Another metal band worth mentioning, The Sign of the Southern Cross from Asheville, NC. Kind've a Pantera sort of vibe.
Good country recommendations too, everybody. Some I've heard and some I haven't. Ya'll should definitely check out Jamey Johnson if you haven't, he's a great singer and songwriter.
Also, I'm sure most of you have heard Shooter Jennings, but if you haven't heard his new album with his band Heirophant it's worth checking out. I saw them open for Alice in Chains last year and they sounded great. It's very different from what he was playing, but still worth a listen.