Primus

Though they're cited as one of the key influences on the rap-metal crowd due their combination of biting guitar and funky bass lines, Primus are a much quirkier, more avant garde band than their list of disciples might suggest. Making their debut at the start of the '90s, they blazed a new trail with a mix of alternative rock, amped-up funk, a touch of metal, and a healthy dose of Zappa-inspired weirdness. Spearheaded by the crazed bass playing of leader Les Claypool, the unique Primus sound crosses over into the disparate worlds of heavy rock, jam bands, and alt rock, but the band remains a musical island unto itself.

• rock
• pop
• r&b/soul
• pop rock
• alternative/indie
• 1990s
• 2000s