At the age of 16 I attempted to discover what would soon become my favorite band by listening to the first album released by some English band named Porcupine Tree. I ended up not really understanding the record, so I crossed them off as a band I did not enjoy. It would then take another year till I then gave their live album 'Anesthetize' a listen. This time, however, I was blown away. Since then, they've been a constant influence and inspiration on many musical aspects of my life.
Notable Tracks - Anesthetize,  Dark Matter,  Flicker

Godspeed You! Black Emperor is one of those bands that just isn't recreatable. There are many Post-Rock bands that have elements that shine in a similar way GY!BE does, but the instrumentation, motives, and composition belonging to this band are beyond unique. That being said, they have inspired many modern musicians and continue to inspire many more. One of those musicians just happens to be myself.
Notable Tracks - Piss Crowns Are Trebled,  09-15-00,  Dead Flag Blues

As one of the smaller bands I enjoy, Helms Alee has had some of the biggest inspiration on my composition process. The vast changes in intensity within and between their tracks is something not many bands can achieve with the same success Helms Alee does. I was introduced to them by an early university bandmate sharing some of his inspirations. I was instantly fixated, and their album 'Weatherhead' quickly became one of my most listened to albums.
Notable Tracks - Mad Mouth,  Revel!,  Weatherhead