Nicole

Nicole is a Finnish alternative metal band formed in 1997 in Seinäjoki. While often overshadowed by the larger 'Big Four' of Finnish metal, they carved out a significant niche by blending melodic death metal with groove-oriented alternative metal.

Their sound is characterized by heavy, syncopated riffing and the persistent use of Finnish lyrics, which distinguishes them from many of their contemporaries who opted for English to reach international markets. The band's evolution saw them move from a more straightforward thrash/nu-metal hybrid in the late 90s toward a darker, more complex melodic death metal sound on albums like 'Sivu syyttömistä' and 'Tuomittujen joukkoon'. They are highly regarded in the Finnish underground for their DIY ethic and consistent high-quality production, often releasing music through their own label, Biotite Records. Their cultural position is that of a 'musician's band' within the Finnish scene, known for technical proficiency and a refusal to soften their sound for mainstream pop-metal appeal.