The Most Epic Rock & Metal Bands

There are way too many bands out there that sound the same, but are on the front page of Kerrang magazines, on all the commercialised rock and metal websites, and print media, but how many bands that don't shout inaudible noise into a mic for four minutes that has no emotional and musical depth do you actually know of?

Here are my best top six bands that deserve much more recognition than they currently get, most of these are lesser-known apart from the first one, but I can promise you, all of these bands are kick ass and undoubtedly worthy of being commercial.

#1 - In This Moment

In This Moment

I'm choosing this band as my number one, simply because they've become so popular in the hard rock and metal community. However mainly because Maria Brink's vocals are insanely powerful and just awesome!

Their biggest hits are songs like "Blood" and "Big Bad Wolf."

Other band members:

Lead guitarist & Backing Vocals: Chris Howorth

Drummer: Kent Diimmel

Rhythm Guitarist & Backing Vocals: Randy Weitzel

Bassist & Backing Vocals: Travis Johnson

#2 - Within Temptation

Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal (AKA 'power metal') band that has stood its ground for quite some years. The vocalist 'Sharon den Adel' easily gives me goosebumps with her melodic and harmonious voice.

Some of just a few of their biggest hits are songs like "And We Run," "Faster," "Supernova" and "In Vain."

Other band members:

Studio Guitarist: Robert Westerholt

Keyboardist: Martijn Spierenburg

Lead Guitarist: Ruud Jolie

Bassist: Jeroen van Veen

Drummer: Mike Coolen

Rhythm Guitarist: Stefan Helleblad

#3 - Midnattsol

Midnattsol is a German gothic/folk metal band that deserves way more recognition than they currently get. Their lead singer is Carmen Elise Espenæs, who sings in a very operatic manner.

A small pick of their best hits are songs like "Haunted," "Lament" and "Unpayable Silence."

Other Band Members:

Guitarist: Alex Kautz

Guitarist & Bassist: Stephan Adolph

Keyboardist: Daniel Fischer

Also on Vocals: Liv Kristine

#4 - Nightwish

Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band that I have personally seen live, and I can say they have a great stage presence. Their lead singer is none other than the great Floor Jansen who has a very powerful voice with great vocal projection.

Some of their best jams are "Èlan," the bands spin on "Phantom of the Opera" and "Storytime."

Other Band Members:

Keyboardist: Tuomas Holopainen

Guitarist: Emppu Vuorinen

Bassist and Songwriter: Marco Hietala

Pipe Player: Troy Donockley

Drummer: Kai Hahto

#5 - The Vincent Black Shadow

This band is not a metal or hard rock band like the others, this band is more commercialised rock music, nevertheless still a great band that I would pay to see live. They were formed in Vancouver, Canada and their lead singer is Nikki Hurst.

Their biggest hits are songs like "Metro," "Stupid Intruders" and "Fears In The Water."

Other Band Members:

Guitarist: Rob Kirkham

Drums & Percussion: Anthony Kirkham

Bass Guitarist: Chris Kirkham AKA Nim Vind

#6 - Amberian Dawn

This kick-ass band caught my attention when my ex-friend sent me a song from another band, but this band was in the recommended tab besides the video I was sent. I was immediately drawn to the thumbnail of the first single of theirs I heard, which was "Fame and Gloria," it was love at first listen.

Their lead singer is Päivi "Capri" Virkkunen AKA Päivi Selo and some of their best hits are "Lullaby," "Valkyries" and "River of Tuoni."

Other Band Members:

Guitarist and Keyboardist: Tuomas Seppälä

Drummer: Joonas Pykälä-Aho

Guitarist: Emil "Emppu" Pohjalainen

Bassist: Jukka Hoffren

That concludes my top picks! I bet almost all of you have not heard of all of these groups and to any rockers or metal-heads reading this... you're welcome!