Underrated Bands.

Most people will remember "Buggles" for their hit song "Video Killed the Radio Star" which, admittedly, isn't the greatest track ever but the rest of the "Age of Plastic" album is absolutely stellar synth-pop.

Originally a more traditional black metal outfit, "Dødheimsgard" began adding more industrial elements to their sound on their "Satanic Art" EP and, though normally I don't like that style, the band pulls it off flawlessly. Even with the more modern production and industrial drum sounds and vocals.

"Flagitious Idiosyncrasy in the Dilapidation" are often considered "gimmicky" due to them being an all-female, Asian grindcore band as well as their absurd name, but their debut album displays excellent punky riffs, perfect vocals (screams and growls) and crushing drums. Definitely a legitimate grindcore act.

Like F.I.D, I think Gallhammer get a little less respect than deserved due to being an all-female, Asian, sludge metal act. Their sound having elements of crust and black metal make them distinct and their albums a pretty solid.

Combining elements of electronic and hardcore music, it's always going to be hard to get respect as those seem to be the two most detested styles to the average metal-head. Genghis Tron are no gimmick act. They craft their music around the electronics and metal sounds equally so everything sounds very natural. An excellent blend of styles.

Probably the biggest example of an underrated band on this list. HORSE the band are often stigmatized for their "nintendocore" label which hasn't applied to their sound in a very long time. Their biggest "hit" was the song "Bunnies" which had a really silly video and isn't a great track, nor was that album or anything they did prior. In the 3 albums they've released since then, their sound has evolved a lot. Their not as one-dimensional as they used to be; I actually think they're one of the more unique and diverse bands around right now. They've really hit their stride in the last 5 or so years and their sound nowadays is distinct and natural. Sure they don't always take themselves too seriously but they really do have quality lyrics.

Another hardcore band. Iwrestledabearonce get a lot flak for being overly silly and their very sudden genre changes. Admittedly, they are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me as you'll have a metalcore track suddenly kick into the cheesiest 80's synth-pop sound or something but it's a lot of fun and the musicianship is top. They are gimmicky, but when the music is that fun, who cares?

Obviously Mayhem is the most important band in black metal but I'm referring to the "post-Euronymous" era Mayhem that is often criticized for not being as grim as the old stuff. Every album since "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" has been completely unique from everything else they've done in the past. I personally respect a band that is willing to experiment with each album and honestly I think they're as grim as they ever were.

Melt-Banana are easily one of my favourite bands but they are always noted as being a "one-trick-pony" which I can see, but don't agree with. They may not be the most experimental bands out their but there is notable evolution in their albums. Perhaps their older stuff is all pretty similar but from the album "Charlie" and on they've changed as much as you can expect from a band.

After their debut album "Oracular Spectacular" was a smash hit, people were disappointed when "Congratulations", their sophomore effort lacked the chart-topping hits the first album had. "Congratulations" was a far better album in my opinion that was more experimental and really took advantage of the psychedelic rock influences. Here's hoping their next album continues this trend of experimentation.

Most notable for a song most black metal enthusiasts will roll their eyes at "Black Metal ist Krieg" translating to "Black Metal is War" (undeniably a silly title) but it's a fun song and that album gets shit on for not being cohesive but it was supposed to be a "dedication" to black metal and displays a bit of every black metal style and does them all well. Nargaroth is a great and grim black metal project that isn't afraid to change-up their sound either.

I honestly don't know why Sole as well as all of Anticon don't really get the same respect labels like "Def Jux" always got. I really have no explanation.

When you're considered to be too silly in the genre of "Folk-Metal" it's an achievement of some caliber. Trollfest are definitely more than just silly drinking music. They have impeccable musicianship, varied instrumentation and are heavier than most other bands in the style, even if they do occasionally cover Britney Spears.