Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular bands overseas.
Ukraine, which has been in the news a lot lately because of the war.
This incident may have prompted many people to pay attention to Ukraine as a country for the first time, don’t you think?
Ukraine has developed music similar to Russia’s, and in genres such as symphonic metal and ambient, it boasts world-class prowess.
This time, we’ve picked out a popular band that’s active in Ukraine.
If you’d like to support Ukraine’s music scene or help its people in any way, please check out the Ukraine relief funds below.
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Recommended bands from Ukraine: Popular international bands (11–20)
Обращение к белорусскому народуYARMAK
Yarmak is a rapper who has gained popularity with a wide musical range, from unique pieces to politically charged content.
Rappers of this type are rare in America, but in Ukraine and across Europe, many artists address politics and the economy.
His “Обращение к белорусскому народу” expresses his views on the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Since there’s no translation, it may be hard to grasp the meaning, but you can still feel some of his emotions and passion through the flow.
Солдат5’nizza
Pianoboi is a Ukrainian music unit known for a sound with strong reggae and Latin influences.
While their music is acoustic across the board, it’s far from laid-back; as noted, it leans heavily into the upbeat grooves of reggae and Latin music.
Because Ukrainian artists are less mainstream compared to those from the English-speaking world, Japanese translations of their lyrics can be hard to find.
If you’re looking for a band you can enjoy for the vibe alone, be sure to check out Pianoboi.
ЛунаMYSTERYA
Mysteria is a Ukrainian symphonic metal band known for its strikingly beautiful, symphony-like melodies.
Symphonic metal can vary greatly in atmosphere depending on the subgenre—some lean close to death metal—but Mysteria’s take is essentially the classic, straight-down-the-line style.
The hallmark dark tonality often associated with Ukrainian music fits their traditional symphonic metal perfectly, so if you like songs with a serious mood, they’re a must-check.
Army Of DeadTHY DESPAIR
Zai Despair is a band marked by ethereal female vocals and the sudden entrance of male death growls.
While they fall under what’s commonly called gothic metal, their style also evokes a folk-like atmosphere.
One of the band members handles the death growls, and the contrast with the female singer’s beautiful voice is strikingly unique.
Their style is close to Arkona, a Russian folk metal band, so if you like Arkona, this is a must-check!
Time.O.Torvald
O.Torvald is a Ukrainian rock band formed in 2005.
Specializing in alternative rock and alternative metal, they gained global popularity after appearing at Eurovision in 2017.
If their musical style could be summed up in one word, it would be “drive.” Their sharply executed sound is striking, and the sense of speed evokes something close to thrash metal.
They also weave in the characteristically dark tonalities of Ukrainian music, making their work a must-check for listeners who enjoy a serious, somber atmosphere.
ГосподарI Miss My Death
In Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries, a distinctive metal genre known as gothic metal has developed.
Among the highly acclaimed bands in Ukraine’s gothic metal scene is I Miss My Death.
Gothic metal often incorporates elements of symphonic metal, and their works are crafted to be highly melodic.
While the band makes extensive use of death growls, their sound is arranged in a way that’s very accessible even to those who don’t usually listen to that kind of music, making them a great recommendation for beginners.
Recommended bands from Ukraine. Popular overseas bands (21–30)
ИскандерУндервуд
Underwood is an alternative rock band formed in the Crimean Peninsula along the northern coast of Ukraine.
It’s no exaggeration to say they are one of Ukraine’s leading bands, and they enjoy tremendous popularity in the Russian-speaking world.
They released a song in February 2022, and given that Ukraine and Russia were at war, it drew significant attention at the time.
Their catchy sound distills Ukraine’s characteristic dark tone into rock, making it very approachable and easy to listen to.