BEST METAL ALLOYS

Dillinger Escape Plan

Why metalheads love them: The band's sound has evolved from jaw-dropping instrumental complexity to more experimental and melodic ground. Plus, their live shows are the most horrifying on the road today (in terms of attendees being scared of the stage diving, fire-breathing band), and make Slipknot's storied early gigs look like Hannah Montana concerts.

Why everybody else will: Their openness to dabbling in stronger melodies shows a band comfortable with huge choruses that's more willing to create suspense with ups and downs rather than a dozen straight punches to the face.

Key Track: "Milk Lizard" LISTEN

Sunn O)))

Why metalheads love them: The rotating guest cast of underground metal heroes and pure decibels — plus fans can brag about their impressive attention spans.

Why everybody else will: Pure ambient distortion — going to a SunO))) performance is the equivalent of an aural massage; who doesn't love a nice noisy rubdown?

Key Track: "It Took the Night to Believe" LISTEN

The Sword

Why metalheads love them: Frontman J.D. Cronise's multitracked howl brings to mind vintage Ozzy, and the guitar tones are delightfully skuzzy. It's music to listen to while growing a badass metal beard.

Why everybody else will: Even through the wall of distortion and fantasy lyrics, the songs are pretty damn catchy, and the band's straightforward approach turns what could be pure dork static into something deliriously fun.

Key Track: "The Sundering" LISTEN

Meshuggah

Why metalheads love them: The sheer pummeling force, the instruments that refuse to adhere to time signatures and lyrics like "Lacerating pains of degeneration speed through your trembling mind."

Why everybody else will: Meshuggah's brand of insanity is more fascinating than off-putting, and the deceptively complex tunes allow for plenty of discovery once the initial "What the hell was that?" shock wears off.

Key Track: "Combustion" LISTEN

Check out everything ruling the rock universe in 2008