From Finland, the Rasmus dominated the Hard Rock scene in their native country and throughout Scandinavia and parts of Europe. Again, we know the score; a band has to conquer the States to have any reasonable shot for the Hall of Fame, but if there is a Finnish Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and for the record, we really are not that curious) they would be a lock.

Redefining popular music from Sweden, The Hives quarterbacked the Garage Rock sound in the new millennium and became one of the ‘it’ bands. Stylistically brilliant, powerful to the ears and the type of Rock that makes people take notice could be a formula to Cleveland but there is still a bit of work to do for the Hives to separate themselves from the pack. 

Like many hard driving Post Grunge bands, Staind falls into the category of sounding too much like their predecessors to anger critics, but more than enough to appeal to the fans who like that musical style. Really, they can’t win. With that type of equation, they will likely be remembered as a successful footnote in the Rock and Roll canon, but don’t expect to see their plaque in Cleveland. 

Drawing from diverse Alternative influences, yet morphing it all into their own beautiful arrangements, Austin, Texas’ Spoon is a great story of an Indie band that persevered and made it without having to sacrifice their core roots. The only thing that would keep them out of the Rock Hall is that the number of eligible indie-nfluenced rock bands continues to grow by year, but don't sleep on their chances.