5) Shadows Fall, Retribution
Having Retribution fall higher on this list than Mastodon or Baroness, may surprise some people but, Shadows Fall was responsible for some of the most fun tracks to come out of the new wave of the American heavy metal movement. Retribution remains an album that can be thrown on at any time, and a good time is bound to be had. Shadows Fall kept on growing with time before their unfortunate hiatus announcement following Fire from the Sky in 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9aILL_CF3E&list=PL605D5ACDE8FF6737
4) Be’lakor, Stone’s Reach
Arguably, one of the most underrated bands in modern melodic death metal, Be’lakor’s Stone’s Reach was highly praised at the time of its release but never received the acclaim it deserved. The band relies on many of the key elements used to achieve the classic Gothenburg-inspired sound, including vocal deliveries that nod almost directly to Amon Amarth’s Johan Hegg.
3) Behemoth, Evangelion
Behemoth have been known for top-notch underground extreme metal since their formation but, their widespread appeal has reached new levels since the release of 2009’s Evangelion. The album showcases a matured Behemoth bringing blasphemous goodies through stellar songwriting and fresh production. “Ov Fire and the Void” is my choice as it has also proven to standout over the years.
2) Goatwhore, Carving Out the Eyes of God
Carving Out the Eyes of God is Goatwhore’s fourth studio album, as well as their best. “Apocalyptic Havoc” is the obvious choice as the album’s strongest song. However, the record is stacked with quality blackened death metal that makes you want to run around in circles very fast. “Who needs a god when you’ve got Satan?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skKEAXDbAQ0
