The Top Ten Albums of 2005:
Top Ten Albums of 2005 Judgment Committee Reviews
Abyss
Death
Hel
The Overall Metal Judgment Top Ten
Metal Judgment Staff Picks
Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board

The Overall Metal Judgment Top Ten Albums of 2005:

1. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
2. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
3. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
4. Behemoth - Demigod
5. (tie) Dark Tranquillity - Character
 5. (tie) Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
6. Hypocrisy - Virus
7. Corrosion of Conformity - In the Arms of God
8. Strapping Young Lad - Alien
9. (tie) Candlemass - Candlemass
 9. (tie) Cephalic Carnage - Anomalies
10. (tie) Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
 10. (tie) Naglfar - Pariah

Abyss's Top Ten:

Wow. 2005 was one of the best metal years in recent memory. Of course, a year as fucked up as this one needed an equally fucked up soundtrack, and for us metalheads, this year really delivered. It started with the re-election of George Bush as President as half of this country and the rest of the world rubbed their eyes and tried to convince themselves they were dreaming. The recent Tsunami disaster was seemingly echoed by devastating hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, shocking the nation that didn't believe a storm could do that much damage to a modern city in a first-world nation. Science came under attack again (yes, in 2005), as did Christmas (if you listen to Bill O'Reilly that is. Of course, if you do listen to Bill O'Reilly you probably aren't reading this because your mind has almost completely deteriorated from the multiple generations of incest that produced you). On the metal front I was saddened to find that some of my favorite bands came out with incredible records, and still didn't make the cut. I've tried to keep the 'honorable mentions' to a reasonable number, and even that was hard.

1. Hypocrisy - Virus
Wow. Just. Fucking. Wow. I had no idea these guys still had so much vitriol left in them. This very well may be their best album, and that is saying a lot. It is almost unheard of for a band to come out with an album of this quality at this stage of their career. Virus is an appropriate title, because this thing is infectious.

2. Corrosion Of Conformity - In the Arms of God
This album is song after song of hard rockin', groovy tunes that are fun to sing along with and headbang to. "It Is That Way" and "Never Turns To More" are worth the price of the disc alone, and all of the other songs rule as well. Sure it's not the heaviest thing in the world, but when music is this good, who cares?

3. Nokturnal Mortum - Weltanschauung
While I don't like this album as much as NeChrist, it is an awesome presentation of atmosphere, folk music, and metal. Nokturnal Mortum are a great band that continue to build up steam late into their career. And while there's no way these guys will ever be mainstream metal darlings, they are far too talented for the metal community to ignore.

4. Behemoth - Demigod
This album was on many a year-end lest at the end of 2004, but it didn't officially come out in the US until the beginning of this year. This is an example of a death metal release that doesn't have a single weakness. For those of us lucky enough to catch their tour of the US, we were witness to not only amazing songwriters, but an impressive live act as well. Behemoth are on one hell of a roll...

5. Deceased - As The Weird Travel On
This album is Deceased's most striking statement to date. Deceased's ability to mix old-school metal with a fresh sound has been well-documented in the past, and is present in full force here. Well produced, but still organic, this album is good, clean, dirty fun from start to finish. Hopefully these guys can stay healthy and we won't have to wait so long for their next record.

6. Naglfar - Pariah
"I despise you...oh, how I loathe you!" Any album that has a song with lyrics like that HAS to be good! Geez, I mean, since when is 'I despise you' not really enough to get your point across? This album is a logical progression from their last masterpiece Sheol, and is dripping with venom. This band is extremely underrated and deserves a much bigger following, so go out and pick this one up as soon as you can.

7. Grimfist - 10 Steps To Hell
Grimfist blew me away with Ghouls Of Grandeur two years ago, and nothing's really changed. This record shows a lot of different sides to the band, but all of them are impressive. This band is great at writing songs that encapsulate thrash, death, black and traditional metal into an extremely satisfying stew. No matter where your tastes lie on the metal spectrum, chances are you're going to find something you like here.

8. Akercocke - Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone
Another band that has been on a roll since their inception. Akercocke's fourth album is high powered, unnerving art that is a powerful punch in the face and deep enough to affect the listener on many levels. This album is extreme and pompous, but justifiably so.

9. Confessor - Unraveled
It's a little weird calling this album my favorite doom record of the year, largely because Cathedral released an album in 2005. But this record really is something special, incorporating a groovy and pummeling sound that is as methodical as it is oppressive. This makes the lack of a new Solitude Aeternus record bearable.

10. Summon - Fallen
Summon are a Midwest death metal act that have been around for some time now, and this may be their best record yet. This album is just plain sick; with swinging riffs and breakneck speed, these guys pretty much have it all. Brutal, but easy to listen to, Summon should be the next big thing in American death metal.

Honorable Mention:
Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Dark Tranquility - Character
High On Fire - Blessed Black Wings
Strapping Young Lad - Alien
Korpiklaani - Voice of Wilderness

Best Concerts:
1. Overkill
2. New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
3. Suffocation / Behemoth / Cattle Decapitation
4. Ozzfest 2005
5. Opeth / Nevermore

Non-metal Album of the Year:
Gwen Stefani - Love.Angel.Music.Baby

Movie of the year: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
ABYSS  Email Abyss

Death's Top Ten:
As metal's ever-increasing popularity raged on to new heights in 2005, the new releases came pouring in by the truckload. While my ears grew more and more fatigued by the sameness and unoriginality of many of the genre's imitators, the innovators and true talents stood out from the pack like never before. Many of the best releases came from old favorites, some newly reinvigorated, others just producing another example of consistent greatness. But like no other year in recent memory (and at least since we started doing this in 1999) the "best" of the year were never so clear to me as they were this past year. Of course, as always, subjective taste is . . . well, subjective. Here are the ten albums that provided the soundtrack for me mid-decade:

1. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Absolute greatness, nothing else can truly compete. "The Grand Conjuration" is one of Opeth's all-time best tracks, catchy, heavy, progressive and even evil. Nothing can seemingly stop this incredible band. Even a move to Roadrunner Records. Without a doubt the best of 2005. Getting to see the band outdoors on the Sounds from the Underground tour this past summer was a quasi-religious experience (even if it were only for a few songs). Here's hoping we see them on Ozzfest or some other cool outdoor U.S. tour again this summer.

2. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Nevermore came back strong after the originally muted production of their Enemies of Reality record with one of their all-time finest efforts. Progressive, heavy, psychedelic, interesting, fresh-sounding, and amazingly produced, Nevermore continued to perform at the top of their game. The Gigantour appearance was icing on the cake. Psyched too see what's in store for them in the summer of 2006.

3. Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine
I had low expectations for this record, mostly because I loved Steve Sousa's performance on Tempo of the Damned, and I though that after losing both him, the drummer, and original guitarist Rick Hunolt, the band must be through. I actually pretty much told Gary Holt of my skepticism to his face when I saw him backstage at the San Francisco Ozzfest this past summer. But I should have kept the faith. This album absolutely shreds in the most metal of meaning of the term. Fuck the past, this album kills now, featuring an all-star lineup that includes ex-Slayer, ex-Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph, ex-Heathen guitarist Lee Altus, and, of course, Exodus mainstay and founder Gary Holt. New vocalist Rob Dukes is actually the perfect heir to the Paul Baloff throne. Trust me - as far as pure thrash is concerned, this album destroys all.

4. Corrosion of Conformity - In the Arms of God
Wow. I did not know these guys had it in them anymore, but a return to the stoner side of the band (think Blind) has done wonders for their sound. Channels the ghosts of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Trouble, and Pentagram, while sounding distinctly "C.O.C." This time round, the radio sensibilities were thrown out the window and the true depth of the band's songwriting prowess rose to the fore. In the Arms of God is the perfect road trip album for late nights and long open roads. Try it.

5. Cephalic Carnage - Anomalies
Fucked up yet focused, brutal yet nuanced. Frighteningly scary yet really fucking funny, Cephalic Carnage inflict their trademarked brand of massive head trauma once more. Probably their most professional, and certainly their most intense release to date. I'd love to see this record blow up, but most kids are too wrapped up in the white-belted, metalcore idiocy that Cephalic lampoons with the song and video for "Dying Will Be the Death of Me." If you are looking for something different yet undeniably extreme, check out Anomalies.

6. Dark Tranquility - Character
The best band from the Gothenburg scene continue to kill while In Flames continue to mellow. Dark Tranquility embrace rather than run form the classic Gothenburg sound and still manage to evolve the art, perfecting their melodic riffing craft and exhibiting deep songwriting prowess. This is the band that should be getting attention for this type of sound. When is the rest of America going to realize it?

7. Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
I like this album better than the last one, Anthems of Rebellion. More solos and better songs. Angela Gossow has also come into her own a bit. This band was always good, but now they are truly settling into their peak stage. Gossow is no longer a novelty, she is a veteran frontwoman for this genre-leading act. Now, with Doomsday Machine, we get back to focusing on what really makes Arch Enemy great - the guitar playing.

8. Children of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet?
Speaking of guitar playing, Alexi Laiho is so ridiculously proficient that his playing alone makes this an album of the year candidate. Great leads, great riffs, great attitude, great fun. It is rare that recklessness and virtuosity comes together so perfectly as it does here. Children of Bodom encapsulate all that was right about 80's metal, and all that is right about 2005.

9. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
Retro? Sure. Uninspired? No fucking way. Stockhom sound brought into 2005, who could ask for anything more. With Nightmares Made Flesh, Bloodbath to continue to perfect the classic art, serving up some of the most diabolical riffs of 2005. It doesn't always have to been different to be effective.

10. Flotsam and Jetsam - Dreams of Death
If not for the low-budget production, this would be one of the top albums of the year. Dreams of Death is a fantastic return to form for the thrash legends. With great songwriting, psychedelic overtones, and smooth, soulful vocals from Erik A.K. along with some of the most metal riffing the band has displayed in a decade, the band overcomes all of the adversity of the past five years to come out on top with a record worth the classic name.

Honorable Mention:
Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
Dream Theater - Octavarium
The Red Chord - Clients
Life of Agony - Broken Valley
Judas Priest - Angel of Retribution
High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings
Jon Oliva's Pain - 'Tage Mahal
DEATH  Email Death

Hel's Top Ten:

As I do every year when preparing to create this list, I revisited all the albums I reviewed in the past year, as well as the scores I had given them. I was genuinely surprised several times to realize certain albums were released in 2005 – it seems like much longer ago than that! What a long, long year 2005 was. And it was an impressive year for many of my favorite bands. Truly, my list of contenders consists of bands that are, one and all, also on my list of all-time favorite bands. And who doesn’t like to see that? As usual, I might have preferred to create a list of top twenty albums instead of ten, and narrowing my list down to so few was again a difficult task.

1. Strapping Young Lad - Alien
So, yeah, it turns out Alien was my favorite album of 2005. This album is pure, unadulterated fun. Spell it with me: F – U – N. Sheer aggression, with only one goal: making you say, “Fuck, that’s heavy.” Done and done.

2. Hypocrisy - Virus
Hypocrisy is most definitely on an upswing. Virus is an amazing album presented with all the hallmarks of the best the band has ever released. Unbridled energy defines this effort and lands it high on my year-end list.

3. Soilent Green - Confrontation
Despite the band’s unlucky streak, they continue to do just what their album title indicates – confront adversity head on, and create damn fine music doing it. The long wait for this album was well worth it.

4. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
Nightmares Made Flesh is an album of astonishing depth. The musicianship and songwriting are absolutely top notch and the combination is unstoppable in its destructive beauty.

5. Corrosion of Conformity - In the Arms of God
After trying from commercial success with their last effort and failing, Corrosion of Conformity finally came full circle and released the album I have waited years to hear. It’s enough to make a girl giddy.

6. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Make no mistake – Nevermore is a metallic force to be reckoned with. A killer album and some great touring exposure finds them poised on the brink of the kind of success they’ve always deserved, but have never before come near achieving. Here’s hoping 2006 finds their momentum only increasing.

7. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Of course Opeth’s latest makes an appearance on this list. Their unstoppable combination of insane musicianship and incomparable songwriting make this band consistently one of the best metal has to offer and Ghost Reveries delivered once again.

8. Dark Tranquillity - Character
Most of the bands associated with the original “Gothenburg” sound have drifted in a musical direction I disapprove of in recent years. This is not true for Dark Tranquillity, however, and this serves as an emphatic exclamation point to the general sentiment in the scene that Dark Tranquillity have always been, and continue to be unequivocally, the best of the lot

9. Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine
Any doubts you may have had about Exodus surviving yet another line up change intact will be dashed to pieces by this Shovel Headed Kill Machine. Not only has the name survived, but Gary Holt has rallied together a group of musicians that bring Exodus to a whole new level of thrash madness.

10. Overkill - ReliXIV
And speaking of thrash madness, Overkill returned once again this year with another uncompromising platter to add to their impressive catalog. Even better, this disc found them finally touring the West Coast for the first time in many moons. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.

Honorable Mention:
Children of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet?
Behemoth - Demigod
Novembers Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure
John Olivia's Pain - 'Tage Mahal
Impaled - Death After Life
Flotsam and Jetsam - Dreams of Death
Nile - Annihilation of the Wicked
Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
Blood Red Throne - Altered Genesis
High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings
HEL  Email Hel

Staff Picks:

Requiem's Top Ten:

  1. Coldplay - X % Y
  2. Stream of Passion - Embrace the Storm
  3. Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
  4. John Petrucci - Suspended Animation
  5. Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
  6. Chimaira - Chimaira
  7. The Darkness - One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back
  8. Presto Ballet - Peace Among the Ruins
  9. Frantic Bleep - The Sense Apparatus
  10. Low - The Great Destroyer

Behemoth's Top Ten:

  1. Naglfar - Pariah
  2. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
  3. Eclipse Eternal - Reign of the Unholy Blackness Empire
  4. Dark Tranquillity - Character
  5. Anaal Nathrakh - Dominae, Non Es Dignus
  6. Ludicra - Another Great Love Song
  7. NatteFrost - Blood Vomit
  8. E-Force - Evil Forces
  9. Nightfall - Rural Gods % Astonishing Punishment
  10. Behemoth - Demigod

Metal Militia's Top Ten:

  1. Cephalic Carnage - Anomalies
  2. Candlemass - Candlemass
  3. Winter of Apokalypse - Solitary Winter Night
  4. Wojczech - Sedimente
  5. Evoken - The Antithesis of Light
  6. Grand Magus - Wolf's Return
  7. Slough Feg - Atavism
  8. Watchmaker - Erased from the Memory of Man
  9. Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
  10. Warblade - The Phantom Blaze

Sabbath's Top Ten:

  1. Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
  2. Children of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet?
  3. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
  4. Green Carnation - The Quiet Offspring
  5. Behemoth - Demigod
  6. Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
  7. Novembers Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure
  8. Strapping Young Lad - Alien
  9. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
  10. High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings

Kefka X's Top Ten:

  1. Cryptopsy - Once Was Not
  2. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
  3. Judas Priest - Angel of Retribution
  4. Korpiklaani - Voice of Wilderness
  5. Solefald - Red for Fire: An Icelandic Odyssey, Pt. 1
  6. Akercocke - Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone
  7. Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
  8. NIN - With Teeth
  9. High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings
  10. Deftones - B-Sides and Rarities

Lugubrious's Top Ten:

  1. Vinterriket - Der Letzte Winter
  2. Dark Tranquillity - Character
  3. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
  4. Strapping Young Lad - Alien
  5. Behemoth - Demigod
  6. Antimatter - Planetary Confinement
  7. Arcana - La Serpent Rouge
  8. Jesu - Jesu
  9. Arcturus - Sideshow Symphonies
  10. Obituary - Frozen in Time

Parm's Top Ten:

  1. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
  2. Behemoth - Demigod
  3. Candlemass - Candlemass
  4. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
  5. Obituary - Frozen in Time
  6. Hypocrisy - Virus
  7. Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
  8. Immolation - Harnessing Ruin
  9. Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal
  10. (tie) Lost Soul - Chaostream
    (tie) Pungent Stench - Ampeauty
    (tie) Cephalic Carnage - Anomalies

Crimhead's Top Ten:

  1. Bloodbath - Nightmares Made Flesh
  2. Pelican - The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw
  3. Bloodsimple - Cruel World
  4. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
  5. Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
  6. Nile - Annihilation of the Wicked
  7. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor (minus the vocals)
  8. Soilwork - Stabbing the Drama
  9. Napalm Death - The Code is Red...Long Live the Code
  10. Frantic Bleep - The Sense Apparatus

[- Metal Judgment Home -]    [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©2006 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.