Throughout my years of being a metal-head, I have to honestly say the band that has never failed me has been OVERKILL. These guys have consistently released one killer piece of metal after another since day one. And I din't come to be a fan of theirs until the masterpiece of 'Years of Decay'.
This isn't a slight against Nevermore, because they have their place in my metal collection as well. But there have been far more releases to enjoy through the years from Overkill, as opposed to Nevermore/Sanctuary.
And all of these tie for second fave: Nevermore, Therion, Iced Earth, Rhapsody, Nightwish, Seven Witches (only the first two albums, with Bobby Lucas at the helm)
Old School: Sanctuary, 'Maiden, 'Priest, ACCEPT! (all hail Udo!), Savatage (Criss & Jon Oliva years only), ...man, this list could go on forever... ManOwaR, Testament, etc, etc, etc.
STAY TRUE!!!
~Hoyt.