1. Dry Kill Logic - The Dead and Dreaming
Nothing this year has stayed in my playlist longer than this album. There's such a contrast throughout the album that it simply never stops being interesting. Topping it off with "No Reason," I simply haven't been happier with anything else.
2. Before the Dawn - 4:17 am
I was completely blindsided by this masterwork of Tuomas Saukkonen. I really don't think it was supposed to be this good, yet somehow, here it is. I have recommended this to so many people that I should be getting paid as a publicist.
3. Slipknot - Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses
Being an Iowa girl, these guys have homefield advantage with me. Even still, this complete change in their sound was welcome. Yes, it's different; stepping away from their prior discs, it's incredible all on its own.
4. Mastodon - Leviathan
I don't think this album could have been bad if they tried. Nobody should take their eyes off of Mastodon. There's not a boring moment to be found throughout the album and it made me excited to be a metal fan.
5. Megadeth - The System Has Failed
Dave Mustaine dropped some dead weight and rediscovered everything that made Megadeth what it was: anger, venom, and atypical structure. It's not quite a disc with "Peace" in its title, but it's the closest Mustaine has come in years.
6. Death Angel - The Art of Dying
It's excellent to see Death Angel back with a balance between the innovations of Act III and Frolic Through the Park. While not perfect, it's still one of the most welcome comebacks of the new millennium, let alone 2004.
7. Isis - Panopticon
I'm a sucker for complexity and deep thought in my metal, and this was one of my most anticipated releases of this year. I most certainly was not let down. It's a great atmospheric piece as a whole.
8. Amon Amarth - Fate of Norns
Ahh, the vikings continue churning out albums at a pace that makes one glare at Axl Rose, particularly when they only seem to get better with each effort. Beautiful grandeur without ever going over the top, that's what pushes this one into my top 10.
9. Samael - Reign of Light
The second band on my list who is releasing albums that sound nothing like their prior efforts, Samael's continuing changes are also more than welcome. The interjection of a clear industrial/goth influence certainly brightened up the generic metal landscape, and they do it so incredibly well.
