Song Premiere

Scale the Summit is an instrumental progressive metal band from Houston, Texas.

The group was formed in 2004 by guitarist Chris Letchford and his classmates, who met at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

They self-released their debut album, Monument, in 2007.

Subsequently, they signed with Prosthetic Records and put out notable works such as Carving Desert Canyons.

The band has been associated with artists like Steve Vai, Dream Theater, and Joe Satriani, and is known for music that blends virtuosic technique with emotionally stirring melodies.

They are a band that suggests new possibilities for progressive metal and instrumental music.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate advanced guitar and drum techniques!

Killarney Boys of PleasureLúnasa

Lúnasa — Killarney Boys of Pleasure

A band leading the Irish music scene.

I can’t help but wonder how they manage to write phrases you want to keep listening to forever.

Even within its gentleness, I feel a hidden strength, and amid the melancholy atmosphere, there’s a sense of determination to move forward in the song.

LeandiMosaik

Mosaik ~ Leandi

This is a project by Swedish musician Jakob Rymdlego.

While it initially featured a sound influenced by electronica and chill, the next release showcased greater variety by highlighting vocals and incorporating strong elements of electropop.