There are only about five million people in the world that speak the Finnish language. It’s not one that belongs to the languages that dominate the music scene, yet Finnish rock bands have gone to lengths not only to get on the charts, but to bring a mixture of Finnish and English lyrics to the globe.
From Children of Bodom to The Rasmus and the latest hit out of Finland, Blind Channel, Finnish rock is now a popular genre. In the past two decades, the country’s music has undergone multiculturalisation at an incredible rate, now speaking with multiple voices, and thanks to the advent of all things digital, we can listen to the best Finnish rock bands and metal bands almost anywhere.
During the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, Europe was astounded when a fairly unknown band dressed in monstrous costumes scooped first prize with a heavy metal song. The Finnish band, Lordi, were the first to secure a win for the country and introduce the world to the country’s obsession’s with rock and heavy-metal.
On this page, you will find information about Finnish bands
• The most successful Finnish rock and metal bands.
• The number one rock and metal songs on Finnish charts.
• Finnish Eurovision competitors.
Over the years, Finland has given birth to some unique musicians. From famous composers like Magnus Lindberg and Jean Sibelius to renowned pop musicians Darude and now, violent pop band, Blind Channel, Finland’s artists have been paving the way for success since the 1970s.
When it comes to rock, we have to mention Wigwam and Hanoi Rocks who, in the 1970s, inspired plenty of Finnish artists with their success. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that Finnish rock and heavy metal groups became household names around the world with cult favourites like HIM and Nightwish.
It would be amiss of us to mention Finnish rock and metal without mentioning the prog scene. Progressive music, or prog metal as it’s known natively, is also on the rise with bands like Apocalyptica and Amorphis leading the way. But while the music scene in general is on the up in Finland, it’s not been without its tragedies.
In December 2020 Finland, and indeed the world, lost an inimitable talent when Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom passed away. Alexi’s career included two decades with the metal band and ten albums. Dubbed one of the most revered guitarists in the metal industry, Alexi’s life of alcohol and opioids took him at just 41 years of age.
Finnish rock bands were quick to gain notoriety with prog rock bands like Wigwam and Tasavallan Presidentti. While international fame eluded them, modern bands that have achieved international success include the likes of Von Hertzen Brothers and Leningrad Cowboys. Finnish band, 22-Pistepirkko has enjoyed a cult-like status in Europe for their unique indie-rock mixed with blues style.
With growing success and a place in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, there is little doubt that we will continue to see the rise of Finnish rock bands and their metal counterparts breaking into international fame and you’ll find out everything you need to know right here on this page.