I'm terrible with linking names to avatars, but are you the guy whose album I trashed in my avant garde music review thread? It's been bothering me for a while.

Soundgarden
Pantera
Rage Against the Machine

Are probably my three favorites out of that bunch

I'm a fan of quite a few of them, though.

Out of this list...

Soundgarden
Mastodon
Radiohead

I do listen to all of the others actually, but the above probably the most often.

That was Machine.

Why does it feel like Swans shouldn't be on that list?

Dream Theatre
Korn

Weird list though

RHCP
Radiohead
Alice in Chains
Soundgarden

Is there any competition here?

PANTERA! okyou caught me, I am a Pantera fanboy and grew up on these guys. One of the all time heaviest shows.com: Pantera & Sepultura. If you missed it, sorry to hear.

Other 2 bands to round out the top three:

Avenged, seems like they may be one of the new bands Metallica and Megadeth will "pass the torch" over to.

Lastly, RAGE. Cant get any better when you are angry at the government or any other social injustice.

Haven't listened to all of the bands for a fair assessment, but for now here's my three. (Subject to change).

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers.
2. Korn.
3. Avenged Sevenfold