Captivating Norwegian bands and artists: a new doorway to Nordic music

IsaEnslaved

ENSLAVED – Isa

Like glaciers carving the earth, the Norwegian band Enslaved continually reshapes the conventions of metal.

Formed in 1991 by two teenagers, just 13 and 17 at the time, they built their foundation on Norse mythology.

Their music has evolved from early Viking metal into a grand, progressive sound.

Since their 1994 debut, their relentless pursuit of exploration has been widely acclaimed, earning them a prestigious Norwegian music award for the album Vertebrae.

Fusing aggression with artistry, their sound defies genre boundaries and is sure to stir the sensibilities of anyone seeking an intellectually stimulating experience.

To My SoulJerry Folk

Jerry Folk – To My Soul

Jerry Folk is a young producer from Oslo, Norway (currently 21 years old) who is now based in LA.

He started playing drums around the age of 9 or 10, performed in a band with friends, discovered Fruity Loops at 15 through a friend, learned how to create sounds like deadmau5’s on YouTube, and began producing music.

“To My Soul” is a track from The Kids Tape, released in 2016, and features an organic, transparent, and electric Nordic sound.

Last Day (Live At Trolltunga)Shining

Shining – Last Day (Live At Trolltunga)

Shining is a five-piece band from Oslo, Norway.

Founded in Oslo in 1999 by former Jaga Jazzist member, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Jørgen Munkeby as an acoustic jazz quartet, the group began its activities that year.

Between 2001 and 2013, they released seven albums.

While they span genres such as avant-garde metal, progressive rock, experimental rock, free jazz, and jazz fusion, their music leans more toward rock and metal elements rather than traditional jazz fusion, resulting in a heavier sound.

Last Day is a track from the 2015 album International Blackjazz Society.

Its music video features a performance on Trolltunga (“the Troll’s Tongue”), a rock ledge jutting horizontally from a mountain cliff over a dam lake in Norway, showcasing the country’s natural scenery.

Girl In OsloBIGBANG

Bigbang – Girl In Oslo

BigBang is a rock trio from Norway formed around frontman Øystein Greni.

Renowned as “Norway’s best live band,” their fiery performances have captivated countless fans.

Their music is rooted in rock ’n’ roll with a rugged sound that carries the soul of the blues.

Unforgettable melodies like “Girl in Oslo” created a major buzz across Europe.

It’s no surprise their live album set an all-time sales record in their home country.

Even after more than 30 years since their formation, they continue to evolve—so turn up their music and lift your spirits!

City BoyDonkeyboy

Donkeyboy – City Boy (Official video)

Donkeyboy is a Norwegian band bringing the sparkle of ’80s pop into the present.

Their sound—glittering synthesizers intertwined with airy, echo-drenched vocals—is irresistibly appealing.

Their debut single “Ambitions,” released in 2009, achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Norwegian charts consecutively along with the follow-up “Sometimes.” That same year, they swept three categories at a music awards show, including Best New Artist, and were chosen to join the tour of legendary seniors a-ha—an episode that speaks volumes about their talent.

This crystal-clear Scandinavian synth-pop is perfect for a drive or whenever you want to lift your mood.

You’re sure to get hooked.

The Golden CoreMotorpsycho

Motorpsycho ‘The Golden Core’

Motorpsycho, a band that has led Norway’s music scene for over 30 years, is a rock group formed in Trondheim in 1989.

The core members are Bent Sæther and Hans Magnus Ryan.

Known for their shape-shifting style centered on psychedelic rock, they incorporate everything from hardcore and jazz to country.

With albums like Blissard and the classic Let Them Eat Cake, they have earned four Spellemann Awards—often called the Norwegian Grammys—cementing their formidable legacy.

Their fearless embrace of change and ongoing pursuit of experimental sounds are highly regarded by fans who seek music that defies genre boundaries.

Drive Me Home The Lonely NightsSerena Mannish

Left one child in the pool 😰😭LeoNata family #shorts TikTok

Serena Maneesh is a neo-shoegaze rock band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1999.

They debuted in 2005 on a local indie label, and Selena Maneesh became a hit through online media.

The group comprises six members centered around Emil Nikolaisen, along with his siblings and friends.

Their sound has been compared to Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, and My Bloody Valentine; after moving to 4AD, they also incorporated influences from gothic rock.

Their debut album is noted for its distinctive musicality, often described as a rock ’n’ roll symphony.