2. Suidakra - Nothing like Celtic Death Metal. Take celtic music, which I find very soothing, peaceful, and historic, and mix it with pounding drums and guitar riffs. These guys can do it all and have their own unique sound. If only I lived in Germany....
3. Rigor Mortis - What I consider to be the most underrated death/thrash/speed metal band of the late 80's. Their guitarist, Mike Scaccia, is, in my opinion, the best guitar player in the world. He can shred like no other and each song has at least two minutes of a hundred mile-per-hour riffage. They only put out two records and an EP, but they are planning a reunion.
4. Corporation187- Nothing like excellent Sweedish thrash. They're a relatively new band, but their lated reslease "Perfection in Pain" is incredible. The drumming is awesome and their guitarist surely can shread.
5. Cryptopsy- Hailing from Montreal, this death metal band deserves the utmost respect. What I enjoy most about their music is the sheer portion that is instrumental. Each song has multiple riffs that seem to go on forever. Their singer may be a bit overrated, but the rest of the band is definately the reverse.
6. Dying Fetus - A great American Groove/Death metal band. Metal's R.A.T.M. Their political lyrics, although tough to decipher, are quite to my liking. They also have a fair amount of instrumental sections. What I like most about DF, though, is the way they make the beginnings of their songs incredible.
7. Candlebox - Early 90's hard rock band Candlebox is my favorite Rock band. They have songs that really grow on one's interest. Vocals are incredible and really hold the music together.
8. Nasum- Purely fantastic grindcore metal. While the tracks are short, they are powerful. "Inhale/Exhale" is a personal favorite. They can really get the mind racing.
9. Pink Floyd - My favorite Classic Rock band. Yes, they were on drugs, but that made them incredible. Their songs written during the drug years, "Comfortably Numb", "Hey You", etc. are brilliant. Very relaxing.
10. Vader- Thrash/Death metal band from Europe. Their lyrics, ancient war themes and such, are very interesting. The way that they can play live as well as a studio can produce their music says something about their talent.
11. Shinedown - Probably the only new rock band that I like. Their vocalist is the best in the business right now, in my opinion. Each song is incredible. Exactly the stuff you and your high school garage band wishes that you could write. "Crying Out" is a personal favorite.
12. Arcturus- Scandanavian atmospheric black metal band. Need I say more? "Collapse Generation" should become the new national anthem.
13. Yanni- Yes, I am a Yanni fan. Yanni is the most talented songwriter in the world. I've seen him and his touring group 4 times, including this past march. His music is quite vast in style, but I find it very good for studying to.
14. Ravel - I must put Ravel on my list because he is my favorite classical composer. "Bolero" is the greatest song ever written. I've liked that song since before I could walk.
15. Nevermore - Heavy Metal band that gets better and better every release. Great political lyrics. "The Seven Tongues of God" is one of my favorite songs of all time.
16. Strauss- Another unbelievable composer. I've watched the Vienna Philhermonic perform his work every New Year's Day since I was just a young child.
17. Nokturnal Mortum - Great black metal band. Their stage appearance really makes them that much better. Their stuff takes some getting used to, but it is great.
18. Nickelcreek - So they're just a trio of teens who write new age music. They are great at what they do. My dad got me hooked on them.
19. Testament- Over 20 years of thrash metal and still going strong. They deserve the credit that is given to Metallica.
20. Faith No More - Faith No More is great. "Epic" got me into them, but they truely have a huge list of great songs.