The 2000s were the decade where metal conquered the world, evolved into dazzling new forms and yet emphatically embraced its roots. From nu metal's chart-smashing dominance to the mighty comebacks of metal legends, all the way to the emergence of the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal and the rise of the scene's next generation, it was a fascinating ten year stretch full of twists, turns, colourful characters and some truly iconic records.
The latest issue of Metal Hammer magazine celebrates the 2000s in all their wild and wonderful glory, featuring brand new interviews with legends of the era and exclusive features on the moments that defined the decade. In honour, Hammer's intrepid team of writers banded together to nominate the 50 greatest metal albums of the 2000s. From Bizkit to Bullet For My Valentine, Maiden to Meshuggah, it's all here. Here are the records that made the cut.
50. Judas Priest - Angel Of Retribution (2005)
49. Arch Enemy - Anthems Of Rebellion (2003)
48. Electric Wizard - Dopethrone (2000)
47. Clutch - Blast Tyrant (2004)
46. Heaven & Hell - The Devil You Know (2009)
45. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works (2007)
44. Alter Bridge - Blackbird (2007)
43. At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command (2000)
42. Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf (2003)
41. Gojira - The Way Of All Flesh (2008)
40. The Devin Townsend Project - Addicted (2009)
39. Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth (2005)
38. Cradle Of Filth - Midian (2000)
37. Megadeth - Endgame (2009)
36. Within Temptation - The Silent Force (2004)
35. Fear Factory - Digimortal (2000)
34. Metallica - Death Magnetic (2008)
33. Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder God (2008)
