Introduction
Metal music in 2005 was a vibrant tapestry of sounds, ranging from the aggressive riffs of thrash metal to the haunting melodies of gothic metal. This year proved pivotal for many bands, both established and emerging, as they released albums that would go on to define their careers and the genre as a whole. In this article, we delve into the top 20 metal albums of 2005, exploring the diversity and innovation that characterized this unforgettable year in metal history.
The Top 20 Metal Albums of 2005
1. Opeth – Ghost Reveries
Opeth’s “Ghost Reveries” is often hailed as a masterpiece of progressive death metal. The album combines intricate compositions with Mikael Åkerfeldt’s dual vocal style, seamlessly blending growls and clean singing. Songs like “Ghost of Perdition” and “The Grand Conjuration” showcase the band’s ability to create epic narratives through music.
2. System of a Down – Mezmerize
System of a Down continued to push boundaries with “Mezmerize,” the first of two albums released in 2005. Known for their political lyrics and experimental sound, the album features hits like “B.Y.O.B.” and “Cigaro,” capturing the band’s unique blend of aggression and melody.
3. Trivium – Ascendancy
Trivium’s “Ascendancy” marked a significant moment in the metalcore movement. With tracks like “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr” and “Dying in Your Arms,” the album showcased the band’s technical prowess and ability to craft memorable hooks, earning them a place among metal’s rising stars.
4. Dark Tranquillity – Character
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquillity delivered “Character,” an album rich with atmospheric elements and powerful riffs. The band’s signature blend of melody and aggression is evident in tracks like “Lost to Apathy” and “The New Build.”
5. Killswitch Engage – The End of Heartache
Killswitch Engage cemented their status as metalcore heavyweights with “The End of Heartache.” The album features the soaring vocals of Howard Jones and a mix of melodic and heavy elements, particularly in standout tracks like “Rose of Sharyn” and the title track.
6. Nevermore – This Godless Endeavor
Nevermore’s “This Godless Endeavor” is a progressive metal tour de force, featuring complex arrangements and Warrel Dane’s distinct vocal delivery. The album’s intricate guitar work, particularly on tracks like “Born” and the title track, showcases the band’s technical abilities.
7. Children of Bodom – Are You Dead Yet?
With “Are You Dead Yet?,” Children of Bodom embraced a heavier and more aggressive sound. The album includes fan favorites like “In Your Face” and “Trashed, Lost & Strungout,” highlighting Alexi Laiho’s guitar virtuosity and the band’s dynamic style.
8. Lamb of God – Ashes of the Wake
Lamb of God’s “Ashes of the Wake” further solidified their place in the groove metal scene. Known for its politically charged lyrics and relentless energy, the album features tracks like “Laid to Rest” and “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For.”
9. Arch Enemy – Doomsday Machine
Arch Enemy’s “Doomsday Machine” showcases the band’s melodic death metal prowess, with Angela Gossow’s commanding vocals leading the charge. Songs like “Nemesis” and “My Apocalypse” display the band’s refined sound and technical skill.
10. Soilwork – Stabbing the Drama
Soilwork’s “Stabbing the Drama” is a melodic death metal gem, balancing catchy melodies with heavy riffs. The album’s standout tracks, such as “Stabbing the Drama” and “Nerve,” exemplify the band’s knack for combining aggression with melody.
11. Meshuggah – Catch Thirtythree
Meshuggah’s experimental “Catch Thirtythree” is a continuous piece divided into 13 tracks, pushing the boundaries of progressive metal. The album’s complex rhythms and polyrhythmic structures have influenced countless bands in the genre.
12. Fear Factory – Transgression
Fear Factory’s “Transgression” saw the band exploring new musical territories, incorporating elements of industrial and groove metal. Tracks like “Moment of Impact” and “Transgression” highlight the band’s experimental approach to metal.
13. Strapping Young Lad – Alien
Devin Townsend’s Strapping Young Lad released “Alien,” a chaotic and intense album that blends extreme metal with industrial influences. Songs like “Love?” and “Shitstorm” display the band’s signature sound and Townsend’s production skills.
14. Nile – Annihilation of the Wicked
Nile’s “Annihilation of the Wicked” is a brutal death metal album with a focus on Egyptian mythology. The band’s technical proficiency is evident in tracks like “Cast Down the Heretic” and “Sacrifice Unto Sebek,” showcasing complex compositions and relentless speed.
15. DevilDriver – The Fury of Our Maker’s Hand
DevilDriver’s “The Fury of Our Maker’s Hand” is a groove metal powerhouse, featuring Dez Fafara’s aggressive vocals and the band’s signature heavy riffs. Tracks like “Hold Back the Day” and “End of the Line” highlight the band’s evolution and intensity.
16. Between the Buried and Me – Alaska
“Alaska” by Between the Buried and Me is a progressive metalcore album that showcases the band’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album’s dynamic range is evident in tracks like “Selkies: The Endless Obsession” and the title track.
17. Ensiferum – Iron
Ensiferum’s “Iron” is a folk metal album that combines epic storytelling with powerful instrumentation. The band’s use of traditional melodies and heavy riffs is showcased in tracks like “Iron” and “Into Battle.”
18. Candlemass – Candlemass
Candlemass’s self-titled album marked the return of vocalist Messiah Marcolin, bringing back the band’s classic doom metal sound. Songs like “Black Dwarf” and “Seven Silver Keys” highlight the band’s ability to create haunting and heavy music.
19. High on Fire – Blessed Black Wings
High on Fire’s “Blessed Black Wings” is a stoner metal album with a raw and aggressive sound. The band’s heavy riffs and Matt Pike’s distinctive vocals are prominent in tracks like “Devilution” and “Cometh Down Hessian.”
20. DragonForce – Inhuman Rampage
DragonForce’s “Inhuman Rampage” is a power metal album known for its fast-paced and virtuosic guitar work. The album includes the hit “Through the Fire and Flames,” which became widely recognized through its inclusion in the video game Guitar Hero.
Conclusion
The year 2005 was a landmark year for metal music, with bands pushing the boundaries of their respective genres and delivering albums that continue to influence musicians today. From the technical prowess of Opeth and Meshuggah to the raw energy of System of a Down and Trivium, these albums represent the diversity and innovation that define metal music. Whether you’re revisiting these classic albums or discovering them for the first time, the top 20 metal albums of 2005 offer a rich and varied listening experience that captures the essence of a pivotal year in metal history.