Los Angeles, CA

Taking a cue from '70s art rock stalwarts like Queen and ELO and the blistering attack of modern heavy metal revivalists like the Darkness and Coheed and Cambria, Los Angeles-based progressive rock outfit Bigelf aren't afraid to use the terms pop and heavy metal in the same sentence. Bigelf were formed in 1995 around the talents of Damon Fox (vocals/keyboards), Ace Mark (guitars), Duffy Snowhill (bass), and Froth (drums), and -- long before breaking in their homeland -- they found a European audience for their epic compositions, due in part to their penchant for vintage gear, complex harmonies, and over the top live performances. They released Hex in 2005, garnering positive reviews from critics and fans alike, followed by Cheat the Gallows in 2008. ~ James Christopher Monger