Fives - The five metal musts

Later on in the series I'll cover punk, hardcore, emo and purely British bands but for now below are five metal outfits that are definitely worth a punt. With all these bands I may suggest only one album but that's purely a starting place, most releases from all five bands are well worth a punt. So in alphabetical order here are five metal musts:

As I Lay Dying
Some may want to argue that the band are more hardcore than metal, as that's clearly where their roots are, but no metal-head will be disappointed by their soaring riffs and their destructive breakdowns. Their pure musicality will impress any serious music fan and even the scene kids who prefer their metalcore a little more emo. Tim Lambesis is one of the greatest lyricists of our generation and more so than almost any other band out there these guys really know how gorge in big, BIG breakdowns.
Where to start: An Ocean Between Us (2007)

Becoming The Archetype
Few bands come close to the technically ability and crushing brutality of Solid State Records most on form current band. A wondrous mix of death growls, progressive experimental riffage and gorgeous synth-laden textures. Their name comes from Genesis 1:26: "God said, 'Let us make man in our image.'" Jesus was the only person to ever be sinless, ergo He was the archetype of humanity. If you wished that Opeth would deck going soft and had deeper lyrics then look no further.
Where to start: Dichotomy (2008)

Demon Hunter
Out of the ashes of technical hardcore band Traning For Utopia came the much more metallic Demon Hunter. Due to their nu metal beginnings and their hidden identities (thankfully they've binned that now) they were touted by some as Christianities answer to Slipknot. In their more straight up metal moments there are clear nods to Machine Head and Living Sacrifice. They're renowned for a large number of guest vocals and more recently have moved away from their nu-metal roots to a more adventurous sound.
Where to start: Summer of Darkness (2004)

Living Sacrifice
Without doubt the most influential Christian metal band of the 90s and still leaving their stamp in 2009 – when their first album in seven years is due. The band started out with a fairly thrashy sound and quickly developed a more complex sound that became almost metalcore by the end of their 15 year life. They took over the mantle that earlier metal pioneers had inspired them to usurp, bands such as Stryper, Believer and Seventh Angel.
The band formed in 1989 and split in 2005, after releasing a greatest hits, but recently reformed to tour and record a new album.
Where to start: In Memoriam (2005)

Virgin Black
An Australian band that combines gothic doom and symphonic metal influences. There are a lot of classical influences too that merge with the grandiose dark gothic drone. They've clearly overtaken the ambitious Saviour Machine and clearly take a huge inspiration from My Dying Bride – who also inspire Rock and Hard Place favourites My Silent Wake. The dark sound and haunting lyrics match their name, which they explain as "the juxtaposition of purity and humanity's darkness". Perhaps the least overtly Christian of the five choices but they're clearly dealing with spiritual matters and the Requiem series speaks for itself.
Where to start: Requiem Trilogy – Mezzo Forte (2007), Fortissimo (2008), Pianissimo (2009)

Previous fives: The five records labels that'll keep your ears happy