What they do:
Revved-up garage rock by five guys who wear black-and-white outfits exclusively. "Hate to Say I Told You So," from Veni Vidi Vicious, combines Stooges swagger and a hook as juicy as the one in Blur's "Song 2."
What they say:
"We've traveled your great country, and we found out that America loves the Hives. That's OK, you can't help it." (Pelle Almqvist)

Division of Laura Lee

What they do:
On Black City, D.O.L.L.'s debut album, the quartet makes angry, high-tension alternative rock that will remind you of the Pixies.
What they say:
"We can't lie about it -- we know that we're one of the best bands there is, so why can't we say it? It's not like we're bragging. We just are." (Per Stalberg)

The Hellacopters

What they do:
Think Iggy Pop, MC5, the Cult. Start with High Visibility.
What they say:
"People say we have too many guitar solos, but they can go fuck themselves. How can you have too many guitar solos?" (Nick Royale)

The Soundtrack of Our Lives

What they do:
Their third album, Behind the Music, is a kaleidoscope of retro rock, touching on the Stones, the Beatles, the Who and Pink Floyd.
What they say:
"We refuse to be part of rock's decline. It's like when Christianity swept Europe and Swedes panicked and the Viking era started. Now it's, 'Where is the rock & roll? We have to do something!' " (Ebbot Lundberg)

Citizen Bird

What they do:
Music in the vein of Seventies German art bands such as Can and Neu!
What they say:
"A guitar being divided into twelve tones and all that bullshit -- something much cooler is possible." (Simon Ohlsson)

The (International) Noise Conspiracy

What they do:
A fusion of Sixties soul, Seventies punk and bebop jazz.
What they say:
"We want to produce the soundtrack of the ongoing war against capitalism." (From their manifesto)

Sahara Hotnights

What they do:
Day-Glo trash-punk girls; check out Jennie Bomb.
What they say:
"We've got into all the classic bands: the Ramones and -- who else? -- Suzi Quatro. More people should discover her." (Maria Andersson)

See the Soundtrack of Our Lives live