there are so many bands these days that it's hard to distinguish between them. what counts as unique and new?   many fade away after a while. however, whether in the mainstream or not, some bands just have that extra something that influences the next generation and the one after that  and will be remembered forever. name some.

I personally admire Live and the Beatles for giving their own unique take on music

Bands like Elvis Preseley, Rolling Stones, Beatles, all had large influences in the rock genre.

There are still new genres to be explored and changed!

Bands that all have their unique sound and definately inspired many others include:

Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, RATM, Therapy?, Led Zeppelin, Helmet, Nirvana, Faith No More, Deftones, Pearl Jam, Slayer, Korn, Red hot chili Peppers

getting influenced by everyone instead of who everyone thinks will double any thoughts you have on music. you should expect to get influenced by every person you see lay something, from the 2 year old playing with bowls to the crappiest drummer alive(matt taul) to marco minneman.

they will all play something that will set something off in your mind....it may take a little to know what to listen for, but it will happen.