Formed in Trysil, Norway in 2005, Svölk play what they call 'bear metal' — a self-described hybrid of stoner metal, Southern rock, and Nordic redneck attitude that stands out as an unexpected export from Scandinavia. The band released their debut album in 2009, followed by Svölk 'Em All (2011) and Nights Under the Round Table (2012), building a reputation on the European festival circuit including an appearance at Sweden Rock. Their sound has been compared to a collision between American Southern metal and Scandinavian heavy rock.

Sway have been delivering melodic heavy metal and hard rock from Hanover since 2002, making them fixtures of the Lower Saxon capital's traditional metal scene. Their two-decade career of accessible, hook-driven metal reflects enduring craftsmanship.

Falkenberg's Sweet Lich play heavy metal from the Halland coast since 2017. Their undead-sorcerer name, referencing the D&D creature, channels fantasy-gaming darkness into traditional metal compositions from the West Swedish shore.

Uppsala's Sweet Remedy play heavy metal from Sweden's ecclesiastical capital since 2024. Their pleasant-cure name channels the healing power of melodic medicine into freshly-minted compositions of traditional metal.

Ljubljana's Sweet Sorrow have evolved from heavy metal to melodic death metal since 2024. Their Shakespearean name referencing Romeo and Juliet's parting channels the bittersweet pain of farewell into freshly-minted compositions of capital-city intensity.

Swelter play heavy metal from the Hessian city of Fulda since 2006, channeling the sweltering intensity their name promises from the heart of Germany. Their nearly two decades of traditional metal represent sustained dedication.

SWIN deliver melodic heavy metal and hard rock from Turku, combining classic metal melodies with rock accessibility. Formed in 2024, they bring fresh melodic energy to the southwestern Finnish scene.

Swindler deliver heavy and groove metal from Copenhagen, combining classic metal riffing with groove's rhythmic swagger. Active since 2014, they bring hustler energy to the Danish capital's metal scene.

Sydra deliver heavy and thrash metal from Freiburg im Breisgau, combining classic metal foundations with thrash's aggressive velocity. Active since 2018, they bring dual-genre intensity to the Black Forest capital.