Since I'm working on clubby, melodic tech-house stuff for a few labels, I've been drawing a ton of influence from both Leandro Gamez and Joris Voorn. I've never heard a crap record by either of them, including Leandro's pre-2000 bangers on Fieber. Joris nails the Detroit-with-an-edge vibe with amazing regularity, and Gamez is possibly the only producer who can still rock strong basslines while still sounding fresh.

As far as the harder, darker stuff is concerned, I agree with everyone here about Skoog. I've been buying his (and Headroom's) stuff since the Evil Deception days, and it's all really cool. Although I miss the heavy industrial influence that the older Headroom material exhibited, I think the double-shot of Mankind records Skoog did a bit ago (16 and 17) is probably his finest solo work to date. It's perfectly mixed, bangin', yet intricate with a very hypnotic feel. Although the Mhonolink record that came out immediately afterwards on Mankind was a better seller and more anthemic, Skoog's records just resonated with me a whole lot more.

Also, Dustin Zahn's stuff has always been pretty inspirational. That kid is just amazing, and don't let him argue otherwise on this board. ;)