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Ten great "intro-to-genre" bands

DISCLAIMER: This list does include bands many people dislike, particularly big fans of the genre. This list mostly means bands that blend what makes mainstream mainstream with signature elements of their genre. So, without further ado, here's the list.

Atreyu
GENRE: Various scene music

I have to admit, I used to love Atreyu. For a few years there all I listened to was hardcore/metalcore/(insertwordhere)core music. Atreyu was THE band that got me into it, particularly the songs "Bleeding Mascara" and "Right Side of the Bed". It adjusted me to hearing screaming in a majority of the lyrics and gave me a good feel for what makes scene music scene... But beware, because many pompous scene self-proclaimed "critics" will criticize you for liking them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWb93oXXclA

Basshunter
GENRE: Trance

Techno geeks are picky with their music, but Basshunter has a place in my heart. He was the first taste I ever got of the Trance genre, other than Sandstorm by Darude. Basshunter has songs about robots on IRC and about DotA, so he relates well with nerds. His music is very catchy and upbeat, and is good for dancing too. Beware, he is Swedish, so much of his music is sung in Swedish. This does not detract from the music, though. A good starting platform if you plan on learning more about Techno in general.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYQUsp-jxDQ

Bullet for my Valentine
GENRE: Metal

Yes, many people don't necessarily believe that BFMV is metal. They are, however, a very hard rock influenced band and if you are wanting to explore the genre of metal they are a good start. They do have a good level of commercial success in the United States despite being an English band, partly due to an appearance in Madden videogames and on the radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-MY4sedWy0

Sublime
GENRE: Reggae

Okay, Sublime isn't exactly Reggae. They're more of a ska/punk band, according to many. But they have many of the influences and sounds that have made reggae well known. Sublime has a very distinct sound that shares many of the same values as reggae has. It's a shame that Bradley Nowell died, because he has a legendary voice that really set Sublime apart. If you aren't a fan of Sublime anyways, you should be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI2INBQVpwk

Eminem
GENRE: Rap

Eminem is huge, and he is well known to most people because his music is all over the charts. However, if you don't know much about rap, you probably do know a little about Eminem. He is regarded as the greatest white rapper alive. He has a unique, quickfire style with loaded lyrics that speak to many people from all walks of life. If you are looking to explore rap as a genre, I definitely recommend listening to him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO2wA0Te0wM

Metric
GENRE: Indie Rock

I love Metric. I fell in love with their singer, their style, everything about them. Many people only know them for the song they contributed to the soundtrack of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. They have many great songs, and I cannot talk them up enough, but I'm going to keep this short and strongly recommend you try this song and some of their other songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtA7YIFapnY

Rise Against
GENRE: Punk

Rise Against? Punk? Well, I guess that's a bit of a stretch for many people. But Rise Against does have many punk influences and if you listen to them enough you will develop a strong taste for many of the main elements of punk music, from the driving riff to the speed of the music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19X7rttooH0

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
GENRE: Hip Hop

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is a legendary group. They have done a lot for Hip Hop music, and are one of the most well known figures of the genre. They have a very mellow smooth flowing style that sounds pleasant to anybody, and if you are wanting to understand more about the hip hop culture, starting with BTnH is a great idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpmr8Shy_UA
The song starts at about 50 seconds in.

Daft Punk
GENRE: House

Daft Punk is pretty well known, especially if you knew anything about music in the late 90's. Most people know Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. They are also slated to have involvement with the soundtrack to the new movie, Tron: Legacy. A fine band, and they have some neat youtube videos made by fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYD_-A_X5E

Mt Eden
GENRE: Dubstep

Okay, so I don't know much about Mt Eden, other than they created one of the greatest Dubstep songs of all time. I highly recommend you watch this video. Dubstep is a fun genre to like, and there's a lot of great music to be heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqN5yWg6ff4

Whelp, there's my list. It's not really a "top 10" list so much as a list of recommendations. I hope you like it.