You saw it coming, didn’t you? Here we are, with 2024 almost in the rearview, and we haven’t even started hyping you up for 2025 yet. So, in true tradition, it’s time for our annual roundup of Finnish bands you absolutely need to keep an eye (and ear) on in the new year! A bunch of them have already dropped hints, teased new albums, or promised tours, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 bands that will make your 2025 heavy as fuck. Get ready, because the Finnish metal and rock scene isn’t about to let you breathe easy anytime soon!
LUNA KILLS
Alternative metal outfit LUNA KILLS have been turning heads in Finland for a while now, and 2025 looks like it’s going to be their year. Recently signed as the first Finnish band on Sharptone Records, they’re gearing up to drop their full-length album, “DEATHMATCH,” this April. Get ready for massive choruses, high-energy tracks, and some deep, hard-hitting themes—this one’s going to hit like a knockout punch.
Marko Hietala
Since his departure from NIGHTWISH, Marko Hietala has been anything but taking it easy. From reuniting with TAROT to releasing a single and touring with Tarja Turunen—a dream come true for long-time NIGHTWISH fans—he’s been back in full force. His “hard prog” solo debut, “Pyre of the Black Heart,” left a lasting impression, and now the highly anticipated follow-up, “Roses From the Deep,” is set to bloom on February 7th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.
Amorphis
While no official date or title has been announced yet, AMORPHIS have made it clear that a new album is on the horizon for 2025. With their Halo touring cycle wrapped up just in time, the stage is set for the long-awaited follow-up. Fingers crossed we won’t have to wait too long to hear what the Finnish progressive metal legends have been brewing!
For My Pain…
Since announcing their comeback in December 2023, iconic Gothic metal band FOR MY PAIN… have had us eagerly watching and listening throughout 2024. With a triumphant return to the stage in May and two new singles released, we’re now crossing our fingers that 2025 will bring the full-length album we’ve been waiting for. Better late than never, right?
Joviac
Four years after their excellent full-length “Here and Now,” Finnish progressive metal outfit JOVIAC are finally back! Their third album, “Autofiction Pt. 1 – Shards,” drops on May 25th, 2025, via Inverse Records, and progheads, this is one release you won’t want to miss!
Rioghan
Finnish progressive metal band RIOGHAN have a knack for keeping us on our toes, and they’re at it again! Their second studio album, “Kept,” is set to drop on February 14th, 2025, via Inverse Records. A perfect Valentine’s Day gift for prog lovers!
Royal Sorrow
Finnish progressive metal maestros ROYAL SORROW (formerly known as EDGE OF HAZE) have officially leveled up by signing with InsideOut Music. They’ve already dropped a certified banger, “Metrograve,” and while we can’t confirm if they’re cooking up a full album for 2025, we can definitely smell more music on the horizon. The band expertly fuses progressive metal grit with dangerously catchy pop hooks—so don’t be surprised when you find yourself humming along like a metalhead at a karaoke night.
Auri
AURI, the enchanting trio of vocalist Johanna Kurkela, keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley, just dropped some major news—their very first tour is happening! Whether this also means new music is on the horizon remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: we can’t wait to experience their magical sound live and see what surprises they have up their sleeves.
Ginger Evil
Finnish alternative rock band GINGER EVIL, signed to Italy’s Frontiers Records, have officially announced their debut album “The Way It Burns,” set for release on February 14th, 2025. Over the summer and fall, the band teased fans with a string of singles, culminating in the release of their latest track, “Hands Move To Midnight.” The single was bundled into an EP alongside earlier releases, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting catchy yet dynamic alt-rock. With anticipation building, GINGER EVIL‘s debut is shaping up to be a fiery start to the year!
Horizon Ignited
Signed to Reaper Entertainment, melodic death metal maestros HORIZON IGNITED have been shaking up Finland’s melodeath scene like a snowstorm in the middle of a sauna. Their latest single, “Welcome to This House of Hate,” showed us a side of the band we didn’t know existed. With their new album “Tides” dropping on February 26th, 2025, we’re on the edge of our seats—we’re here for it.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
