10 Best Swedish Heavy Bands Ever, According to Native Sons Prime Creation
When we rolled out our list of the top 20 melodic death metal bands from Sweden in mid-December, little did we know that had opened up a Pandora’s Box that released a “spirited” debate among fans of heavy music from Scandinavia. That led us to release a “10 Best Finnish Melodeth Bands Ever” rundown several months later. But around the same time, we interviewed red-hot Finnish hard-rockers the Feral Kids, and they gave us their own list of the best metal bands that Finland has ever produced.
It was at that point that we came to our senses: top 10 lists are all the rage these days, and that fine and dandy – but the people putting together those lists should be the ultimate authorities on what they’re ranking. Ergo, we have reached out to bands from foreign lands to learn from them which musical acts from their home countries really belong on GOAT lists.
Today, Swedish progressive power-metal band Prime Creation pipe up with what they consider to be the best heavy bands that originated from their homeland, with comments from drummer Kim Arnell. While many of the selections on their list overlap with the groups we named as our favorite Swedish melodeth acts, Prime Creation’s list contains a few bands that belong to a different subgenre – and one that isn’t even considered to be a metal band (hint: Their biggest song was also the favorite tune of Gob Bluth in Arrested Development.)
1. In Flames
They have their own style and act as a bridge between death metal and heavy metal. Irresistible growls, unforgettable songs – and they make 60,000 people jump up and down at the same time.
2. Candlemass
Masters of doom. Unique sound. So dark and heavy. Nightfall is one of my favorite records of all time.
3. Yngwie J Malmsteen
The first Swede to make it over there. He inspired an entire generation of guitar players.
4. Europe
Our first commercial mega-band with a lot of hits that are played all over world.
5. Arch Enemy
One of the first female-fronted [metal] bands [in Sweden]. I think this band blazed a trail for many women in this business.
6. Evergrey
Epic, emotional [music] with beautiful atmosphere.
7. Nocturnal Rites
Great melodies with amazing vocals and sick guitar solos.
8. At the Gates
R.I.P. Tomas Lindberg. Slaughter of the Soul will never be forgotten, and it still sounds modern.
9. Meshuggah
So unique, so brilliant technical, so aggressive.
10. Opeth
Unique, sometimes soft, sometimes heavy. Flexible songs that change character constantly.
Prime Creation’s new album, Souls of the Fallen, comes out June 26 through ROAR. Preorder it on Season of Mist’s website. If you do, here’s a taste of what you’ll be in for:
The Bad Penny (beta) 
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