2004 Best Heavy Metal CDs

Mastodon's 2002 debut introduced a band on the rise, but Leviathan cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with. They roar out of the gate with "Blood and Thunder," and the music ebbs and flows like waves, which is appropriate since the lyrical concept is based on Moby Dick. The songs are ever changing in tempo, texture, emotion and intensity. Leviathan can be complex and progressive, but is also accessible enough for wider consumption, which of course will always draw criticism from those who want to keep it all underground.

After more than a decade, Tempo Of The Damned was Exodus' thunderous return to the scene. It was the last studio album featuring Steve "Zetro" Souza as their vocalist. The album has all the elements of the classic Exodus thrash sound along with great grooves. Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt's guitar work is excellent, with driving riffs and some shredding solos.

Megadeth's career has been pretty consistent, and The System Has Failed is no exception. It ended up being the last album for guitarist Chris Poland, one of the better axemen of the many that have been in Megadeth over the years. This album combines thrash with more modern elements and Dave Mustaine's politically charged lyrics. Heavier songs like "Kick The Chair" are the strongest.

Nightwish pulled out all the stops for Once, utilizing the London Philharmonic Orchestra for most of the songs. Their brand of symphonic/gothic metal blends the orchestral elements with guitars and the contrasting vocals of Marco Hietala and Tarja Turunen. The 10 minute "Ghost Love Score" showcases the synergy between the band and orchestra, while songs like "Wish I Had An Angel" and "Nemo" are more commercial and catchy.

The Inner Circle is the fifth CD from the Swedish progressive metal band Evergrey. It's the second year in a row they appear in our year-end top 10. Tom S. Englund's powerful voice and the band's versatility to be able to go from quiet and mellow to intense and heavy makes it a compelling listen. "More Than Ever" is a highlight.

Five years after their debut album (which made 1999's year end list), The Dillinger Escape Plan returns with Miss Machine. It's the first album with vocalist Greg Puciato, and takes the band to an even higher level. Their complex mathcore and clever riffs takes the listener on a wild ride.

Lamb Of God have become one of the biggest bands in metal, while retaining most of their underground credibility. In 2004, Ashes Of The Wake saw the band move to a major label, and Ashes Of The Wake was their most successful album to date. The title track included guest guitar solos from Testament's Alex Skolnick and Megadeth's Chris Poland.

The Swedish death metal band Amon Amarth makes their first appearance on one of our year-end lists with Fate Of Norns. Their raucous and catchy brand of metal is intense, yet very melodic and memorable. "Pursuit Of Vikings" and the title track are standouts.