My favorite band changes almost every other week, but here are the notables:
Metallica – kick a$$ guitars
Pearl Jam – first 3 albums are good, everything after kinda licks.
Soundgarden – Cornell is a brilliant lyricist and used to be an awesome singer
Nine Inch Nails – Trent’s lyrics are great, though the theme is often negative/angsty. He scrapes the bottom of the darkest pits of our souls, and he is unique in that sense.
Fear Factory – their riffs are killer
Blind Guardian – Hansi is one of the best vocalists I ever heard. Their music sends me to another world, literally. I also include Demons & Wizards under this.
Alice in Chains – RIP Layne Staley, another unique band
Tool/A Perfect Circle – Maynard’s vocals and lyrics are awesome, and so is the music
Hurt – Recently got into them. I don’t know what it is but I like their sound alot.
Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver – Weiland is the man when he’s not forgetting the songs
There are alot of other bands I like, but I can’t think of any others I would call favorites for the moment.
EDIT: Ok one more:
Yes – Because their music is so complex and awesome