Popular French bands. Recommended groups.

oimiakonA Red Season Shade

A Red Season Shade “oimiakon”

When you hear “a band with flowing melodies and enveloping, roaring guitars,” you might think of groups from the UK or Scandinavia, but bands like that actually exist in France as well.

Formed in Nice, France, A Red Season Shade is a band that weaves elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and dream pop into songs that unfold slowly and dramatically, elevating them not as instrumentals but firmly as vocal-driven music.

They only left behind two albums—the 2006 release The Outcome Fosters Detachment and their masterpiece second album Interiors from 2009, which marked their debut in Japan—but both deliver a sound that will undoubtedly pierce the hearts of anyone who loves lyrical post-rock or shoegaze.

Highly recommended for fans of fellow French act M83, too.

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StilAcid Arab

Acid Arab – Stil

Acid Arab is a musical collective that brought a fresh breeze to France’s electronic music scene.

Formed in Paris in 2012, they have drawn attention with a unique style that fuses Western electronic music with Eastern sounds.

Their music blends acid house and techno with the intricate rhythmic structures of Arabic music, creating a sound that truly bridges East and West.

They perform at clubs and festivals around the world and have gained widespread support.

The appeal of Acid Arab lies not only in mixing genres, but in their intention to spark new dialogue between different cultures.

They are an artist you should definitely check out if you’re interested in electronica or world music.

The ShiningAnorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa – The Shining

Anorexia Nervosa is a French symphonic black metal band.

Formed in Limoges in 1991, they took the underground scene by storm with their distinctive sound.

Their 1997 debut album, Exile, drew attention as an experimental work that went beyond the boundaries of black metal.

In 2000 they released Drudenhaus and embarked on a tour across Europe, rapidly rising in popularity.

Their lyrics, which tackle diverse themes such as violence, depression, and religion, are also a key part of their appeal.

Although they went on hiatus in 2005, their innovative sound continues to captivate many fans.

Highly recommended for those drawn to heavy sonics and a spirit of experimentation.

L’Araignee-MalAtoll

Atoll ► L’Araignee-Mal [HQ Audio] 1975

Many rock bands from non-English-speaking countries have a distinctive sound unique to their homeland, and the same holds true in progressive rock.

Iconic, idiosyncratic groups like Magma and Gong are well known, and Atoll—formed in 1972—was likewise a pioneering presence during the formative years of French rock.

The band’s members are highly skilled players; their music features meticulously crafted ensembles that evoke the stylistic elegance of the British band Yes, along with a symphonic brand of prog infused with elements of jazz and fusion.

With their multifaceted personality, they enjoy strong popularity among prog fans here in Japan as well.

If you’re interested in them, a great place to start is their superb second album, L’Araignée-Mal, released in 1975.

It encompasses refined symphonic beauty, technically adept jazz-rock, theatrical and avant-garde developments, and even weighty, King Crimson–like sonorities.

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Lady MadonnaThe Swingle Singers

The Swingle Singers – “Lady Madonna”

The Swingle Singers are a leading French a cappella vocal group.

Formed in Paris in 1962, they perform a wide range of repertoire—from classical to jazz and pop—in their own distinctive arrangements.

Their debut album, Jazz Sebastian Bach, was a major hit and catapulted them to worldwide fame.

Since then, they have released over 50 albums and earned numerous honors, including five Grammy Awards.

As of March 2023, the group has changed its name to The Swingles and performs as a seven-piece ensemble.

Their music has also been featured on film and TV soundtracks, earning them broad support from diverse audiences.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the fusion of classical and jazz.

Des Torrents De CoupsCeleste

CELESTE – Des Torrents De Coups (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

In France’s underground scene, there are many bands that produce inventive metal and heavy rock sounds, and the deeper you dig, the more fascinating acts you’ll discover.

In this piece, we introduce Celeste, a band from Lyon, France, who have a devoted following in Japan as well—having even toured here in 2019.

Their musical style, often described as “dark hardcore,” uniquely interprets elements of black metal, sludge, and post-hardcore.

True to the name, their thunderous sound, both dark and aggressive, delivers an intensely powerful listening experience that shakes the listener to the core.

Formed in 2005, they released their debut album Nihiliste(s) in 2008 and have consistently put out new work, steadily building their career.

In 2021, they signed with Nuclear Blast, the prestigious Germany-based metal label, and in January 2022 released their latest album to date, Assassine(s).

While the overwhelming heaviness and intricate band interplay remain intact, it’s their most melody-forward work yet—a masterpiece that captures the growth of a band that never stops moving forward.

It might be a good idea to start with Assassine(s) and then dive into their earlier releases!

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Greyhound RacingConcrete Knives

Concrete Knives – Greyhound Racing (Official Video)

Concrete Knives are a five-piece band based in Caen, in France’s Normandy region.

Formed in the 2000s, they’ve developed a distinctive sound that fuses edgy art rock with pop hooks and rich dance melodies.

They debuted in 2012 with the album “Be Your Own King,” followed by their second album “Our Hearts” in 2018.

Influenced by a range of artists including TV on the Radio and Talking Heads, their sound spans genres from pop/rock to indie electronic.

The band never forgets to show appreciation to their fans and has persevered steadily with their music.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking fresh, exciting sounds.