The 2010s were a pivotal decade for metal, showcasing the genre’s ability to evolve, innovate, and remain relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape. From the resurgence of classic thrash and death metal to the rise of more experimental and genre-blending sounds, the 2010s offered a wealth of diverse and groundbreaking metal albums. This article delves into the 25 best metal albums of the 2010s, celebrating the artists who pushed boundaries and defined the decade.
25 Best Metal Albums of the 2010s
1. Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage (2012)
Gojira’s L’Enfant Sauvage stands as a testament to the band’s ability to merge brutality with intricate songwriting. The album is both a technical masterpiece and an emotional journey, exploring themes of nature, humanity, and existentialism. Tracks like “Explosia” and “The Gift of Guilt” are perfect examples of Gojira’s unique blend of groove, death metal, and progressive elements.
2. Ghost – Meliora (2015)
Meliora marked Ghost’s transition from cult favorite to metal mainstream. The album’s polished production, catchy hooks, and theatrical elements made it accessible while retaining a dark, occult vibe. Songs like “Cirice” and “He Is” highlight the band’s ability to craft memorable melodies within a heavy metal framework, earning them widespread acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
3. Mastodon – Emperor of Sand (2017)
Mastodon’s Emperor of Sand is a concept album that deals with themes of mortality and survival, inspired by the band members’ personal experiences with cancer. The album’s blend of sludge metal, progressive rock, and stoner metal, combined with its lyrical depth, make it one of the standout releases of the decade. Tracks like “Show Yourself” and “Steambreather” are both heavy and introspective, showcasing Mastodon’s evolution as a band.
4. Baroness – Purple (2015)
Baroness’s Purple is a triumphant return for the band after a near-fatal bus crash in 2012. The album blends sludge metal with hard rock and alternative influences, creating a sound that is both powerful and melodic. Songs like “Shock Me” and “Chlorine & Wine” highlight the band’s resilience and ability to craft emotionally charged music.
5. Behemoth – The Satanist (2014)
The Satanist is a landmark album in Behemoth’s career, representing a fusion of black metal, death metal, and a more refined, atmospheric sound. The album’s themes of rebellion, darkness, and self-empowerment are conveyed through powerful tracks like “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” and “O Father O Satan O Sun!” The Satanist is not just an album but a statement, solidifying Behemoth’s status as one of the most important extreme metal bands of the 2010s.
6. Pallbearer – Foundations of Burden (2014)
Pallbearer’s Foundations of Burden is a doom metal masterpiece that combines crushing heaviness with melodic and melancholic elements. The album’s epic compositions, such as “Worlds Apart” and “Ghost I Used to Be,” are both emotionally resonant and musically complex, earning Pallbearer a place among the decade’s most innovative metal acts.
7. Power Trip – Nightmare Logic (2017)
Nightmare Logic by Power Trip is a modern thrash metal classic that captures the energy and aggression of the genre’s golden age while injecting a fresh, contemporary edge. The album’s politically charged lyrics, combined with its relentless riffs and tight musicianship, make tracks like “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe)” and “Firing Squad” essential listening for any metal fan.
8. Deafheaven – Sunbather (2013)
Deafheaven’s Sunbather is a groundbreaking album that blends black metal, shoegaze, and post-rock, creating a sound that is both intense and ethereal. The album’s expansive compositions, such as the title track and “Dream House,” challenge traditional genre boundaries and offer a deeply emotional listening experience. Sunbather is a polarizing but undeniably influential album that has left a lasting impact on the metal landscape.
9. Lamb of God – Resolution (2012)
Lamb of God’s Resolution is a powerful album that showcases the band’s signature groove metal sound while also exploring new sonic territory. The album’s aggressive riffs, relentless drumming, and politically charged lyrics are evident in tracks like “Desolation” and “Ghost Walking.” Resolution is a testament to Lamb of God’s continued relevance and innovation in the metal scene.
10. Opeth – Pale Communion (2014)
Opeth’s Pale Communion represents a continuation of the band’s evolution from death metal pioneers to progressive rock maestros. The album’s intricate compositions, lush arrangements, and Mikael Åkerfeldt’s haunting vocals make tracks like “Eternal Rains Will Come” and “Cusp of Eternity” standout moments in Opeth’s discography. Pale Communion is a beautiful, complex album that showcases Opeth’s mastery of both melody and atmosphere.
11. Tool – Fear Inoculum (2019)
After a 13-year hiatus, Tool returned with Fear Inoculum, an album that lived up to the massive expectations. The album’s sprawling compositions, such as the title track and “7empest,” showcase Tool’s signature blend of progressive metal, alternative rock, and art rock. Fear Inoculum is a masterclass in musicianship and composition, cementing Tool’s place as one of the most influential bands in metal.
12. High on Fire – Luminiferous (2015)
Luminiferous by High on Fire is a relentless assault of sludgy, thrash-infused metal. The album’s raw energy, crushing riffs, and Matt Pike’s gravelly vocals are on full display in tracks like “The Black Plot” and “The Sunless Years.” Luminiferous is a powerful example of High on Fire’s ability to blend primal aggression with sophisticated songwriting.
13. Architects – Holy Hell (2018)
Architects’ Holy Hell is an emotional and cathartic album that was created in the wake of guitarist Tom Searle’s death. The album’s blend of metalcore, post-metal, and melodic elements creates a sound that is both heavy and poignant. Tracks like “Hereafter” and “Doomsday” capture the band’s grief and resilience, making Holy Hell one of the most impactful metal albums of the decade.
14. Slipknot – We Are Not Your Kind (2019)
Slipknot’s We Are Not Your Kind is a return to form for the band, showcasing their signature blend of nu-metal, alternative metal, and industrial influences. The album’s aggressive sound and introspective lyrics are evident in tracks like “Unsainted” and “Nero Forte.” We Are Not Your Kind is a powerful statement from a band that continues to push the boundaries of metal.
15. Carcass – Surgical Steel (2013)
Carcass’s Surgical Steel is a triumphant return for the band after a 17-year hiatus. The album blends the melodic death metal sound of their later work with the grindcore ferocity of their early years. Tracks like “Captive Bolt Pistol” and “316 L Grade Surgical Steel” showcase Carcass’s ability to create brutal yet precise music that resonates with both old and new fans.
16. Amon Amarth – Jomsviking (2016)
Amon Amarth’s Jomsviking is a concept album that tells the story of a Viking warrior. The album’s melodic death metal sound, combined with its epic narrative, makes tracks like “First Kill” and “Raise Your Horns” stand out. Jomsviking is a perfect example of Amon Amarth’s ability to create music that is both heavy and cinematic.
17. Khemmis – Hunted (2016)
Khemmis’s Hunted is a doom metal masterpiece that blends crushing riffs with soaring melodies. The album’s epic compositions, such as “Candlelight” and the title track, are both heavy and emotionally resonant. Hunted is a standout release in the doom metal genre, showcasing Khemmis’s ability to create music that is both powerful and beautiful.
18. Deftones – Koi No Yokan (2012)
Deftones’ Koi No Yokan is an album that defies easy categorization, blending elements of alternative metal, shoegaze, and post-rock. The album’s lush soundscapes, combined with Chino Moreno’s emotive vocals, make tracks like “Leathers” and “Tempest” standout moments. Koi No Yokan is a testament to Deftones’ ability to evolve and experiment while maintaining their core sound.
19. Gojira – Magma (2016)
Gojira’s Magma is a deeply personal album that explores themes of grief and loss, inspired by the death of the Duplantier brothers’ mother. The album’s blend of progressive metal, groove, and atmospheric elements creates a sound that is both heavy and introspective. Tracks like “Stranded” and “Silvera” are powerful examples of Gojira’s ability to convey emotion through music.
20. Judas Priest – Firepower (2018)
Judas Priest’s Firepower is a triumphant return to the band’s classic heavy metal sound. The album’s powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses are on full display in tracks like “Lightning Strike” and “No Surrender.” Firepower is a reminder that Judas Priest remains one of the most important and influential bands in metal.
21. Alcest – Écailles de Lune (2010)
Alcest’s Écailles de Lune is a landmark album in the genre of blackgaze, blending black metal with shoegaze and post-rock influences. The album’s ethereal atmosphere, combined with its raw emotion, makes tracks like the title track and “Percées de lumière” essential listening. Écailles de Lune is a beautiful and haunting album that has had a profound impact on the metal scene.
22. Code Orange – Forever (2017)
Code Orange’s Forever is an aggressive and innovative album that blends hardcore, industrial, and metalcore elements. The album’s relentless energy, combined with its dark and experimental sound, makes tracks like “Kill the Creator” and “Bleeding in the Blur” stand out. Forever is a bold and uncompromising album that challenges the boundaries of metal.
23. Sylosis – Edge of the Earth (2011)
Sylosis’s Edge of the Earth is a powerful blend of thrash and progressive metal. The album’s intricate compositions, technical prowess, and emotional depth are evident in tracks like “Empyreal” and “Dystopia.” Edge of the Earth is a standout release in the modern metal scene, showcasing Sylosis’s ability to craft complex and compelling music.
24. Enslaved – RIITIIR (2012)
Enslaved’s RIITIIR is a progressive black metal album that blends the band’s traditional sound with more experimental and avant-garde elements. The album’s epic compositions, such as “Thoughts Like Hammers” and “Death in the Eyes of Dawn,” are both heavy and atmospheric. RIITIIR is a bold and ambitious album that pushes the boundaries of what black metal can be.
25. Amorphis – Queen of Time (2018)
Amorphis’s Queen of Time is a symphonic and melodic death metal album that blends the band’s traditional sound with orchestral and folk elements. The album’s lush arrangements, powerful riffs, and emotional depth are evident in tracks like “The Bee” and “Daughter of Hate.” Queen of Time is a stunning and expansive album that showcases Amorphis’s ability to evolve and innovate.
See Also: Top 10 All-Female Metal Bands
Conclusion
The 2010s were a decade of innovation, experimentation, and reinvigoration in the metal genre. The albums listed above represent the diversity and creativity that defined metal during this period, from the genre-blending sounds of bands like Deafheaven and Code Orange to the return of classic metal titans like Judas Priest. Each of these albums contributed to the rich tapestry of metal music in the 2010s, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and inspiring future generations of metal artists.
The 2010s demonstrated that metal is a genre with boundless potential, capable of evolving and adapting while staying true to its roots. Whether through the technical prowess of Gojira, the emotional depth of Pallbearer, or the raw energy of Power Trip, these albums have proven that metal is not just a genre but a thriving, dynamic form of art that continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.
