11 Indian Rock Acts You Need to Hear in 2025

India’s rock scene is more vibrant than ever, with artists blending diverse influences, from traditional folk and classical elements to modern alternative, metal, and electronic textures. As we step into 2025, a wave of bands has been pushing boundaries, redefining what rock means in the Indian context with a mix of the familiar and innovative. Whether it’s cinematic synth-rock, intricate progressive instrumentals, or post-punk dreamscapes, these 11 acts showcase the rich variety and innovation emerging from the country’s independent music scene. If you’re looking for fresh sounds that challenge conventions and captivate listeners, here are the Indian rock bands you need to hear this year.

You May Also Enjoy > The Down Troddence Drops ‘Maharani’ Feat T.M. Krishna: Shattering Boundaries of Metal and Carnatic

Arogya

Emerging from Gangtok, Sikkim/Guwahati, Assam, Arogya delivers a dark synth-rock experience infused with operatic intensity. Their grand compositions, drenched in epic cinematic overtones, are accompanied by lavish music videos on “Dust” and “Broken“. Constantly evolving, the band experiments with Nepali and English lyrics while blending elements of electronica, pop, and metal into their sound.

Sutej Singh

The instrumental guitarist from Solan, Himachal Pradesh might have reminded us of John Petrucci and David Gilmour with his exquisitely crafted 2018 debut album The Emerging. With his more recent releases like Land of Gold and Kaadambari, he pushes the boundaries of instrumental guitar songwriting. The guitar wizard, draped in his signature long jacket, has also opened for artists like Steve Vai and performed at festivals such as Oddball, Ziro, Independence Rock, and Bandland.

You May Also Enjoy > Interview with Warren Mendonsa – Blackstratblues | Guitar Tones, Favorite Artists, Recording Tech & Studio Stories!

Peekay

Hyderabad rock and metal act Peekay, led by vocalist Pranati Khanna, delivers powerful and tightly crafted alternative rock and metal songs. The music has it all: a seamless blend of clean and growled vocals coupled with intricate arrangements. From their 2023 EP Starlight featuring some well written alternative rock songs, to incorporating modern metal in their latest single Merciless, the band has also been featuring more djenty tunes in their recent live shows.

Ereimang

Ereimang is the brainchild of experimental lofi/noise punk rocker Kamal Singh of Hoirong fame in collaboration with members from the shoegaze act Lo! Peninsula. This Manipuri folk rock project heavily incorporates elements of Meitei mythology and folklore in their music. We hear a blend of their signature noise rock with the sound of the pena, the string instrument from Manipur. We are treated to a musically rich work that makes listeners and creators make sense of musical forms across space and cultures.

Space Is All We Have

Speaking of musical acts evolving their sound, Bengaluru alternative rock band Space Is All We Have has gone heavier on the low end while also bringing out some fiery rap verses. The dreamy production and soundscapes of Thank You, Universe! still remain while moving the band’s sound to heavier nu metal, alternative rock, and hip-hop inspired sonic territory. They teamed up with vocalist Munz from The Down Troddence on their latest track Broken.

Read More Indie News > Jinjer, Cynic & Necrophobic Reign Supreme at Bangalore Open Air 2025

Long Distances

At the crossroads of postpunk, new wave, dreampop and shoegaze, Mumbai indie rock band Long Distances defy easy categorization. With vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Aarifah, Apurv Agrawal, and Zubin Pastakia, the trio concocts some lush soundscapes with fuzzy indie-rock energy. Be sure to catch a listen to some of their misty hypnotic gems like Empire and Delicate Surrender off their stunning 2024 record How the Mighty Will Fall, featuring Jai Row Kavi on drums.

See more

Sapien Error

With Suryadoy Ghosh on vocals and guitars, the alternative/progressive rock band’s dynamic sound shines in tracks like Porcelain, Nion II, and Anomaly. The band has collaborated with notable artists, including bassist Jacob Umansky from Intervals, guitarists Bishwadeep Sikder, Shouvik Dey, and Jazzy Sadhu. Delivering tight live sets, this is a must-listen band, especially for fans of progressive and alternative rock.

Fallen Letters

Alternative and progressive rock band Fallen Letters have a touch of metal seeping through to keep all kinds of audiences hooked. For a glimpse of their versatility across closely related genres, dive into ‘Relapse’ and ‘Beneath the Opaque Veil’ from their debut EP ‘Forlorn Pages‘. A blend of mostly clean with growled vocals, brooding arrangements, and some intricate guitarwork, you should spin their EP if you’re into emotionally charged rock with a dark edge. 

Check More Lists > 10 Indian Guitar Players to Check Out in 2025

Jatayu

Hailing from Chennai, Jatayu fuses the intricate rhythms of Carnatic music with the surgical energy of jazz-rock and funk. While mostly an instrumental band, they have collaborated with vocalists like Putaad Pihay and Harini Iyer. Tracks such as “Restless” and “69” highlight their ability to showcase a wide range of moods in their music, exciting for any fans of instrumental jazz fusion music.

The Tramlines Project

Striking the perfect balance between crunchiness and ambience, Kolkata/Bengaluru-based instrumental project The Tramlines Project has crafted inspiring tracks like Deep Trip and Hope, to more kaleidoscopic numbers like Lucid Dream.  Songs like Right & Wrong from their EP Perception seamlessly weave Indian classical elements, incorporating violin, tabla, naturalistic samples, and spoken word. Atmospheric guitars and synths weave cinematic soundscapes, that will conjure up all things nice, trippy, or cathartic.

You May Also Enjoy > Interview with Karthik Chennoji Rao – KC | From Indie Rock to Sandalwood, Pineapple Express & His Songwriting!

Project Malabaricus

Formed in 2017 by acclaimed playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar, Kerala’s Project Malabaricus mixes folk rock and carnatic music with contemporary rock and jazz elements. Social themes abound in the lyrics with songs like the environmental anthem “Arutharuthu” on their EP, Rithu, or the Tamil track Mohabbat on queer love. Having played stages like Expo 2020 Dubai, Indiegaga, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, be sure to check out the live versions of their tracks Poomathe and Pilleraanu.

Check More Lists > 10 Indian Metal Bands You Must Check in 2023

Check out our Spotify playlists.

Visit our YouTube channel for music reviews, playlists, podcasts, and more!