OP... There are tons of great metal bands out there, you just have to dig a little harder these days. Of course there are the staples... Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Testament, Anthrax. If you find that you like Metallica; Iced Earth is another great American band that you should check out.

But don't limit yourself to America; especially if you like classical. There are some great European symphonic metal bands. Nightwish, Kamelot, Sirenia, to name just a few. If your in the mood for something a little heavier or more technical, check out bands like Amorphis, Symphony X, or Opeth. Metal may not sell as well as it use to in the "hair" days, but there's never been a better time to be a metalhead.