Originally Posted by MJD

Among the main public the general answer is probably Nirvana but among music critics and close followers it is certainly Radiohead. Then there is Metallica for the Metal segment, R.E.M. for Indie, Offspring for Punk. There have been many more (Cranberries, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Oasis etc).

Personaly I won't be very original and stick with Radiohead.