The Eurovision Song Contest is the kind of event that stands with one foot in pop music and the other in spectacle. Since 1956, dozens of countries—mostly European—have come together annually to compete with original songs, each aiming to showcase the best (or boldest) of its music scene. From romantic French ballads to visual experimentation, Eurovision has also given space to traditional folk rhythms—and, of course, some great rock surprises.
A fun fact: the contest is held in a different country each year, depending on the winner of the previous edition.
While rock has never been the dominant genre at Eurovision—traditionally more favorable to pop, ballads, novelty acts, and catchy anthems—it has always managed to make its mark. Whether through heavy riffs, theatrical performances, or bands that broke the “Eurovision mold,” rock has appeared in many forms on the contest’s stage: from glam to heavy metal, progressive to alternative.
Over the decades, Eurovision has proven that even when it seems out of place, rock always finds a way in—and sometimes, it even steals the show.
Here are 15 rock bands worth discovering!
But, if you prefer heavier sounds, we’ve also got a list of the best hard rock and metal acts in Eurovision!
1. Katarsis (Lithuania, 2025) – “Tavo akys”
Representing Lithuania in 2025 with the song “Tavo akys” (“Your Eyes” in Lithuanian), Katarsis is one of this year’s most promising acts. The band began as a solo project by lead singer Lukas Radzevičius back in high school in 2019. Later, Emilija Kandratavičiūtė (bass), Alanas Brasas (lead guitar), and Jokūbas Andriulis (drums) joined the lineup.
Blending alternative rock elements, their debut EP Dausos, released in 2024, made waves in the Baltic indie scene.
With over 220,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Katarsis brings authenticity and a modern sound to the Eurovision stage—sung in Lithuanian, no less, adding an extra layer of identity to their performance.
2. Mor ve Ötesi (Turkey, 2008) – “Deli”
Turkey has always had a special relationship with rock at Eurovision, and few acts embody that better than Mor ve Ötesi with their electrifying 2008 entry “Deli” (“Crazy”).
Formed in Istanbul in the ‘90s, they’re pillars of Turkish alternative rock, boasting over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their breakthrough album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor (2004) sold over 300,000 copies and shifted public perception of rock in Turkey.
Their powerful, Turkish-language performance in Belgrade earned them 7th place—proof that rock can thrive on Europe’s biggest music stage when it’s true to its roots.
3. The Rasmus (Finland, 2022) – “Jezebel”
A Finnish alt-rock icon, The Rasmus were already internationally known before stepping onto the Eurovision stage in 2022 with the English-language track “Jezebel”—radio-friendly, nostalgic, and full of energy.
Formed in 1994 by teenagers in Helsinki, they skyrocketed to global fame with In the Shadows (2003) and have sold over 5 million albums. They currently enjoy 3 million monthly Spotify listeners.
In Turin, they proved that even rock veterans can still reinvent themselves.
4. maNga (Turkey, 2010) – “We Could Be the Same”
Blending alternative rock with electronic elements and Anatolian melodies, maNga delivered one of the most iconic rock performances in Eurovision history. Their 2010 entry “We Could Be the Same,” sung in English, earned them second place in Oslo—just behind Germany.
With around 2 million monthly listeners today, their recent album Antroposen 002 (2023) shows their genre fusion is still going strong.
5. Intelligent Music Project (Bulgaria, 2022) – “Intention”
Expectations were high when Bulgaria announced in 2022 that they’d be sending a progressive rock supergroup: Intelligent Music Project. Featuring international talents like Chilean vocalist Ronnie Romero and Bulgarian artists Slavin Slavchev and Stoyan Yankoulov, they took the stage in Turin with “Intention,” a melodic, classic rock track in English.
Despite a modest following (15,000 monthly Spotify listeners), they remain active, releasing their eighth album Miracles Beyond in 2024, featuring legendary rock collaborations.
6. Piqued Jacks (San Marino, 2023) – “Like an Animal”
Though Italian by origin, Piqued Jacks represented San Marino in 2023 with the English-language single “Like an Animal.” Their energetic indie rock performance in Liverpool didn’t make the final, but it left an impression.
Formed in 2006 in Buggiano, Italy, they gained recognition at Sanremo Rock before winning Una Voce per San Marino.
With 11,000 monthly listeners, they continue to grow, even releasing their first Italian-language single, “Aria,” in 2024.
Discover ITALIAN ROCK WITH THESE 7 BANDS
7. Zdob și Zdub (Moldova, 2005 & 2011) – “Boonika bate doba” & “So Lucky”
If one band captures Moldova’s irreverent, multicultural Eurovision spirit, it’s Zdob și Zdub. They first hit the stage in 2005 with “Boonika bate doba” (“Grandma Beats the Drum”) and returned in 2011 with “So Lucky.”
Mixing punk rock, Balkan folk, and hip-hop, they’ve built a loyal fanbase across Eastern Europe. They’ve collaborated with Emir Kusturica and even shared the stage with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Moscow’s Red Square.
With 113,000 monthly listeners, they bring a true party vibe to Eurovision.
8. Joker Out (Slovenia, 2023) – “Carpe Diem”
With a self-described style of “Shagadelic Rock n’ Roll,” Joker Out brought Slovenia back into the spotlight in 2023 with “Carpe Diem,” performed entirely in Slovenian—something increasingly rare at Eurovision.
Formed in 2016, they quickly gained a young fanbase and released three albums by 2024.
Following the contest, they toured the UK alongside Irish band Wild Youth. With 148,000 monthly listeners, they’re one of Slovenia’s most promising rock acts.
9. The Ark (Sweden, 2007) – “The Worrying Kind”
Blending glam rock with pop theatricality, The Ark represented Sweden in 2007 with the English-language “The Worrying Kind,” heavily inspired by Queen and David Bowie.
Formed in the ‘90s, they were already Scandinavian rock stars with hits like It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane.
Though they placed 18th, the song was a major radio hit in Sweden. With 218,000 monthly listeners, they remain beloved and influential.
10. O.Torvald (Ukraine, 2017) – “Time”
Ukraine is known for its musical diversity at Eurovision, and O.Torvald brought raw energy in 2017 with “Time,” a modern alt-rock track in English.
Formed in Poltava in 2005, they’ve performed alongside Linkin Park, Garbage, Evanescence, and The Rasmus.
Though they finished 24th, their charisma stood out. Frontman Ženja Halyč became a national symbol after serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the 2022 Russian invasion.
With 48,000 monthly listeners, the band remains active and respected.
11. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (Finland, 2015) – “Aina mun pitää”
Few Eurovision rock acts made as big an impact as Finland’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (PKN), who delivered the short, aggressive punk song “Aina mun pitää” in 2015.
Formed during a workshop for adults with intellectual disabilities, the band featured members with Down syndrome and autism. Their story was captured in the acclaimed documentary The Punk Syndrome (2012).
Though they didn’t make the final, they left a legacy of raw punk, inclusion, and authenticity. The band disbanded in 2016 after guitarist Pertti Kurikka retired.
12. Les Fatals Picards (France, 2007) – “L’Amour à la française”
Mixing rock, punk, and parody, the quirky Les Fatals Picards represented France in 2007 with “L’Amour à la française,” sung in a humorous mix of French and English.
With satirical lyrics and caricature-style staging, they poked fun at French romantic clichés with flair.
Formed in 1996, they have 148,000 monthly listeners and a dedicated fanbase. Despite finishing 22nd, their act remains one of Eurovision’s most memorable rock moments.
13. Athena (Turkey, 2004) – “For Real”
Veterans of Turkey’s ska and rock scenes, Athena earned 4th place at Eurovision 2004 with the upbeat, English-language track “For Real.”
Formed in 1987 by twin brothers Gökhan and Hakan Özoğuz, they’re among the most respected names in Turkish alternative music, with 1 million monthly listeners.
They’re also known for their social activism. Their 2016 video “Ses Etme” portrays the struggles of a trans woman and became a powerful statement against hate crimes—an uncommon and courageous act in Turkish mainstream music.
14. Sudden Lights (Latvia, 2023) – “Aijā”
Sudden Lights represented Latvia in 2023 with “Aijā,” a moody, emotional track sung in both Latvian and English.
Formed in Riga in 2012 by music students, the band spent years honing their indie rock sound before winning the Supernova festival.
With 64,000 monthly listeners, they’re known for their minimalist aesthetic. Though they didn’t make the final, they stood out with their sensitivity and musical quality amid a flashy lineup.
15. Eugent Bushpepa (Albania, 2018) – “Mall”
One of the finest rock voices in recent Eurovision history comes from Albania: Eugent Bushpepa, who performed “Mall”—a powerful ballad sung in Albanian—in 2018.
With an impressive vocal range, commanding stage presence, and poetic lyrics, he brought Albania to 11th place, its third-best result ever.
He’s opened for acts like Deep Purple, Duff McKagan, and Overkill. His style combines classic rock, hard rock, and emotional depth.
Want more Rock at Eurovision?
Check out our special playlist on Spotify!
