Noticed this thread hadn't been created yet so here goes.
In my humble opinion and as far as my knowledge goes, i'd have to say Tony Levin is one of the most original tecnique-wise bass players i've ever listened to.
As for metal bass players, Cliff, obviously. Steve Di Giorgio is also an insane bass player with his fretless crazy bass lines. Alex Webster aswell, obviously, for putting up with insane guitar riffs and not cheating them by cutting notes or play them in half tempo, and his bone crushing bass sound.
Many other bass players influenced me in my learning process, Pastorius is unavoidable, Wooten, Miller, and Patittuci aswell!
Cheers and Horns up!
To Live is To Die 
