Playlists

New Rock and Metal from Finland

Words by Music Finland

Published 3.2.2023

The first groundbreaking Finnish rock bands paved the way for future success already back in the 1970’s, with bands like Hanoi Rocks and Wigwam inspiring numerous Finnish artists with their success.

Ever since the late 1990’s Finnish rock and heavy metal bands have been household names all over the world. From stadium sized acts like The Rasmus, Nightwish and Amorphis, to cult favorites such as Beherit and Terveet Kädet, to fresh newcomers like Blind Channel and Cyan Kicks, the list could go on endlessly. Mind you, even Barack Obama knows that Finland has the most heavy metal bands in the world per capita!

On the New rock and Metal from Finland playlist we take a look at the most exciting new releases Finland has to offer. Listen to the playlist on Apple Music or Spotify and read more about the artists below! The playlist is updated regularly.

New Rock and Metal from Finland on Apple Music

New Rock and Metal from Finland on Spotify

Korpiklaani

Since they were formed in 2003, Korpiklaani has become one of the most acclaimed groups in the genre of folk metal, with instruments like fiddles, accordions and hurdy-gurdy in the mix. Between their 2018 album "Kulkija" and 2021's "Jylhä", the beverage-loving sextet released nearly a dozen versions of their malty anthem "Beer Beer" in different languages, along other drinking songs such as "Jägermeister" and "Land of a Thousand Drinks".

Rioghan

Progressive metal band Rioghan is built around the poems and lyrics of singer-poet Rioghan Darcy. The gothic-flavored progressive metal group came to the attention of international metal circles with the Blackened Sky EP (2021) and debut album "Different Kinds Of Losses" (2022). The debut album was made in collaboration with Einar Solberg from Leprous and Jonas Renksen from Katatonia. The members of the band include Red Eleven's Teemu Liekkala and Leverage's Valtteri Revonkorpi.

Zangoma

Hailing from Tampere, Zangoma comprises of the Zambian vocalist Waina Kolomwe, singer/guitarist Ville Salonen, singer/bassist Riku Pirttiniemi (Death Hawks, Dust Mountain), and drummer Miikka Heikkinen (Death Hawks). They play Zamrock, a genre that gained popularity in Zambia during the 70s: a fusion of traditional African music and psychedelic, garage, and hard rock with some funk and blues in the mix. Bands like Black Sabbath, Funkadelic, The Rolling Stones, Blue Cheer, Cream and Deep Purple had a major part in shaping their music.

Brother Apollo

Founded in Helsinki in 2022, Brother Apollo is a four-piece modern alternative rock group with a sound steeped in noughties nostalgia. Despite the mantle of a "new band on the block", its members boast a diverse range of performing experience from the finals of Finnish Idol to touring with the country's top acts. Brother Apollo was selected for the 2024 Estonian Eurovision National Final, which will feature their first single "Bad Boy", released under Warner Music.

Arion

Metal quintet Arion was formed in 2011, while the members were still in high school. Two years later the band was already signed to Ranka Recordings and performing on Finnish television’s UMK song competition, to be a Eurovision finalist. That Arion did not become, but instead their symphonic, modern power metal quickly found fans in Japan and Finland, where the band has toured relentlessly. Arion’s came back with the sophomore album “Life Is Not Beautiful” in 2018 and their 3rd full-length "Vultures Die Alone" saw daylight in 2021.

Horizon Ignited

Bridging the gap between melodic death metal and metalcore, aggressive, melancholic and melodic are the important words when describing Horizon Ignited. Founded in 2017 by guitarists Johannes Mäkinen and Vili Vottonen in Kouvola, Horizon Ignited released their debut "After the Storm" in 2019. The self-published album was met with positive feedback and built up a good following on streaming platforms – which led them soon signing to Nuclear Blast.

Arctis

Arctis draws their inspiration from the "mythical winters and mystical summers of the North". Describing their music as "metal clashing against reefs of rock and pop", Arctic prepares to release their self-titled debut album in the fall of 2024 through Napalm Records. The record was produced by Jimmy Westerlund (Sturm und Drang), mixed by Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein), and mastered by Svante Forsbäck (i.e. Rammstein). To celebrate the debut full-length, Arctis embarks on a European tour supporting Apocalyptica.

Dharma Guns

Self-proclaimed "dandy Punks from Helsinki", Dharma Guns play rock’n’roll infused with proto-punk and Scandinavian action rock influences: sing-along choruses, fiery guitar licks, and a dirty grooves. Their singles created buzz within the scene, gaining attention from local media outlets and Vive Le Rock alike. Their debut album "Ex-Generation Superstars" (2024) introduces a band filled with glamour and energy. Dharma Guns' members are formerly known from bands like Karoshi Lovers, Plastic Tears, Vanity Ink and Jo Below.

Turmion Kätilöt

Turmion Kätilöt is an industrial metal band from Finland, formed in 2003 by MC Raaka Pee and Dj Vastapallo. They are known for their live show full of energy and dedication – as they do not hesitate to throw in scenes of self-mutilation or whatever comes into their minds.

Cyan Kicks

Alternative rock foursome Cyan Kicks, formed in 2017 in Helsinki and fronted by singer Susanna Aleksandra, combines electronic sounds and massive pop hooks with a modern hard rock sound. Cyan Kicks' debut album "I Don't Love You" was released in 2019 and was followed by the ep "Not Your Kind" in 2021, the same year that they took part in take part in music contest UMK, competing to represent Finland at Eurovision Song Contest with "Hurricane". Cyan Kicks' 2nd full-length came out in 2023, and in Jan 2024 the band announced that they will again take part in UMK – this time with "Dancing With Demons".

One Morning Left

Founded in 2008 in Vaasa, Finland, One Morning Left is well known for their unique blend of electro, hardcore, metalcore and straight-up pop influences as well as their entertaining and energetic live shows where absolutely anything can happen. The band has so far released five albums: "Panda Loves Penguin" (2009), "The Bree-TeenZ" (2011), "Our Sceneration" (2013), "Metalcore Superstars" (2016) and "Hyperactive" (2021).

The Rasmus

One of Finland's biggest music exports in the past decades, The Rasmus' (founded in 1994 in Helsinki) big triumph came with the international smash hit "In The Shadows" (2002) and subsequent albums "Dead Letters" (2003), "Hide from the Sun" (2005) and "Black Roses" (2007). The Rasmus has sold 5 million albums worldwide, and about 350,000 albums in Finland alone. They have won numerous awards, both domestic and international. In 2022, The Rasmus introduced a new guitarist, Emilia "Emppu" Suhonen, and competed in Finland's selection for Eurovision Song Contest. Their 10th album "Rise" came out later that year.

Memoremains

Memoremains fronted by singer Johanna Ahonen, throws in a combination of catchy pop hooks, hard metal riffs, groovy uptempo beats and symphonic elements. After releasing over a dozen singles and the ep "Louder" between 2017 and 2019, the quintet came out with their full-length debut "The Cost Of Greatness" in 2020. Despite having just a few years of service, Memoremains has already toured around Europe, as well as their home country.

Von Hertzen Brothers

The awarded Von Hertzen Brothers plays progressive and guitar-driven rock with rich vocal harmonies. The band was formed in 2000 by three brothers Mikko, Jonne, and Kie Von Hertzen. With eight studio albums under their belt, Von Hertzen Brothers have been prominent in UK media such as Prog Magazine and Loudersound. October 2024 sees the brothers uniting their forces again with a new studio offering, "In Murmuration".

Medeia

Medeia has stuck to one clear objective since its founding in 2002: creating a fresh, brutal sound rich in content and uncompromising in nature. Medeia has toured relentlessly and played shows alongside notable acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, As I Lay Dying, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Between the Buried and Me, Entombed, Animals as Leaders, Decapitated, Raised Fist, Terror and Insomnium.

I Am Your God

The Rovaniemi based melodic metal band I Am Your God combines striking melody lines with heavy riffs. The band was formed in 2018 and has been signed to Out of Line Music since 2020. Their debut album "The Resurrection" (2020) was reviewed as classical yet comprehensive and fresh entity of melodic death metal music. The debut record was followed by their sophomore album "SINister" in 2023.

Balance Breach

Mikkeli based quintet Balance Breach combines the elements of metalcore, post-hardcore and modern rock – along with the Nordic melancholy inherited in their DNA. Since 2019 the band has been signed to a German label Out of Line Music. On their 2nd album "ABYZMAL" , released in May 2023, Balance Breach addresses themes such as mental health problems, loneliness and death as well as violence between family members and intimate partners.

Tyrantti

Helsinki-based power trio Tyrantti released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and its epic successor, "Orjaplaneetta", in 2021. Both albums were received to great praise in the Finnish metal scene and made it to national album charts in their release weeks. The debut single from Tyrantti’s 3rd album, "Lihaa Mattoon!", overwhelms with a more aggressive approach, while maintaining Tyrantti’s signature combination of fast guitar licks, relentless drumbeats and ridiculously high-pitched vocal harmonies.

Stråle

Blending heavy, melodic, and atmospheric elements, alternative metal band Stråle has already been welcomed in the international metal scene. Following the success of their debut, "Bourbon Souls" (FDA Records, 2020), mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir) at Fascination Street Studios, Stråle returns with a new album in 2024. Produced by the renowned Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum) and mixed by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat, Epica), the three advance singles have collectively garnered over 100,000 plays.

Ensiferum

You can't talk about the true greats of folk-inspired melodic death metal without reverent mention of Ensiferum! In 2024 Ensiferum returned with their 10th album, "Winter Storm", once more affirming their place in the pantheons of the genre.

Swallow the Sun

One of the biggest Finnish metal exports of the past decades, Swallow the Sun was formed in 2000 in Jyväskylä, Central Finland. Their death-doom style emphasizes melody and atmosphere, and occasionally steps into gothic and black metal territory. Swallow the Sun released their eighth album "Moonflowers" on Century Media Records in 2021, and it will be followed with a long-play named "Shining" in October 2024.

Everture

Hailing from Kokkola, Central Ostrobothnia, modern and melodic metal band Everture arrived with a bang with their 2021 debut album "Emerge", which rose to the 31st spot on the official Finnish chart. Everture managed to land the album's singles on big, international playlists, bringing the record's total number of listens to well over a million. In 2023, Everture returned with a new single and the announcement of a second album, slated for release in 2024.

Tomi Salesvuo East Funk Attack

The Helsinki based sextet formed by drummer-composer Tomi Salesvuo celebrates equally funk and rock, combining layers of guitar, vocal riffs and complex bass patterns with syncopated drums. Their first album “Efa” was released in 2014. Among Salesvuo, the group includes Taru Ratilainen (Vocals), Ukko Heinonen (Saxophone, Flute), Ilmari Aitoaho (Rhodes, Keys), Matias Kiiveri (Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Heikki Laine (Bass).

Ginger Evil

“From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac” is how Ginger Evil describes their sound. Born from the ashes of Moonshine Inc., the band's founding members are Tomi Julkunen and Veli Palevaara (guitars & bass) with the addiction of Toni Mustonen on drums and the powerhouse vocalist Ella Tepponen. The quartet's debut album “The Way It Burns”, due out later in 2024, is produced and mixed by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium) and mastered by Grammy-nominated Svante Forsbäck of Chartmakers (Rammstein, Volbeat, Sunrise Avenue, Apocalyptica).

Royal Sorrow

Blending flavors of metal with hints of electronic, symphonic, and pop, the mysterious Royal Sorrow emerged in the Finnish music scene in 2024. Despite being officially newcomers, the band's members have played and produced music together more than half their lives music as Edge of Haze. The quartet of childhood friends have brewed a grandiose style of their own where vivid and versatile vocals meet a thunderous wall of sound, reminiscent of a heavier Muse, or a more modern Von Hertzen Brothers.

Mtvkid

Emerging into the Finnish scene in 2023, MTVkid blends elements of punk, alternative, and pop rock that feels both nostalgic and new. The Helsinki-based trio features Sebastian Gregg on vocals, Leo Krechmer on guitar, and Kristian Jokilahti on drums. Their music explores a range of emotions and topics, from mental health and social anxiety to love and sexual frustration, always preserving a touch of humour. With a good handful of catchy singles, MTVkid may just prove that the music revolution will be televised.

Oranssi Pazuzu

Oranssi Pazuzu, formed in 2007, is one of the most idiosyncratic Finnish metal bands and has gained a substantial international following. With their albums such Värähtelijä (2016) and Mestarin kynsi (2020), Oranssi Pazuzu's combination of quirky progressive psychedelia, space rock and Nordic black metal has been met with praise from both fans and critics alike, and earning them nominations for Nordic Music Prize and Teosto Music Prize, as well as praise in media outlets such as Pitchfork, The Quietus, Kerrang and The Needle Drop.

Cemetery Skyline

The lineup of goth rock/metal ensemble Cemetery Skyline is made up of quite well known musicians: singer Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity, The Halo Effect), guitarist Markus Vanhala (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum), keyboardist Santeri Kallio (Amorphis), bass player Victor Brandt (Dimmu Borgir, Witchery, Entombed) and drummer Vesa Ranta (Sentenced, The Abbey). The self-described "Nordic Gothic" quintet is signed to Century Media and should be recommended to anyone with i.e. Type O Negative, The Cult or Sisters of Mercy albums in their collection.

Tigerlily

Tigerlily is a new line-up by Finnish rock legend Dave Lindholm. In addition to Lindholm, the power trio also includes bassist Mikko Löytty and drummer Gilbert Kuppusami. Tigerlily operates in the realm of bluesy, stripped-down rock and roll, weeded out of everything superfluous. Or, as Dave Lindholm says of his band, "A Gibson Les Paul hooked up to a Marshall, and nothing else."

Dear Moon

Kuopio-based Dear Moon stands at the crossroads of ragged alternative rock and modern electronic music, taking inspiration from the airiness and serenity of tranquil lakes, the melancholy of a dark and rainy night, as well as primitive, frantic beats. Dear Moon released their debut album "Arise" (2000) on the UK label Revolver Records. The band’s lineup comprises a group of friends from since the early 90s.

Luna Kills

Alternative rock foursome Luna Kills spices up their unique mix with metal and modern electronic sounds, as well as 00s aesthetics and game music vibes. Their frontwoman, Lotta Ruutiainen is known for her strong vocal performance, ranging from smoother pop singing to metalcore-type fry screams. With a great number of gigs under their belt from clubs to festivals, Luna Kills has also toured Russia and Sweden, sharing stages with acts like Thundermother (SWE). Luna Kills' 2nd album ”not to be bitter, but it helps” (2021) has been followed with a handful of singles throughout 2022–2023 and the band is currently preparing their 3rd album, to be released in 2024.

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