Now while travelling around I met several musicians who were still struggling to get known outside of their own area, stuck in playing small clubs in their own cities, ... while clearly talented, these bands could need a push in the back as they deserve more than crowds of 100 people in a local bar.
I am sure anyone knows some talented bands from their own area that could use a bit of promotion, so let's do it and expand the musical knowledge of the fellow forum members Post here some info about bands you love who in your opinion need more mainstream recognition. Don't forget a hyperlink to a place where we can hear some songs, maybe some forum members will like them.
I will start off with a few:
THE FOOLS (UK)
I met the guitarist and bassist of this band when I lived in Ireland, they often perform there. Great guys with great music. They have been performing in Greece and California as well, mainly as buskers during holidays though, even though a small paper in LA wrote a short article on them. Their music could best be described as "rock with acoustic and folk edges". www.myspace.com/thefoolsenjoyit
THE BLACK TOKENS (UK)
Northern Irish band. The singer is a friend of mine from when I lived in Belfast myself. They play what you could call "retro rock": rock but not too heavy, and with some influences of the type of rock that was popular in the late sixties and early seventies.
Well, I am a goth fan so I just needed to post this. Plus, the guitarist and songwriter is a guy I often drank with in the Belfast gothic pub. They play guitar-driven goth music. So the typical dark and brooding atmosphere of gothic, but with no synthesisers and more guitar and bass driven.
Gothic band from London who are really well-known in the British and Irish gothscene but IMO deserve recognition outside of the British Isles. The band play gothic music with both guitar and synths. The big strength is singer Twinkle, who is highly charismatic and could be seen as a sort of "Bowie goes gothic".
Fairly well known in the metal community but little known outside. Maybe one of the best metal bands existing IMO. They combine metal with Jewish and Arab folk instruments and try to make a mixture of western and Middle Eastern music. They also sing in English, Arabic, Hebrew and Yemeni. Add to that they use both Bible quotes, Torah quotes and Islamic prayers in their music. The music they make tries to connect the different cultures of the Middle East and brings a message of peaceful co-existance of Muslims and Jews. Fantastic unique music with a message of hope and peace. The concept album Mabool is highly recommended. Look op the songs Ocean Land and Norra El Norra on YouTube (or do as me: buy the album!)
Also quite famous in the goth world, little known outside of the gothscene. The band brings dark and brooding music with somewhat morbid but also romantic lyrics. The band is very well know for their outspoken lyrics and statements on politics (left wing politics), human rights, animal rights, environmental issues, etc. Singer-songwriter Sean Brennan uses the internet to actively communicate with fans and talk to them about politics, social issues and such. Great band and one that tries to spread a message.
Singer-songwriter who uses synths and many instruments to create a really ethereal and unique sound landscape. Interesting lyrics as well as a very nice octave voice.
OK, enjoy this. If anyone knows more talented bands that are not yet internationally well-known, please post as I would be very curious to discover more good music from around the world.
The Fools seem to have a one dimensional sound, Not precise, Possibly well enough for a one hit band.
TheGhostoFlemora have a nice crisp sound, nice effects, A nice unique sound of their own, I would like to hear them play a little more rock, They seem to share some the attributes, The old rock band "Styx" was able to put together. Imo
In todays bands, I guess one worth mentioning, that i listen to now and then is Disturbed, A bit to thrash for me, But i dig their riffs none the less.
Here is band that plays locally here, I go see them now and then, They play mostly cover music, but they do have some written tunes that are pretty good, They are very young, atleast to me Rukus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkMeKzHtxZc
As you can tell in my sig, I am an old school metal lover, I still love going to concerts, Music with real feeling turns me on the most.
I like Grindcore and Death Metal, Just not all the time, There are times when i just want to thrash, I will tune up some Grindcore or Death Metal for a bit.
Unfortunately I have lost touch with the underground scene. So do not really know any bands out there
Things have changed so much in the last 10 years. It used to be all about buying demo's (even further back and you had the tape trading scene) etc, now its mainly a case of searching online for them.
I remember listening to bands such as The Suffering (now split), Gorerotted (now signed to Metal Blade), 7th child (think they split but not sure) for the 1st time. Not been excited with music much since.
The guitarist is a pal of mine. I didn't list them in my opening post though because the band split up shortly ago The guitarist (the guy I know) formed a new band and they're now working on their first demo. But the Messiah Syndrome is really good IMO, especially "In All Seriousness". Too bad the songs will probably be never performed again, unless they would re-unite at some point but I don't think that will happen.
Promote your favourite unknown bands! 
Post here some info about bands you love who in your opinion need more mainstream recognition. Don't forget a hyperlink to a place where we can hear some songs, maybe some forum members will like them.
Rukus 
The guitarist (the guy I know) formed a new band and they're now working on their first demo. But the Messiah Syndrome is really good IMO, especially "In All Seriousness". Too bad the songs will probably be never performed again, unless they would re-unite at some point but I don't think that will happen.
