While even the artists signed to the major label imprints aren't as popular as some other genres, today's ease of distribution means we have some great independent artists to listen to. What are some you'd like more people to know about?
Cauldron Born a cool solo project that puts out some consistently solid US Power Metal. He currently has a new album on indiegogo. Some of his earlier stuff can be a bit rough around the edges so try his newer albums if you're interested.
Osyron is a very cool progressive metal group. At least one of the members is active on Reddit.
Black Kirin is an extreme folk metal band from Changchun, China that does a really compelling blend of melodic death metal, folk metal, and classical (Chinese) music.
Bloodywood is an Indian folk Nu-Metal (?) band with one of the most interesting sounds I've ever heard and that dropped single-handedly, without label support, what is arguably the best metal album released this year.
Arka'n Asrafokor is a Togo melodic death-flavoured band with a sound and lyrical content that really needs to be heard.