Must Have Heavy Metal Albums of The New Millennium: 2000-2007

Some say "true" Heavy Metal died it's natural death in the early nineties. Old school fanatics might also tell you to stay away from anything post 1988. Since the advent of NWOAHM(New Wave of American Heavy Metal) in the early 2000's and Nu-Metal getting big, Heavy Metal is supposedly finished. Not quite true; there are still plenty of bands(new as well as old) who are releasing pretty solid Heavy Metal releases. I'm gonna list a few albums here, which in my opinion are some of the best Heavy Metal albums from 2000-2007.

1. Kreator-- Enemy of God (2005)
The German Gods of Thrash!!..Nothing to say here. This albums really rips!! and boy does it shred! This is the yardstick by which every modern-thrash album should be judged. Nuff said....
Killer Tracks:
Enemy of God
Impossible Brutality
Murder Fantasies
Suicide Terrorist



2. Children of Bodom-- Follow the Reaper (2001)
My introduction to Children of Bodom, and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that I was shocked!!(in a good way). These finnish metallers just knock your socks off with everything they do, and this is their masterpiece!(till now that is). You really can't classify them into a genre, but Extreme Power Metal with Melodic Death influences(phew!) should do for the uninitiated.
Killer Tracks:
Kissing the Shadows, Mask of Sanity, Hate Me! & Follow the Reaper


3. Dark Tranquillity-- Character (2005)
The best album from these Swedish metallers; and that's saying a lot since they have a long list of great albums. The album is bone crunchingly heavy, yet accessible. The use of piano and keyboards amidst the barrage of riffs provides for a grand atmosphere.
Killer Tracks:
The New Build, Lost to Apathy, Out of Nothing & Dry Run




4. Symphony X-- V:A New Mythology Suite (2000)
If the 90's belonged to Dream Theater then the 2000's belong to Symphony X in the Progressive Metal genre. I'll only say this--if you're a fan of progressive metal, power metal or guitar wizardry in general, but you still don't have this album..you deserve to be tortured!! Listen to the 12 minute 'Rediscovery' to know why.
Killer Tracks:
Evolution, Fallen, On the Breath of Poseidon & Rediscovery



5. Machine Head-- The Blackening (2007)
The only 2007 release in this list. Yes. it's that good!! Hell, some people have already started comparing it to Master of Puppets and Reign in Blood. I won't do that just now, will give it some more time. But!, this is a masterpiece of an album for sure. Aggressive, brutal modern post-Thrash.
Killer Tracks:
Aesthetics of Hate, Beautiful Mourning, Slanderous & Halo




6. Dream Theater-- Train of Thought (2003)
Another jewel in Dream Theater's godly discography. Naysayers keep complaining about the complexity and changing sound of Dream Theater with every album. Hello!! This is Progressive Metal you idiots!...progression is the crux of it.
Killer Tracks:
Endless Sacrifice, In The Name of God, Honor Thy Father & As I Am




7. Arch Enemy-- Wages of Sin (2002)
Arch Enemy's first album with Angela Gossow on the vocals, and arguably their best one too. The highlight of this album is the precision! with which every instrument is played, even at breakneck speeds. Michael Amott is a guitar God!!
Killer Tracks:
Enemy Within, Ravenous, Svage Messiah & Dead Bury Their Dead




8. Municipal Waste-- Hazardous Mutation (2005)
Finally a new band makes it to the list. Though classified as Hardcore/Thrash Crossover act, Municipal Waste will plainly sound old school classic Thrash to your ears. This album could have well been released in 1986 and gelled with the DRI, Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, Suicidal Tendencies releases quite comfortably!
Killer Tracks:
Death Ripper, Guilty of Being Tight, Mind Eraser & The Thrashin' of The Christ

9. Soilwork-- A Predator's Portrait (2001)
This is Soilwork's masterpiece! and one of the most revered albums in all of Melodic Thrash/Death metal. An album without any mentionable weakness with something for everyone. Clean singing passages, death metal growls, melodic solos, savage riffing...everything!
Killer Tracks:
Bastard Chain, Needlefeast, The Analyst & Shadowchild




10. Lamb of God-- Ashes of The Wake (2004)
This is what modern Metal should sound like. No frills, no nonsense...straight up! in your face! devastating metal!! Lamb of God are labeled Metalcore, but they are not! Pure modern Thrash with Death/Groove influences. These guys are the new age Pantera!
Killer Tracks:
Laid to Rest, The Faded Line, Ashes of The Wake, Remorse is For The Dead



Other noteworthy albums:

11. In Flames-Clayman: Their last truly great album.

12. DragonForce-Inhuman Rampage: Faster than the speed of light!!

13. Children of Bodom-Hate Crew Deathroll: Another monster headbanger from the children.

14. Destruction-All Hell Breaks Loose: A great dose of modern Thrash from these German masters.

15. Symphony X-Odyssey: Yeah!..another one. Not as grandiose as V but still great and heavier!

16. Killswitch Engage-As Daylight Dies: Ok, you may scoff at me for this, but I really like this album. Mellow, energetic, boombastic..an all in one package.

17. Blind Guardian-A Twist in the Myth: Beautiful and epic! Power Metal from these German masters.

18. Amon Amarth-With Oden On Our Side: Another bludgeoning Melodic Death metal release from this millennium.

19. Shaodows Fall-The War Within: Good dose of modern thrash/metalcore.

20. Mastodon-Blood Mountain: Excellent Sludge/Metalcore from Atlanata.