[1337Nerd]

While you're a fan of the early melodeath, I personally have a preference for the newer stuff. I like all types, but I generally prefer to listen to newer music.

There are some bands who have been advancing over the years as well. All Shall Perish(whom I also forgot to mention) had mediocre albums at best before Awaken the Dreamers last year. That's now one of my favorite albums. I agree In Flames has moved into a bit more of a "mainstream" area, but I still enjoy listening to them quite a bit. As for Arch Enemy, some very subtle improvements I've noticed is in their guitar work. The Amott brothers are two of my favorite guitarists. I liked Twilight of the Thunder God, because Amon Amarth was actually going outside their norms with it.