I realize this is a pretty ambitious list to put out, and given the lofty amount of albums released that deserve a spot, there's no possible way to name them all in a list limited to 100 albums. Nevertheless, I wanted to have a say in albums I've found essential in the 2000s. But first, here are the rules:
1) There is no order whatsoever, it’s all random.
2) One album per band. A very fair way to do things if you ask me.
3) 20 albums per volume. Five volumes altogether. 20 x 5 = 100.
4) The complete list will not be exclusively metal, even though the majority of it is. I like metal a lot, so I can't help but concentrate more on it.
5) Let the controversy begin!
Opeth- Blackwater Park
While there can be arguments made for any of Opeth's albums released in this decade, it's fairly difficult to argue against any such album. My choice is Blackwater Park because throughout each of its 8 songs, virtually no flaws are to be found. The songwriting is some of the best in the band's long career, the acoustic and heavy passages are masterfully segued into one another, and it's responsible for some of Opeth's most beloved material to date.
Nevermore- This Godless Endeavor
Nevermore were always a unique heavy metal band. They escape conventional genre tags and continue to forge their own path, led by god-like talents of Warrel Dane and Jeff Loomis. This Godless Endeavor, along with Dreaming Neon Black, stands as the watershed moment in their career and the quality of this album is probably one of the reasons the band has yet to release a follow-up. It will be no easy task, since this release fires on all cylinders.
Anaal Nathrakh- The Codex Necro
In the discussion of most unrelenting and brutal black metal to date, this is a no brainer. The power and heft that comes out of the riffs and light speed percussion, not to mention the venemous vocals lend themselves to create a black metal album that's as intimidating as one can find these days. One lyric sums up the sound perfectly: "Down on your knees!"
Ensiferum- s/t
Ensiferum's debut album is energetic, folky, and fun as hell. Contrasted with the more black metalish folk sounds of Finntroll, Ensiferum bring a sound more akin to power and melodeath, and does it ever work well. Without a doubt, Ensiferum made a huge mark on the folk metal scene with their debut album alone and continue to do so today. They've yet to best this work although they've come close.
Summoning- Oath Bound
Let's all face it, none of us can ever expect to create the kind of musical art Summoning have shown us in the last 10 years. Their last three albums form a triforce of black metal perfection, but Oath Bound doesn't so much surpass any quality shown on those previous two efforts. Instead, what it does is raise the bar for what can be done within the metal form. Summoning transcend their genre and channel the spirit of Tolkien better than anyone while they're at it, and it's powerful enough to inspire even the most stout-hearted listener. Might and glory awaits you...
Windir- 1184
There are few, if any, that can match the talent and engaging melodies that Windir were able to form. One als wonders if Valfar knew he was writing a song about his inevitable death (obviously not, but interesting nonetheless). It's both tragic and full of wonderment when you listen to this album, not to mention a full realization and pinnacle of the Valfar's artistry. His mark upon the metal world will always be felt thanks to this masterpiece.
Agalloch- The Mantle
There's a reason why this has made so many people's lists of "favorites of all-time" within just seven years of its release. Agalloch are one of those bands that put out memorable album after memorable album, and The Mantle is no exception. You could really make the same argument for Ashes Against the Grain, but The Mantle is the one that put them on the map and finally revealed their greatness (after their classic debut) to many who were gladly willing to follow them. They're another band that needs no classification because Agalloch sound like no one else.
Darkspace- Dark Space III
Easily one of the most startling new bands of this first decade, Darkspace are an underground gem to those who will understand just what it is they are doing not just for black metal, but for music in general. Their use of minimalism is second to none, and no other band can create the atmosphere of being in space better than they can. Dark Space III stands as the culmination of everything they've done thus far and is a must listen to anyone.
Immortal- Sons of Northern Darkness
Always one of the leader of the second wave of black metal in Norway, their revitalized and epic new sound came with the now classic At the Heart of Winter. While Damned in Black was a worthy album in its own right, it didn't capture that freezing and frostbitten aura the band always excelled at. Sons of Northern Darkness picks up the pieces of At the Heart of Winter and assembles them into a modern black metal classic. The production has never sounded so well and it brings out their music in the best possible way. Guitars slice, drums pound like ice, and Abbath's vocals call forth legions from the darkest and coldest regions on Earth to battle. Sons of Northern Darkness is without a doubt Immortal's crowning achievement.
Negură Bunget- Om
If you ever wondered what progressive black metal was all about, look no further than these Transylvanian gods. Like Darkspace, this band is paving the way for the future of black metal but instead of channeling the vast darkness of space, Negură Bunget take a difference approach. Their influenced by philosophical and natural aspects of life, and their music reflects that with its sometimes otherwordly sounds. I struggle with words for Om because they simply won't do justice here. If you haven't experienced Om, then you're in for the experience of a lifetime.
Nile- In Their Darkened Shrines
While some may argue Annihilation of the Wicked as being their best, I find it difficult to not see In Their Darkened Shrines as the masterpiece that it is. Not only do I find it more brutal sound-wise, but the Egyptian atmosphere that Nile has always been inspired to create is found here in a way not heard on other albums. Whether it's the pefectly implemented synths or technical riffage or all out assault of the drums, Nile proved once and for all that they were a juggernaut in the modern death metal scene and haven't looked back since.
Arcturus- The Sham Mirrors
When it comes to the avant-garde approach to metal, perhaps there is none better than Arcturus, specifically this album where they excel at their craft in every song. Of course, it helps when all of your members are essentially "Norwegian royalty", including the lovely talents of Garm. Clever use of electronics, near perfect riffage, and flawless drumming from Hellhammer round out this package. Add to that an original approach to songwriting and you have a winner.
Drudkh- Blood in Our Wells
As good of Autumn Aurora is, and I will never take anything away from it, Blood in Our Wells has impressed me from day one. This is the band at their finest, utilizing that unique sound only they can pull off. The atmosphere is rich with Ukranian folk melodies, and one can almost imagine accompanying the lonesome figures dragging along the terrain on the album cover. In short, Drudkh sound like no other band in black metal. This album is a journey everyone needs to take.
Isis- Oceanic
Once again, I was stuck between two albums, Panopticon probably being just as good, but I will give Oceanic the nod. The epic scope of this album is immense, and Isis are just as effective crushing your skull with bone crunching riffs as they are soothing your soul into liquid metal with their ambient and quieter moments. Isis are their own niche genre and follow no one.
Devin Townsend- Terria
A mad genius in the metal world, Devin Townsend's solo work has been a continuing expression for his more progressive and melodic tendencies. Terria is no different, and it serves to enhance Devin's already legendary reputation. Equal parts serious and tongue-in-cheek, this is one album that any metal fan will feel proud to hold in their collection.
Boris- Pink
With so many quality albums, you can't go wrong with anything Boris has done. What is so great about Pink, however, is the unbridled energy and focus the band plays with on every song. Not only is this a perfect introduction to Boris, it' will likely remain a favorite long after you've acquired more of their discography.
Xasthur- Nocturnal Poisoning
The band one loves to hate, and adores, Malefic created his magnum opus on his debut album. A rough production style accentuates and creates an atmosphere that would not be possible otherwise. Of course, the songwriting here is well done too, and this album is a template for how depressive black metal ought to be done.
Akercocke- Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone
These fancy dressed Brits are a prime example for the type of elusive and avant-garde like direction metal ought to be taking in the 21st century. Walking the line between prog, black metal and death metal, this fourth album is the apex for all the work they've produced thus far. Menacing yet intellectual.
Amon Amarth- Versus the World
While many have called With Oden on Our Side their best, and with good reason, Versus the World has something special that I can't quite put my finger on. The sound has a little bit more grit and grime than their other works, but still the ferocity the band has always been known for. Also, each song is finely crafted into a complete package, showcasing the band's talent for forging a melodic death metal sound that is all their own.
Ásmegin- Hin Vordende Sod & Sø
Heralding from Norway, Ásmegin are a band that took the metal underground by storm. Here we have a band that is not afraid to mix a plethora of metal styles in the melting pot, and glaze it with a folky and delightfully refreshing coating, all of which is able to stand its own ground, escaping the cliche trappings of many other folk metal bands. To top it off, not only is this a debut, it's also one of the best folk metal releases ever.
To be continued...
Arcturus
The Vortex Void of Inhumanity - Mayhem
