Extreme metal, experimental metal and progressive metal are the most commonly referred labels. But I often think of them (early period) as groove death metal, because their early stuff is very Pantera sounding and as good as Pantera but with a death metal sound.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I've only really heard Obzen, Nothing and Catch Thirty-Three

Of the albums that you haven`t heard "Destroy Erase Improve" is a must, if I had to make a list, of my all time favourite metal albums that would be quite high on the list! Its heavy, brutal and Pantera like, but with a death metal vocal delivery and distinctive Meshuggah traits such as off-timed thrash beats. "Chaosphere" is another must hear album and similiar, but with more of an experimental feel to it.

Definitely just updated my most wanted list Unknown, thanks! :beer:

I know that you`re a Pain of Salvation fan. Have you heard of Amorphis? They`re a Finnish prog metal band with a huge range of influences that range from death metal to heavy Finnish folk music etc. Their sound also has world folk influences, traditional heavy metal and a dosage of American arena rock bands of the 70`s and 80's etc. Start with "Elegy" I highly recommend it as its an extremely cohesive and thoughtful piece of work.

I'm taking note, I'm going to need multiple lists haha

Immortal had a great streak of records, starting with "Pure Holocaust", which had that ultra angry minimalist "Transylvanian Hunger" vibe. My favorite is "At the Heart of Winter" which has a lot of guitar histrionics, time changes, huge epic production and songs that seem to pull out every stop imaginable. They're an interesting band because they were influenced by Darkthrone, but unlike them, Immortal's music become more and more complex and flashy.

Immortal are good. I haven't listened to them in a dogs age, but they are quality black metal.

The original. For some reason, Norwegian metal albums from the mid-90's seem to have a great feel to them. Bands like Tristania and Ulver released some of my very favorite albums in this time, and Stormblast might be added to the list. Thinking about getting For All Tid now.

I hate black metal... I can never understand what they are saying...