What is the best metal album of the 2000s?

Metal in the 2000s pushed boundaries in every direction — technical death metal, melodic metalcore, Mastodon's progressive epics, and Tool's psychedelic heaviness. Vote for the best metal album of the 2000s.

1. 1
   Lateralus

   Tool's 2001 mathematical progressive metal album built on Fibonacci sequences and hypnotic polyrhythms.
2. 2
   Blackwater Park

   Opeth's 2001 progressive death metal masterpiece that seamlessly shifted between brutal extremity and pastoral beauty.
3. 3
   Leviathan

   Mastodon's 2004 concept album based on Moby Dick, showcasing their ascension to the vanguard of modern metal.
4. 4
   Crack the Skye

   Mastodon's 2009 progressive metal opus exploring astral travel, Rasputin, and Czarist Russia with stunning musicianship.
5. 5
   Ashes of the Wake

   Lamb of God's 2004 politically charged concept album that established them as leaders of the new American metal movement.
6. 6
   Obzen

   Meshuggah's 2008 album that brought djent rhythmic precision to its most refined and captivating form.
7. 7
   Colors

   Between the Buried and Me's 2007 genre-defying 74-minute album that redefined what progressive metalcore could be.
8. 8
   Death Cult Armageddon

   Dimmu Borgir's 2003 symphonic black metal colossus recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
9. 9
   Annihilation of the Wicked

   Nile's 2005 Egyptian-themed technical death metal epic blending historical erudition with merciless brutality.
10. 10
    Ghost Reveries

    Opeth's 2005 album that refined their progressive sound with keyboards and produced their most accessible extreme metal work.
11. 11
    City of Evil

    Avenged Sevenfold's 2005 album that helped popularize modern metalcore and hard rock for a new generation.
12. 12
    The End of Heartache

    Killswitch Engage's 2004 album that helped define melodic metalcore and brought emotional intensity to heavy music.