Recommend something as innovating as

[FirstStrikeIsDeadly]

GOJIRA!

I haven't heard such quality, and original music in a long while. Everything from the compositions to the lyrical theme. Outstanding band.

I wonder what else is out there? France seems to have a decent metal scene breaking through these last few years.

A quick sum up of my all time favs:

Testament
Death
SYL
Gojira
Meshuggah
Devin Townsend
Pantera
Exodus
Cynic
Soundgarden
Gordian Knot

 

[V.V.V.V.V.]

Gojira isn't really innovative at all; you can find all that all of their influences are pretty apparent and "on their sleeves", from Meshuggah to Strapping Young Lad/Devin Townsend. But I'd highly recommend you check out Scarve.

 

[Skepticism]

Maybe not exactly what you're looking for but I strongly recommend Phlebotomized.

 

[LivingCadaver]

Augury

 

[waif]

In case you haven't heard them, you will probably like Morbid Angel...

 

[Taylor]

Check Intronaut out.

I know you mentioned Meshuggah, but if you haven't heard Fred Thordendal's Special Defects record...it is a must.

 

[Base Delta Zero]

Gojira's real draw is that they're dynamic. For excellent dynamics and one of Gojira's main influences (according to them), look no further than Neurosis.

 

[rms]

Am I the only one who thinks Gojira are crap? :X

 

[the phoenix]

Sigh's Imaginary Soniscape album, The Kovenant's S.E.T.I. album, Arcturus' La Masquerade Infernale album, um Emperor of course.. what do you mean by innovative, I've only heard some of the bands you mention and I listen to lots of innovative music.

 

[The Black Prince]

Darkthrone

 

[V.V.V.V.V.]

Am I the only one who thinks Gojira are crap? :X

No. They are one band whose hype really overshadows how good they are.

 

[The Ozzman]

Man, I've never heard any Gojira. Maybe I should change that

 

[V.V.V.V.V.]

Nah. Well actually I think given your taste (not a slag, trust me) you would actually like it quite a bit

 

[The Ozzman]

Better not be a slag..

 

[Killbot]

Good innovative metal:
Stargazer
Dripping
Gigantic Brain
Mithras

 

[Thoth-Amon]

Gojira is innovative?

 

[Jimm O)))]

Obsidian (they kind of remind me of Meshuggah at times)
Zero Hour
Atheist
Coprofago (again, kind of like meshuggah in terms of off-beat, complex rhythms)
Blut Aus Nord
Spiral Architect
Twisted Into Form
Martyr

 

[waif]

listened to some gojira. They sound alright. But not very innovative.

 

[Blind Guardian]

I saw you like Death and Cynic so you should try Atheist. Also,the most underrated band of all time;Theory In Practice. They´re like a mix of Atheist and later Death with lots of memorable solos and riffs.

 

[ShredHeadJHJ]

Spiral Architect