SALT LAKE CITY — This week a diverse range of music will be played in the Salt Lake area. Indie-folk, heavy metal, local rock bands and hip-hop artists on the rise will be playing in a variety of venues.

Monday: First Aid Kit, The Complex

Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg surprised the Internet world in 2008 with their cover of a Fleet Foxes song. The video went viral largely because of the sisters' stirring singing and gorgeous harmonies. Six years and three albums later, the duo has matched its harmonies with a talent for writing heart-rending but beautiful songs that are heavily influenced by folk and country music.

The last two albums have seen the sisters rise to prominence and become one of the biggest folk-pop groups at the moment. With the help of Bright Eyes member Mike Mogis producing, the albums have grown in a more Americana direction, especially with its single, “My Silver Lining.”

“What should be front and center is the sisters themselves, and their astonishing rapport,” Jim Scott of Under the Radar said. “'Stay Gold' should surely find itself in contention as one of the best albums of the year as 2014 draws to an end.”

Tuesday: Judas Priest, Maverick Center

Heralded by many as one of the greatest metal bands of all time, Judas Priest is again on tour in support of its new album, “Redeemer of Our Souls.” One of the most prominent metal bands in the ‘70s, Judas Priest has influenced countless bands with its anthemic vocals and double lead guitar attack.

After releasing an album in 2008 that received mixed reviews, “Redeemer of Our Souls” has been met with widespread acclaim.

“Redeemer of Souls quells all fears. This is Judas Priest as they haven’t been heard in nearly 25 years; not since Painkiller has the band had this much power, this much energy, or this many hooks,” PopMatters' Erik Highter said.

Tuesday: Yelawolf, The Complex

Alabama rapper Yelawolf has been making hip-hop music for around a decade, but in 2011 he grew greatly in popularity when he signed with Eminem’s Shady Records. He has since released two albums, with a new one coming out this year.

Noted for his mix of country and hip-hop, Yelawolf has seen a steady increase in fans who listen to a variety of musical genres. This year, he has been on a national tour promoting his new album.

"I could say that 'Radioactive' helps redefine what a hip-hop album sounds like, and that’d be true, but that’s not really the impressive part,” DJ Booth said in its latest review. “No, more impressive is that 'Radioactive' will redefine what the world thinks a Yelawolf album sounds like.”

Wednesday: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, EnergySolutions Arena

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been making music since the ‘90s, and gained a huge following for its dazzling concerts and mix of heavy metal with Christmas songs. The orchestra has become known for its mix of guitars and drums found in rock music with classical strings and other instruments found in typical orchestras.

It has released several albums over the years, and again this year released a new Christmas album entitled, “The Christmas Attic.” This is the second album of a Christmas trilogy. The orchestra also covers songs of the greatest composers, including Vivaldi and Beethoven.

“TSO has the live show to rival, if not surpass, that of Maiden and Metallica, the world’s biggest metal bands,” John Serba of M Live said. “Not to say TSO is only about the grand metallic dramaturgy — joy to the world, and all that — but therein lie its roots, and the biggest reason their shows are so ridiculously fun.”

Thursday: Koala Temple, Urban Lounge

Local Salt Lake rock bands Koala Temple, Birthquake, High Counsel and Stage Hare will be playing a free show at the Urban Lounge on Thursday.

The Urban Lounge provides this opportunity for Utah residents to see up-and-coming bands for free, while also providing the opportunity for local bands to be heard by a wider audience and accumulate a following.

Friday: Vance Joy, Urban Lounge

Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy has seen a large amount of success with the release of his debut album, “Dream Your Life Away.” The folk-pop singer’s single, “Riptide,” has been receiving radio play worldwide, and shows his potential.

In line with the singer-songwriter tradition, Vance Joy’s songs are full of auto-biographical stories, many of them asking questions of longing and hurting. With the mix of emotional lyrics and soaring choruses, Joy has charmed audiences worldwide.

“If you’re a sucker for the singer-songwriter type, this album will pleasantly charm you,” Neon Tommy music editor Jillian Morabito said. “With some songs that are rather upbeat (and others, more mellow), ‘Dream Your Life Away’ finds the perfect balance that every album should find."

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