Finland is known to contribute heavy metal acts and other similar trends in popular music. Heavy metal and other ear-splitting music is the favourite sound that people listen to in most parts of Scandinavia. With HIM and The Rasmus rising to the top ranks of album charts in many European countries, this establishes Finland as the source of the best talents when it comes to heavy metal. The following is a list of the top five best Finnish metal bands according to About.com:

Number 1 is Nightwish and is dubbed the most successful heavy metal band Finland has to offer. They were first recognized when their debut album 'Angels Falls First' was released in 1997 and made its way to the top of the symphonic power metal charts. The band's combination of heavy sound and symphonic melodies together with the voice of their female vocalist Tarja Turunen results to a distinct haunting music loved not only in Finland but also in other parts of the world.

Number 2 is Children of Bodom's music is a favorable concoction of death metal and power metal. They are known for their heavy guitar riffs, fast beats complimented by a powerful keyboard presence. Wild guitar solos of lead guitarist Alexi Laiho is also one of the main ingredients that differentiate Children of Bodom from the rest.

Number 3 is Stratovarius, most popular of all power metal bands. The band was carried to stardom thanks to their vocalist Timo Tolkki who was influenced by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Megadeth. During their early days, their music was darker but they eventually evolved into melodic metal.

Number 4 is Korpiklaani, a unique folk metal band. They are few of the many bands that should not be taken too seriously. The lyrics of their songs revolve mostly about folk mythology or drinking.

Number 5 is Apocalyptica, another unique metal band who infuses cello arrangements with heavy guitars. They started out as a tribute band to Metallica but later on composed their own songs.