well, i'm going to bring some other names to the table, but would definitively love to see some of the sugestions you have mentioned!
For an oddball... Unexpect - I consider these guys to be one of the most progressive bands out there, definitively heavier than anything that has been on PP yet, and too chaotic for many, but their classical-influenced songwriting (not neoclassical themes, but the way the songs are structured), gorgeous female vocals, amazing riffs... jus overall one of the best bands out there
I would like to add, that seeing the reaction the last few years for orphaned land, therion, freak kitchen, mercenary and epica... I think we (at least most)like to hear something different that is extremely well done, and not just the usual prog and power bands... but hey, just my opinion (i know some love the typical prog or power bands... i myself do a couple of them)
for a softer band... a.c.t. or lord of mushrooms, i haven't heard the last a.c.t. but their brand of what seems to me like broadway meets metal is catchy as hell... and the music is excelent.
and for female fronted... after forever have been mentioned several times, and having seen them, they are better than epica... but one band that has me wanting to hear them live is angtoria, the band of former COF Sarah Jezebel Deva... just hear the song "I am calling", great song! (sadly not all the album is that good)
and for the reunion-type thing... an anacrusis reunion... these guys were prog-thrash... and were way ahead of its time... hey... one can dream, right?
