The Bad Penny (beta)

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.