The earliest Finnish rock bands to gain any notoriety were progressive rock bands like Tasavallan Presidentti and Wigwam. Though for a time they seemed poised to break through in Europe, international fame eluded them. 1980s bands were similarly unable to find an international following, such as Gringos Locos and Havana Black; one exception to this was Hanoi Rocks, a popular glam rock band.

Other modern bands who have achieved some mainstream rock success abroad include Leningrad Cowboys, known for performing with the Red Army, Male Choir Shouters, who specialize in national anthems and surf band Laika & the Cosmonauts.

Like much of Scandinavia, Finland's main contribution to modern popular music may be death metal and related fields. This style of hard-hitting metal includes bands like Apocalyptica, Nightwish, Stratovarius, Sentenced, Children of Bodom, Amorphis and Waltari.

World rock

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