i did this for a livejournal quiz type thing, so i thought i'd psot it here and you guys can post yours... post descriptions or stories or something too because lists are just teh boring to read. :]
1. The Mars Volta - With the exception of The Postman Syndrome, Neurosis and Protest the Hero, no other band has blended the pure energy and livelyness of hardcore with the ambition, chops and variety of prog. I don't like the more laid back, less bombastic direction they've taken on Amputechture though as it was the main element that made them so unique.
2. Tool - Pioneers (gods) of modern music.
3. Zero Hour - Progressive metal with less than one solo per song! Mike Guy has to be the most humble, yet amazingly talented drummer ever. They also have super intricate riffs, guitar and bass interplay, arrangements and awesome songwriting.
4. The Postman Syndrome - While not completely original, these guys blend their influences so well that there isn't another band that I've heard that sounds much like them. They're also ridiculously impossible to describe, but they have 3 guitarists and 3 singers and kick major ass.
5. Devin Townsend / Strapping Young Lad - This guys music is big and original, and he's got an amazing voice, and amazing walls of sound, and awesome songs.
6. Neurosis - The most depressing band ever. Also their stubborn refusal to release a bad album over the course of six albums just makes you wish tehy would fuck up once, if only to prove that they're human.
7. King Crimson - Their career started almost 40 years ago and they're still making music that covers new ground. Argue that bitches.
8. The Paper Chase - As far as music goes I couldn't find a better example of "perfectly imperfect". I also wouldn't be surprised if Jon Congleton became some sort of psychopath.
9. Protest The Hero - A punk band that suddenly decided they felt like playing progressive metal. I hate how addictive they are because they only have one album and no other bands sound like them.
10. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Where the hell did these guys come from? As far as I know there are no bands that sounded remotely similar to Calculating Infinity before it was released (Converge? Dazzling Killmen?). ANd it practically created its own genre (or at least they have a crapload of bands imitating them).
11. Arsis - These guys are wayyyy too talented to being playing melodic death metal, but they do, and it kicks ass.
12. Hammers of Misfortune - Really cool artsy metal, lots of guitar harmonies and awesome riffs and fun stuff like that.
13. Meshuggah - "I" and Catch ThirtyThree > Your soul.
14. Ephel Duath - 2 metal musicians, 2 jazz musicians and a rock musician combine to make awesomely creative music.
15. Nevermore - Awesome songs + awesome riffs + awesome solos + awesome vocals = awesome metal.
