How about something a little bit different here's some great bands that don't get much if any media coverage besides many of them being quite big acts in Asia & Europe.
Nightwish - Once. Highlights - Dark Chest Of Wonders, Planet Hell, The Siren, Dead Gardens, Romanticide & Ghost Love Score
An absolutely awesome album comprising a mix of classic metal elements with some modern infuences thrown in. Big orchestral elements with a classicaly trained female opera singer on vocals(who has recently been sacked)
. With male vocals provided by the bassist on some tracks.
Edguy - Hellfire ClubHighlights - The Piper Never Dies, We Don't Need A Hero, Under The Moon, Rise Of The Morning Glory, & Navigator
This is a classic German power metal band. They don't take themselves to seriously, and this attitude comes through in their music. which at times can be quite hilarious(see their latest album Rocket Ride). They also put on a fantastic live show.
Seen them three times, each show was awesome. Their sound I would say is a mix between Helloween and Iron Maiden.
Tobias Sammet(singer) has an absolutely superb voice similiar to Bruce Dickinson.
Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle EarthHighlights - Into The Storm, Nightfall, Mirror Mirror, Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill), Thorn & When Sorrow Sang
Another German power metal band. As the title suggest this album is based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien specifically The Silmarillion. If you like concept albums I'm sure you love this it is superb. It has many different elements and sounds all which work perfectly with the story.
Rhapsody - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands pt2 The Dark SecretHighlights - Unholy Warcry, The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream, Sacred Power Of Raging Winds & Nightfall On The Grey Mountains
This is epic symphonic fantasy metal at it's absolute finest. No fake instruments here, all real violins among an assortment off classical instruments including a barouqe ensemble. Fans of Buckethead will love Luca Turilli's guitar work it's totally amazing at times.
This album is the first in a new saga. The last one, The Emerald Sword saga lasted five albums, and is also superb.