[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!

R U Mine?Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine? (Official Video)

Arctic Monkeys are a band that represents the UK indie rock scene.

Formed in Sheffield in 2002, they shot to prominence with their 2006 debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” As one of the first bands to gain popularity through the internet, their debut became the fastest-selling album by a debut artist in the UK.

They’ve earned numerous accolades, including seven Brit Awards and nine Grammy nominations.

From indie rock to post-punk and, more recently, space pop, they continue to captivate listeners with their diverse musical styles.

With distinctive lyrics and a refined sound, they’re a band highly recommended for music lovers.

Girl From MarsAsh

Ash – Girl From Mars (US version) (Official Video)

Ash is a rock band from Northern Ireland.

Their debut album, released when they were still in their teens, was a smash hit that topped the UK charts, earning them a reputation as “enfants terribles.” Among British rock bands, they’re on the brighter, poppier, and more accessible side.

Heat of The MormentASIA

ASIA ❖ heat of the moment (official music video)

Formed by members who left big bands like Roxy Music and Yes, Asia gradually faded from the spotlight, partly because they only had a few hit songs.

“Heat of the Moment” reached as high as No.

4 in the U.S.

and is still used in films and on TV today.

An Honourable ReignBURY TOMORROW

BURY TOMORROW – An Honourable Reign (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Formed in Southampton in 2006.

They are a leading figure in melodic metalcore, known for clean vocals that combine freshness with intensity.

Their songs follow classic metalcore stylings, with a well-balanced contrast between shouts and melodic parts and exquisite control of dynamics.

Feel Like Makin LoveBad Company

BAD COMPANY Feel Like Makin Love 1975

Bands that debut in the UK usually score hits mainly in their home country, but this band also became popular in the United States, and several of their albums were major hits.

Perhaps thanks to his slightly sexy voice, this song even climbed as high as number 10 in the U.S.

ParanoidBlack Sabbath

Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970 official music video)

They are considered one of the three great hard rock groups alongside Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, but in Japan they might be the least conspicuous of the three.

This band is said to be a pioneer of heavy metal, and they have been known since their debut for writing songs with occult themes.

The Fire Is GoneChange of Heart

change of heart – the fire is gone

From their self-titled debut on the prestigious Escape Music label.

While the synth-driven song structures clearly show a strong Bon Jovi influence, their polished songwriting goes far beyond mere imitation.

Packed with grin-inducing twists and phrases, this is highly recommended for fans of melodic rock.