So the Unkown Soldier is an officer? We are starting to get closer to his true identity.

Unknown General.

Personally, every time I think of metal, I think back to the first metal song I heard, and that to me is the best because it introduced me to a genre that I wasn't too familiar with.

He has a point, a question like the one you asked is very difficult to discuss/answer, as many of us here have different opinions about which metal band is the best, and you didnt say what exactly you mean by "best".

Heaviest? Catchiest? Most creative? Most original? There are so many things that metal bands can be the best at.

I'm sure people will be gunning for you with that one, as they are a very disliked band on this forum, Personally I really like Dream Theater and I think their brand of metal to be quite creative, if you accept that they've taken a load of influences and just melded them together.

I'm a pacifist, but I don't mind dressing up as an officer from time to time.

Spinal Tap

Love me some Petrucci.

really boring music if i got to be honest with you

Dont worry Im used to being gunned. I had no idea that they are disliked on this forum though, thanks for the warning. And you're right about what you said about them, they really combine all of their influences together and create a wonderful mix of original and creative music. At least thats how I see it.

Not too far off in my opinion. Though I admit to not liking Black Clouds & Silver Linings much. However they redeemed themselves with a great album that is Dramatic Turn of Events.