In defense of extreme metal...

[ObscureInfinity]

I would show them albums that had a lot of abstract moments used for creative song writing. Nespithe would be a positive choice in this situation.

[Einherjar86]

Originally Posted by Seditious

the BM thread just reminded me...

Samael - Ceremony of Opposites Reissue (i.e., inc. Rebellion EP tracks)

I've found that people warm to this album, it being so fuckin catchy, and rather simplistic and consistent. nothing a non-metalhead could scream "it's just noise!" at.

That would be a good one, I think. And it's not an album that's typically thought of first when considering extreme/black metal, so it would be a good introduction into more obscure music.

[Ender Rises]

I'd do what Thoth said, except chronologically. If I had to simply give a one song cross-section, I'd do Opeth -- The Lotus Eater.

[tagradh]

I guess something fairly unique sounding like Mithras or Augury.

[nissan]

death - the sound of perseverance.

Originally Posted by Mort Divine

The first thing that comes to mind is Eucharist's A Velvet Creation. The lyrics are not typically gore and murder, the music is fairly melodic, and yet it is still one of the best.

great stuff.