The Top Ten Albums of 2000:

	Judgment Committee Reviews



Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board	Metal Judgment Staff Picks Go to Reader Reviews

Abyss's Top Ten:
Well it’s that time of year again, and I’d just like to start out by saying that I feel the year 2000 was witness to one of the strongest years metal has ever had. There are at least four or five albums that do not appear on this list that I believe would easily have made the top 10 of the last couple of years. And while this causes me some trepidation in having to leave some awesome albums uncredited, it shows a powerful trend for heavy music in the new millenium.

1. Enslaved- Mardraum
What can I say except that this album has it all. Prolific songwriting, groove, technical proficiency, creativity, contrast, ambition, originality, and intelligence. This album encompasses every characteristic that makes a band stand out, and they’ve achieved all of them on one album.
2. Cephalic Carnage- Exploiting Dysfunction
Welcome to Rocky Mountain Hydro Grind. This album takes the groove and chaos that surrounds the best grindcore, and mixes it with a Mr. Bungle mentality, resulting in a disc that is infinitely fun to listen to. Amazing riffs played by dexterous fingers are crammed into every way-too-short song, and are complemented by one of the best stage presentations in all of extreme music.
3. Sculptured- Apollo Ends
Horns, guitars, and growls? Yes someone decided to put all of those elements together, and the result is fantastic! Although this one might not be for everyone, if the thought of an extreme Phish sounds at all appealing, this one’s a must have. Jam rock presentation garnered by metal sensibilities. Profound and original.
4. Cradle of Filth- Midian
Despite a plethora of lineup changes, and internal (infernal?) strife, COF have returned with an exacting, focused album. Combining the precious riffing of their earlier years, with the exacting songwriting of their most recent work, this album continues the tradition of quality work that has given them enough exposure to be branded sellouts.
5. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Catchy and brutal. Chances are if you don’t really love this album, you’ve never heard it. Part hardcore, mostly metal, this album finds the perfect niche between underground metal and accessibility. A new sound with old metallic values.
6. Lamb of God- New American Gospel
Previously known as Burn the Priest, these guys have forged an album that is completely unique. A very exciting sound that one can’t really categorize, but it’s definitely all METAL! The best kept secret in metal today.
7. Dying Fetus- Destroy the Opposition
It seems that these boys wanted to prove that Killing on Adrenaline was no fluke. A technical death masterpiece, infusing groove and riff with sing along cadences and furious fretting fingers (damn fine alliteration, don’t ya think?). Too young to be this accomplished.
8. Carnal Forge- Fire Demon
These guys come from out of nowhere with this amazing effort. I know they’ve been around, but I don’t ever remember them sounding like this. They’ve taken the relatively new death/thrash thing to the next level, not even giving me the chance to get sick of the last level. A headbanger’s wet dream.
9. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World Nevermore once again prove that having a singer that specializes in a high-pitched falsetto doesn’t mean you have to sound dated, or be relegated to power metal. This is an extremely tight, well-written album that does a beautiful job of blending melody and heft.
10. Hypocrisy- Into the Abyss
Carnac says, “Where alcohol usually ends up”. All kidding aside, the only reason a Hypocrisy album ever sounds anything less than groundbreaking is because you play it after your personal favorite Hypocrisy album. Peter is just far too talented an individual to screw up. New age influence, old Hypocrisy caliber. ‘nuff said.

Death's Top Ten:

1. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World
A cold, angry and technical record which is simultaneously warm, introspective and intricate. Beautiful ballads juxtaposed with violent riffing and dark aggression. Only after repeated listens does the true depth of this album's mastery creep under you skin and become one with your soul. Nevermore are the best band in heavy metal today.
2. Iron Maiden- Brave New World
Dickinson and Smith returned to Iron Maiden for what might have been the most hyped reunion in metal history, with the possible exception of Ozzy's return to Black Sabbath. Nevertheless, with Brave New World, Iron Maiden undeniably deliver the goods, not only meeting our collective expectations but quite possibly exceeding them. It's like No Prayer for the Dying, Fear of the Dark, The X Factor and Virtual XI never happened. It's like Maiden never went away. And if 2000 saw fit to give me my Iron Maiden back, it's the least I can do to call the tangible end-product of this miraculous event one of the top ten items of the year . One listen to the chorus of the majestic title track tells you all you need to know. A fantastic comeback from one of the most important bands in heavy metal history who've shown us they just might not be done yet.
3. Fates Warning- Disconnected
Not for those with short attention spans, and not for anyone who thinks they may not be able to appreciate an album this progressively morose. Disconnected is slow to take hold, often repetitive, and less superficially complex. But if you're willing to take the time to fully absorb it, you'll find Disconnected to be one of the most satisfying listening experiences of 2000. Ray Alder sounds incredible, and the evolution of Mr. Matheos' sound has adopted a warmer, more organic approach while retaining the trademark Fates' underlying complexity and metallic flavor. And Disconnected sounds more immediate than A Pleasant Shade of Grey did. More... connected. Catchier. You might have to work for it, but it is worth it.
4. Pantera- Reinventing the Steel
This band takes so much undeserved shit. They are heavy. They are totally metal. They remain commercially viable, yet for most of the nineties they became progressively more extreme and they have always flown the flag of heavy metal quite high. Reinventing the Steel rocks. The production is killer, Dimebag Darrell makes his guitar talk and sing all over every track, Vinnie Paul again displays his traditional highly-skilled and personable drumming (love the cowbell on "Revolution is My Name"), the songwriting is interesting and anthemic and Phil even gets to do a little Down-style vocal crooning toward the end of the album. Great stuff, and definitely not to be overlooked simply because you think you're too underground to enjoy a Pantera record.
5. In Flames- Clayman
Exapnding upon the previous Colony record, In Flames' songwriting matured ever-so-slightly and resulted in an excellent record filled with the catchiest, most melodic death metal anyone ever imagined possible. In Flames are taking European death metal music in new, more mainstream directions, but Clayman shows them striking an almost perfect balance between traditional musicality and elements of death metal -inspired brutality. In Flames are metal, even though they might not always be brutal. More importantly, on the other side of each evolution, the band emerge with their musical integrity intact. In Flames may be one of metal's best shots at attracting a little mainstream cross-over attention in the next couple of years. Clayman reveals that kind of potential.
6. Overkill- Bloodletting
Overkill trimmed down to a four-piece and delivered a brutal record that felt angrier, grittier and, well, more thrash -like than their last few releases did. Songs like "Death Comes Out to Play" and "Bleed Me" show a band ready to win over the true-metal masses once again. The right tour in the United States could do wonders for Overkill in 2001. God knows they've got the record behind them to back it up.
7. Stuck Mojo- Declaration of a Headhunter
I've liked Stuck Mojo for a while now, mostly on the strength of their live set in a club in Boise, ID in early '98 opening for Skinlab in front of maybe 35 people, with HED(pe) also on the bill. But Declaration of a Headhunter shows us a more focused and re-energized Stuck Mojo, with songs so riff laden and heavy yet so enduringly catchy that this is all I wanted to listen to for about two weeks when I first got a copy. I love the record, and cannot for the life of me understand why this isn't what kids looking for a "nu-metal" sound are eating up, rather than crap like Limp Bizkit. Something is definitely, definitely wrong with the American record-buying public.
8. Lamb of God- New American Gospel
I put on this CD expecting nothing and instead heard riffing on-par with Annihilator, the extremity of a Relapse band and the brutality of New York death. All of this and a healthy respect for eighties thrash. 'Nuff said.
9. Black Label Society- Stronger Than Death
Zakk Wylde is rock-n-roll personified. Downtuned, heavy-as-sin, southern-influenced riffing and C.O.C./Down -type songwriting livened up a bit with Zakk's trademarked guitar harmonics and other distinctive stylings. Killer leads dripping with attitude round things out. A great record.
10. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Massachusetts' finest have delivered a genre-splitting masterpiece, and with it, one of the most controversial albums of 2000. Are they more like Earth Crisis or In Flames? You decide, but I think it is the latter. Shadows Fall are metal. Great metal at that, and to top it off, they are one of the few American bands incorporating this degree of European melody into aggressive death metal -based music. If you haven't heard this one yet, you must check it out.

Hel's Top Ten:

1. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World
Hands down, this was the most captivating, addictive release I heard this entire year. Each and every song has the ability to invade your brain and set up camp, and I, for one, am in no rush to drive them out, even if I had the ability to do so. I know I will be listening to this one long after 2000 has been laid to rest.
2. Nile- Black Seeds of Vengeance
Nile's Egyptian-themed fury once again blew me away, just as their last effort of brilliance did. Sure, they haven't been around long enough to truly decide this issue, but I have a feeling this blend of death metal and Egyptian sound isn't ever going to grow old. Here's hoping for lots more.
3. Lamb of God- New American Gospel
The drumming alone makes this record stand out above the crowd. Toss in a slew of other technically amazing and heartfelt performances with some remarkably mature songwriting, and you'll get this incredible album. Burn the Priest - who?
4. Hypocrisy- Into the Abyss
I think Peter Tagtgren has one of the coolest death metal voices around. And he's the main man in one of the coolest death metal bands around. And said band put out one of the coolest albums of the year.
5. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
This band should also receive a prize for being the best new sound of the year. Shadows Fall has created a hybrid melodic death style which was an unexpected and welcome change of pace in my routine.
6. Overkill- Bloodletting
Try to believe me when I tell you that this album is not on my list just because Overkill is my favorite band. Bloodletting is classic Overkill album, and will go down in the annals of time as such, wait and see.
7. Impaled- The Dead Shall Dead Remain
These newcomers kicked me on my ass with their brand of whimsical carnage. They came blowing through my speakers like a breath of fresh, er, formaldehyde. Their tri-vocal attack ranges from intelligible gruffness to regurgitated sludge, adding that special something to the stew.
8. Cephalic Carnage- Exploiting Dysfunction
I thought my top ten list was a little heavy on the death metal, so I figured I'd toss in a little grindcore. Kidding aside, this particular album is a whirlwind of madness from beginning to end. Pay attention, you really might miss something if you blink.
9. Iron Maiden- Brave New World
How could I not tip my hat to the return of these metal legends? They have come back in a big, big way, musically as well as in the larger-than-life sense. Brave New World is another notch on their belt, so to speak, and a fitting addition to their catalog(ue).
10. King Diamond- House of God
Speaking of legends, how does a new King Diamond album not end up one of the best albums of the year? Who else crafts entire complex worlds and characters for us with each and every album? Who else can still hit that high note so reliably after all this time? The King, that's who.

Pestilence's Top Ten:

The Crown- Deathrace King
Carnal Forge- Firedemon
Nasum- Human 2.0
King Diamond- House Of God
Nokturnal Mortum- NeChrist
Nevermore- Dead Heart In A Dead World
Cradle Of Filth- Midian
Iron Maiden- Brave New World
Old Man's Child- Revelation 666: The Curse Of Damnation
Orphanage- Inside
Honorable Mention: Hypocrisy- Into The Abyss
Famine's Top Ten:

Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Carnal Forge- Firedemon
Decapitated- Winds Of Creation
Lamb Of God- New American Gospel
Nevermore- Dead Heart In A Dead World
OverKill- Bloodletting
Nokturnal Mortum- NeChrist
Impaled- The Dead Shall Dead Remain
Iron Maiden- Brave New World
Cradle Of Filth- Midian

Cyn's Top Ten:

Nile- Black Seeds of Vengeance
Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World
Hypocrisy- Into the Abyss
In Flames- Clayman
Nasum- Human 2.0
Lamb of God- New American Gospel
Dying Fetus- Destroy the Opposition
Cephalic Carnage- Exploiting Dysfunction
Pantera- Reinventing the Steel

Musashi's Top Ten:

Nevermore- Dead Heart In A Dead World
Lamb Of God- New American Gospel
Nile- Black Seeds of Vengeance
Morbid Angel- Gateways To Annihilation
Soulfly- Primitive
In Flames- Clayman
Black Label Society- Stronger Than Death
Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Pantera- Reinventing The Steel
Yngwie Malmsteen- War To End All Wars

War's Top Ten:

Nile- Black Seeds of Vengeance
Pantera- Reinventing the Steel
Cradle of Filth- Midian
Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World
King Diamond- House of God
Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
The Haunted- The Haunted Made Me Do It
Carnal Forge- Firedemon
Overkill- Bloodletting
Deceased- Supernatural Addiction

Solomon's Top Ten:

Lacuna Coil- Halflife
The Gathering- if_then_else
A Perfect Circle- Mer de Noms
In Flames- Clayman
Nevermore- Dead Heart In A Dead World
Iron Maiden- Brave New World
Fates Warning- Disconnected
Supershine- Supershine
Borknagar- Quintessence
Pantera- Reinventing The Steel

Requiem's Top Ten:

Supergrub- Challenger
To/Die/For- All Eternity
Garden of Shadows- Oracle Moon
Hammerfall- Renegade
Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World
Queens of the Stone Age- R
Spiral Architect- A Sceptic's Universe
Crematory- Believe
Dark Tranquility- Haven
Shadows Fall- Of One Blood

Redwolff's Top Ten:

Primer 55- Introduction to Mayhem
Taproot- Gift
Soulfly- Primitive
Project86- Drawing Black Lines
(hed)P.E.- Broke
Ultraspank- Progress
Atomic Bitchwax- II
Godsmack- Awake
Downset- Check Your People
Sheer Terror- Bulldog Edition

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	1. Enslaved- Mardraum What can I say except that this album has it all. Prolific songwriting, groove, technical proficiency, creativity, contrast, ambition, originality, and intelligence. This album encompasses every characteristic that makes a band stand out, and they’ve achieved all of them on one album.

	2. Cephalic Carnage- Exploiting Dysfunction Welcome to Rocky Mountain Hydro Grind. This album takes the groove and chaos that surrounds the best grindcore, and mixes it with a Mr. Bungle mentality, resulting in a disc that is infinitely fun to listen to. Amazing riffs played by dexterous fingers are crammed into every way-too-short song, and are complemented by one of the best stage presentations in all of extreme music.

	3. Sculptured- Apollo Ends Horns, guitars, and growls? Yes someone decided to put all of those elements together, and the result is fantastic! Although this one might not be for everyone, if the thought of an extreme Phish sounds at all appealing, this one’s a must have. Jam rock presentation garnered by metal sensibilities. Profound and original.

	4. Cradle of Filth- Midian Despite a plethora of lineup changes, and internal (infernal?) strife, COF have returned with an exacting, focused album. Combining the precious riffing of their earlier years, with the exacting songwriting of their most recent work, this album continues the tradition of quality work that has given them enough exposure to be branded sellouts.

	5. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood Catchy and brutal. Chances are if you don’t really love this album, you’ve never heard it. Part hardcore, mostly metal, this album finds the perfect niche between underground metal and accessibility. A new sound with old metallic values.

	6. Lamb of God- New American Gospel Previously known as Burn the Priest, these guys have forged an album that is completely unique. A very exciting sound that one can’t really categorize, but it’s definitely all METAL! The best kept secret in metal today.

	7. Dying Fetus- Destroy the Opposition It seems that these boys wanted to prove that Killing on Adrenaline was no fluke. A technical death masterpiece, infusing groove and riff with sing along cadences and furious fretting fingers (damn fine alliteration, don’t ya think?). Too young to be this accomplished.

	8. Carnal Forge- Fire Demon These guys come from out of nowhere with this amazing effort. I know they’ve been around, but I don’t ever remember them sounding like this. They’ve taken the relatively new death/thrash thing to the next level, not even giving me the chance to get sick of the last level. A headbanger’s wet dream.

	9. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World Nevermore once again prove that having a singer that specializes in a high-pitched falsetto doesn’t mean you have to sound dated, or be relegated to power metal. This is an extremely tight, well-written album that does a beautiful job of blending melody and heft.

	10. Hypocrisy- Into the Abyss Carnac says, “Where alcohol usually ends up”. All kidding aside, the only reason a Hypocrisy album ever sounds anything less than groundbreaking is because you play it after your personal favorite Hypocrisy album. Peter is just far too talented an individual to screw up. New age influence, old Hypocrisy caliber. ‘nuff said.

	1. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World A cold, angry and technical record which is simultaneously warm, introspective and intricate. Beautiful ballads juxtaposed with violent riffing and dark aggression. Only after repeated listens does the true depth of this album's mastery creep under you skin and become one with your soul. Nevermore are the best band in heavy metal today.

	2. Iron Maiden- Brave New World Dickinson and Smith returned to Iron Maiden for what might have been the most hyped reunion in metal history, with the possible exception of Ozzy's return to Black Sabbath. Nevertheless, with Brave New World, Iron Maiden undeniably deliver the goods, not only meeting our collective expectations but quite possibly exceeding them. It's like No Prayer for the Dying, Fear of the Dark, The X Factor and Virtual XI never happened. It's like Maiden never went away. And if 2000 saw fit to give me my Iron Maiden back, it's the least I can do to call the tangible end-product of this miraculous event one of the top ten items of the year . One listen to the chorus of the majestic title track tells you all you need to know. A fantastic comeback from one of the most important bands in heavy metal history who've shown us they just might not be done yet.

	3. Fates Warning- Disconnected Not for those with short attention spans, and not for anyone who thinks they may not be able to appreciate an album this progressively morose. Disconnected is slow to take hold, often repetitive, and less superficially complex. But if you're willing to take the time to fully absorb it, you'll find Disconnected to be one of the most satisfying listening experiences of 2000. Ray Alder sounds incredible, and the evolution of Mr. Matheos' sound has adopted a warmer, more organic approach while retaining the trademark Fates' underlying complexity and metallic flavor. And Disconnected sounds more immediate than A Pleasant Shade of Grey did. More... connected. Catchier. You might have to work for it, but it is worth it.

	4. Pantera- Reinventing the Steel This band takes so much undeserved shit. They are heavy. They are totally metal. They remain commercially viable, yet for most of the nineties they became progressively more extreme and they have always flown the flag of heavy metal quite high. Reinventing the Steel rocks. The production is killer, Dimebag Darrell makes his guitar talk and sing all over every track, Vinnie Paul again displays his traditional highly-skilled and personable drumming (love the cowbell on "Revolution is My Name"), the songwriting is interesting and anthemic and Phil even gets to do a little Down-style vocal crooning toward the end of the album. Great stuff, and definitely not to be overlooked simply because you think you're too underground to enjoy a Pantera record.

	5. In Flames- Clayman Exapnding upon the previous Colony record, In Flames' songwriting matured ever-so-slightly and resulted in an excellent record filled with the catchiest, most melodic death metal anyone ever imagined possible. In Flames are taking European death metal music in new, more mainstream directions, but Clayman shows them striking an almost perfect balance between traditional musicality and elements of death metal -inspired brutality. In Flames are metal, even though they might not always be brutal. More importantly, on the other side of each evolution, the band emerge with their musical integrity intact. In Flames may be one of metal's best shots at attracting a little mainstream cross-over attention in the next couple of years. Clayman reveals that kind of potential.

	6. Overkill- Bloodletting Overkill trimmed down to a four-piece and delivered a brutal record that felt angrier, grittier and, well, more thrash -like than their last few releases did. Songs like "Death Comes Out to Play" and "Bleed Me" show a band ready to win over the true-metal masses once again. The right tour in the United States could do wonders for Overkill in 2001. God knows they've got the record behind them to back it up.

	7. Stuck Mojo- Declaration of a Headhunter I've liked Stuck Mojo for a while now, mostly on the strength of their live set in a club in Boise, ID in early '98 opening for Skinlab in front of maybe 35 people, with HED(pe) also on the bill. But Declaration of a Headhunter shows us a more focused and re-energized Stuck Mojo, with songs so riff laden and heavy yet so enduringly catchy that this is all I wanted to listen to for about two weeks when I first got a copy. I love the record, and cannot for the life of me understand why this isn't what kids looking for a "nu-metal" sound are eating up, rather than crap like Limp Bizkit. Something is definitely, definitely wrong with the American record-buying public.

	8. Lamb of God- New American Gospel I put on this CD expecting nothing and instead heard riffing on-par with Annihilator, the extremity of a Relapse band and the brutality of New York death. All of this and a healthy respect for eighties thrash. 'Nuff said.

	9. Black Label Society- Stronger Than Death Zakk Wylde is rock-n-roll personified. Downtuned, heavy-as-sin, southern-influenced riffing and C.O.C./Down -type songwriting livened up a bit with Zakk's trademarked guitar harmonics and other distinctive stylings. Killer leads dripping with attitude round things out. A great record.

	10. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood Massachusetts' finest have delivered a genre-splitting masterpiece, and with it, one of the most controversial albums of 2000. Are they more like Earth Crisis or In Flames? You decide, but I think it is the latter. Shadows Fall are metal. Great metal at that, and to top it off, they are one of the few American bands incorporating this degree of European melody into aggressive death metal -based music. If you haven't heard this one yet, you must check it out.

	1. Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World Hands down, this was the most captivating, addictive release I heard this entire year. Each and every song has the ability to invade your brain and set up camp, and I, for one, am in no rush to drive them out, even if I had the ability to do so. I know I will be listening to this one long after 2000 has been laid to rest.

	2. Nile- Black Seeds of Vengeance Nile's Egyptian-themed fury once again blew me away, just as their last effort of brilliance did. Sure, they haven't been around long enough to truly decide this issue, but I have a feeling this blend of death metal and Egyptian sound isn't ever going to grow old. Here's hoping for lots more.

	3. Lamb of God- New American Gospel The drumming alone makes this record stand out above the crowd. Toss in a slew of other technically amazing and heartfelt performances with some remarkably mature songwriting, and you'll get this incredible album. Burn the Priest - who?

	4. Hypocrisy- Into the Abyss I think Peter Tagtgren has one of the coolest death metal voices around. And he's the main man in one of the coolest death metal bands around. And said band put out one of the coolest albums of the year.

	5. Shadows Fall- Of One Blood This band should also receive a prize for being the best new sound of the year. Shadows Fall has created a hybrid melodic death style which was an unexpected and welcome change of pace in my routine.

	6. Overkill- Bloodletting Try to believe me when I tell you that this album is not on my list just because Overkill is my favorite band. Bloodletting is classic Overkill album, and will go down in the annals of time as such, wait and see.

	7. Impaled- The Dead Shall Dead Remain These newcomers kicked me on my ass with their brand of whimsical carnage. They came blowing through my speakers like a breath of fresh, er, formaldehyde. Their tri-vocal attack ranges from intelligible gruffness to regurgitated sludge, adding that special something to the stew.

	8. Cephalic Carnage- Exploiting Dysfunction I thought my top ten list was a little heavy on the death metal, so I figured I'd toss in a little grindcore. Kidding aside, this particular album is a whirlwind of madness from beginning to end. Pay attention, you really might miss something if you blink.

	9. Iron Maiden- Brave New World How could I not tip my hat to the return of these metal legends? They have come back in a big, big way, musically as well as in the larger-than-life sense. Brave New World is another notch on their belt, so to speak, and a fitting addition to their catalog(ue).

	10. King Diamond- House of God Speaking of legends, how does a new King Diamond album not end up one of the best albums of the year? Who else crafts entire complex worlds and characters for us with each and every album? Who else can still hit that high note so reliably after all this time? The King, that's who.