Recommended Russian rock bands. Special feature on popular overseas bands.
When people start listening to Western rock music, they usually begin with American or British bands. But as they get curious about the bands’ backgrounds and dig deeper, many eventually discover the world of rock beyond the English-speaking countries.
In this article, we introduce a variety of bands—centered on Russian rock groups but also including metal, punk, progressive, and more!
Please take this opportunity to enjoy the unique sounds and melodies you won’t find in any other country.
In light of the current situation, we are also introducing a page for the “Ukraine Emergency Fundraising.”
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- Recommended Russian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters
- Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular bands overseas.
- Popular French bands. Recommended groups.
- [2026] Recommended German Artists Summary
- Recommended Finnish bands. Popular bands from overseas.
- Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands—from Legendary Groups to Promising Newcomers
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- [2026] A roundup of recommended popular bands from Sweden
- A Western punk band: immortal legends who carry on the fiery spirit.
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- [2026] Recommended German bands: Popular bands from abroad
- [2026] Summary of Popular Bands in Austria
- Recommended Western rock bands; popular overseas bands.
Recommended Russian rock bands: Featured popular international bands (21–30)
Russia! Vodka! Tetris!F.R.Y.
Bands that deliver heavy performances with comical-themed lyrics are popular in Japan too.
The one I’d like to recommend this time is the Russian metal band FRV.
One of their signature songs is “Russia! Vodka! Tetris!”, and the chorus refrain is seriously catchy.
Their energetic playing and rap-style flow are striking, and the straightforward band sound of their tracks is part of the appeal.
If you like loud rock, definitely give their music a listen.
RavenTvangeste
Tvangeste is a symphonic metal band formed in 1996, known for their doomy, heavy tracks.
Their rich death growls, which create a dark atmosphere, are truly one of a kind.
Many of their songs are highly narrative, featuring classical arrangements and resonant choral work.
Among Russian metal bands, they craft an especially edgy sound, making them a great recommendation for those seeking something more niche.
Why not try their black metal infused with gothic elements?
NagryanuliKalevala
Kalevala is a folk metal band known for their name derived from the Finnish national epic.
Formed in 2007, they create music influenced by the ancient traditions of Finland and the Sámi.
While metal often evokes a doomy sound, their hallmark is a refreshing tone led by accordion.
With many melodious tracks sung by a powerful female vocalist, they’re a great listen even for those who are curious about metal bands but haven’t yet taken the plunge.
В объятиях МарыГРАЙ
The one breathing new life into Russia’s folk/pagan metal scene is Grai.
Formed in 2007 in the Republic of Tatarstan, they’ve garnered attention with works that express Slavic traditions and a love of nature.
From their debut, Polyn-trava, they developed a distinctive sound incorporating flutes and traditional instruments.
In 2014 they released Mlada and won over overseas fans on the European tour “Folk Metal Crusade.” In 2019, their talent gained recognition across borders when they contributed a track to an album by the Greek black metal band Rotting Christ.
Highly recommended for those drawn to the fusion of richly folkloric melodies and a weighty metal sound.
Country Of OblivionEpidemia
Epidemia, active since the 1990s, is a traditional power metal band led by guitarist Yuri Melisov—the sole original member and the group’s central figure.
Within the Russian metal scene, they boast top-tier skill and popularity.
Their songs—featuring melancholic melodies delivered by high‑pitched vocals, guitar lines packed with the kind of ‘kusa-melo’ Japanese fans love, and a band ensemble that dazzles with dramatic structural beauty—are irresistible for anyone who craves this style of sound.
They’ve also released conceptual rock opera works and have earned high praise from metal fans not only in their native Russia but around the world.
They successfully toured Japan in 2019, and we can only hope to see their commanding presence on a Japanese stage again someday.
Stenka Na StenkuARKONA
Arkona, a representative band of the Russian folk/pagan metal scene, was formed in Moscow in 2002.
Strongly influenced by Slavic mythology and Russian folklore, their music is characterized by a distinctive style that incorporates traditional Russian instruments.
Their 2005 album “Vo slavu velikim!” featured collaborations with Russian folk multi-instrumentalists.
The 2009 album “Goi, Rode, Goi!” was an ambitious work that involved more than 40 musicians and included a choir and a string quintet.
Arkona has also embarked on international tours, including North America and Mexico.
Highly recommended for those drawn to the fusion of richly ethnic melodies and a powerful metal sound!
StormchildMechanical Poet
Unfortunately, the band disbanded after about seven years of activity from their formation in 2002 to 2009, but Mechanical Poet from Moscow, Russia released works that impressed connoisseurs with their distinctive metal sound.
The central figure is guitarist Lex Plotnikov, who came from avant-garde and alternative bands, and at one point the vocalist was Max Samosvat, also known for his time as the singer of Epidemia.
Coming from a background different from traditional heavy metal, Lex is said to be influenced by film composers like Danny Elfman.
As you can see from their album covers, their sound is anything but straightforward, built around a uniquely Russian, fantastical worldview, with dramatic song structures in the vein of progressive metal and theatrical orchestral elements.
Their debut album, Woodland Prattles, released in 2004, was issued in Japan, so if you’re looking for something a bit unusual in metal, be sure to check it out.