7. Karnak Seti
The Lowdown: Melodic death metal has been on its last legs for few years now. After a hey day in the mid to late 90s, genres originators like In Flames and others simply jumped the shark. However, in the depths of Portugal resides a modern, staunch flag bearer for the genre by way of Karnak Seti. With unabashed nods to the genres fore bearers like Inflames and Dark Tranquillity, the band also infuses a modern, fresh energy and slightly experimental sheen as Germany's Disillusion did a few years back. It's pretty rigid in in formula and influence, but boy do these guys do it with confidence, polish and skill.
RIYL: Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, Disillusion. http://youtu.be/7LQ-mYxxfw8