I like almost every kind of music, so I'm always on the lookout for new awesome bands and songs. I've come across a lot of gems in the world, but that doesn't mean there aren't more out there. Here's a place to share your favorite bands and songs, especially if they're not very well-known, and spread the love. (You can also ask for music recommendations, obviously.) Here's a form to make this readable:
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[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Genre:[/b]
[b]For new initiates:[/b] (Recommend another song by the same band.)
[b]Style:[/b]
[b]Misc:[/b]
You can post as many as you like, but try not to duplicate band or song recommendations. Here are some of my recommendations:
Name: K'naan
Genre: International hip-hop/pop
For new initiates: In The Beginning, Dusty Foot Philosopher, Wavin' Flag (Celebration Remix) (youtube links)
Style: Very happy and bouncy, heavy on melody. Not a whole lot like U.S. mainstream rap at all. Even if you don't necessarily like "rap," please listen to them and make a decision from that.
Misc: K'naan was born and raised in Somalia; he was forced to become a child soldier fairly early in life, but got out and attained Canadian citizenship.
Name: Rasputina
Genre: "Gothic" violin/cello-intensive balladic
For new initiates: How We Quit The Forest, Signs Of The Zodiac, Torniquet (youtube)
Style: Vocals/strings based, very soft, but with some really weird songs, too.
Misc: They've done a collab song with Marilyn Manson entitled "Transylvanian Concubine" you might have heard.
Name: X-Ray Dog
Genre: Ambient and creeper-ambient, trailers, nonvocal
For new initiates: New Heights and possibly one of their MOST EPIC EVER, Final Hour. If you only listen to one song on this list, make it that one.
Style: Dramatic and emotive in some songs; others can be almost industrial in tone and construction. Significant synth inflections.
Misc: EPIC!!!
I love so much Epica and Kamelot (if you like them, try within temptation) 
) 