Speaking of "metal purists", I never really understood the mentality. I've loved the genre since... well I can't remember not loving it. But I never got the whole "that's not true metal" or whatever. Even though metal is my love, if music is good then it's good.
Last night for example - I'm flipping through channels and come across Heart Live in Seattle on HD Net. Wow. These girls (and guys) sound amazing. If you put the lead singer on American Idol it would be a joke how much better she is than anyone who has won on that show IMO - I was blown away by her control of her voice. The band is also very tight - I am impressed, and I never was a Heart fan.
BTW, I second the recommendation for In Absentia by Porcupine Tree, especially on dvd-audio as well as Rock in Rio Iron Maiden dvd concert.
I really like Chevelle too, although I haven't bought their latest yet. Something about their use of harmonies (at least I think that's what it is) does it for me.
