[2026] Recommended German bands: Popular bands from abroad

In den Gärten PharaosPopol Vuh

Popol Vuh – In den Gärten Pharaos (In den Gärten Pharaos)

Among German progressive rock, Popol Vuh, together with Klaus Schulze, masterfully crafted synthesizer music.

The faint performance heard behind the nearly 17-minute-long synthesizer piece is something that sets it apart from today’s industrial rock scene in the UK and the US.

Electric SunElectric Sun

ULI ROTH’S ELECTRIC SUN [ ELECTRIC SUN ] PROMO-VIDEO.

Electric Sun, one of Germany’s representative rock bands, was formed in 1978 by guitarist Uli Jon Roth after he left the Scorpions.

With a distinctive sound that fuses hard rock and psychedelic rock, they released their debut album Earthquake in 1979.

By 1985, they had released three albums, captivating fans along the way.

On their third album, Beyond the Astral Skies, Roth pursued innovative musical ideas, including the use of the Sky Guitar, an instrument he invented.

The album also features former Jethro Tull drummer and guest vocalists, creating an even more expansive sound.

This band is recommended for listeners drawn to inventive guitar techniques and progressive song structures.

Ala TulAgitation Free

Agitation Free- Ala Tul

Agitation Free was also a band that skillfully incorporated synthesizers to create rock.

Rather than using synthesizers as a substitute for strings, they employed them as a new musical vocabulary—one of the hallmarks of early German rock.

This is not a mindtripAir Liquide

Air Liquide – This is not a mindtrip

They’re a group that specializes in electronic music—somewhere along the lines of Germany’s Aphex Twin or µ-Ziq, perhaps.

Their sound is very approachable, so if you like club music, you won’t regret giving them a listen, and above all, it’s exhilarating.

Forever YoungAlphaville

Alphaville – Forever Young ~Official Video

They’re an electropop band with striking synthesizer sounds.

This song, along with many of their singles, became huge hits not only in Germany but also across Europe and the United States.

The melodies have a sound that appeals to Japanese listeners, so it’s definitely worth listening to at least once.

Surrounded By The StarsAmon Düül II

Amon Duul II – Surrounded By The Stars

Formed in 1968 as a split from Amon Düül, which was an artistic commune not limited to music, Amon Düül II created music that leaned less on psychedelia and more toward progressive pop-rock.

AmbossAsh Ra Tempel

Ash Ra Tempel – Amboss

Ash Ra, who would later go on to create very serene ambient-style music, originally played highly improvisational psychedelic rock reminiscent of free jazz when they debuted.

This is a celebrated performance from the period when Klaus Schulze was a member as the drummer.