Thoughts on the past few: Def Leppard do rock, Steve! They get less credit than they deserve, though I can't say all of their albums have pleased me - especially Sparkle Lounge and their whole thing with Taylor Swift...
@Mole: I highly recommend the song Valley of Rainbows by Altaria. It's my favorite!
And I love Avantasia, but I'm always torn on Lost In Space. It's such a weird poppy little song and it really makes me dislike what Tobi's done with Avantasia, but I like it nonetheless. And the rest of the Scarecrow album and the LIS EPs are good too, so I can't complain. Fun little song, even if it isn't metal..
Nelson - never heard of this before. Sounds like rock, though Wikipedia says they're a glam metal band. Reminds me of what I hear on the classic rock station at work - that's usually a good thing, and in this case it is! Very nice song, I love catchy and this has it. 8/10
This is a very experimental song, so don't give up on it... it took me a couple listens to really let this one sink in, but I absolutely love this song. The beginning is experimental, and about 2:40 in comes the most beautiful piano break I've ever heard in modern music. And then the end comes in triumphant yet dark. I hope I can turn some people onto this.