Speakers for metal, hard rock ... also SS amp

Without at doubt. A used pair of Aerial 10t's paired with some quality ss amps will be exactly what you're looking for. You can usually find these for $2.5K to $3K used. Then pick up a pair of used amps, like the Classe mentioned above, that will give you at least 300 watts per channel. You should be able to do the speakers and amps within the $8K total. This combination will play any genre you want. The 10t's can sing like songbirds and still kick you in the chest with bass slam.

I left out Lucinda Williams.

I'm driving Nola Viper II+ speakers with a McIntosh MC-162 amp...not your typical headbanger setup, but the combo is unbelievably detailed and tight. Thru this combo, I've had non-headbanger friends remark about how they had no idea how inricate and musical bands like Slayer and Pantera really are.

I also thrashed from Anthrax to Zodiac Mindwarp for 10 years with a pair of NHT 2.5 speakers. Someone mentioned Revels...I heard the F32 model and it's a definite contender too. An Anthem Statement amp or Krell 400i integrated would also be good choices for amplification.

Favorite bands are old Metallica, Exodus, Slayer, Pantera, Suicidal, Priest, early Maiden, Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, and NWOBHM.

There's just no reason headbangers can't be audiophiles.

I assume you want something that can play loud. IMHO most two ways will fall apart if you try to achieve rock concert sound levels. Designs with multiple small (6" drivers) and tuned reflex ports can sometimes compete, however, I find the bass sounds boomy at high levels making the speaker lose balance (even if these designs sound perfectly good at moderate levels).

Something with a 12" woofer or more (a three way) is a must IMHO.

Speaker such as JBL pro line, PMC pro line, ATC actives, Dunlavvy SC-V's, Meyer...

Lucinda Williams should NEVER be left out.......

Oz