This is very simple, I took the ratings for a bunch of alternative metal albums on MS and ranked them accordingly

To qualify:
The album must have been released when the band was labelled as "Alternative Metal" by MS. So for example the three most recent Gojira albums count, but early Gojira does not.

The band must have more than 10 fans on MS

Therefore this is not a reflection of my opinions, rather a reflection of numbers so if you wanna get mad, get mad at the numbers, not me. And remember that this really isn't that serious

1.Mass Hysteria - Contraddiction

2.Tool - Lateralus

3.The Butterfly Effect - IV

4.Tool - Ænima

5.Mass Hysteria - Le Bien-Être Et La Paix

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Maybe there is a million of records with ugly covers outside, but this is my choice
Great records bad covers and bad records bad covers, the art work it’s sometimes subjective…
Never judge a book by its cover

https://metalstorm.net/users/list.php?list_id=7737

1.Metallica - 72 Seasons

2.Megadeth - Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!

3.Riot - Narita

4.Cyclone Temple - My Friend Lonely

5.Exodus - Force Of Habit

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1.Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal

2.Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet

3.Demon Hunter - The Triptych

4.Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness

5.Dark Tranquillity - Character

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1.System Of A Down - Mezmerize

2.Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

3.Firewind - Allegiance

4.Nightwish - Dark Passion Play

5.Paradise Lost - In Requiem

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1.Alter Bridge - Blackbird

2.Alter Bridge - One Day Remains

3.Amorphis - Elegy

4.Amorphis - Tuonela

5.Arcturus - La Masquerade Infernale

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Must Listen: The First 11

1.System Of A Down - Mezmerize

2.Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

3.System Of A Down - Hypnotize

4.Sentenced - The Funeral Album

5.Primal Fear - Seven Seals

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It's been like 20 years now, is it safe to post this yet?

1.Korn - Korn

2.System Of A Down - Toxicity

3.Sepultura - Roots

4.System Of A Down - System Of A Down

5.Disturbed - Ten Thousand Fists

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Time has moved on and so has my taste. There is music I didn't listen to back then but also albums I still love even though I don't listen to them as much anymore.

1.Agalloch - The Mantle

2.Aquilus - Cloak Of Autumn Shroud

3.Aquilus - Griseus

4.Babymetal - Metal Resistance

5.Babymetal - Metal Galaxy

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Stuff that got me hooked in the course of the years, from my very first blurred memories as a toddler to the present day.
Lots of catchy tunes, some cheese, very few flowers.
Songs that had a big impact on me and influenced my taste in music.
Stuff to let it all hang out, songs for campfire sing-alongs and soundtracks to slit your wrists to.
Love at first sight listen.

This is part II of II, covering the years since 2001.

Despite of the list's personal character, suggestions are very welcome.
After all I'm old and I may just have forgotten lots of stuff that did make my day.



Great albums that didn't make it on the list as they can only be enjoyed in their entirety, rather than by picking individual songs:

Thirdmoon - Sworn Enemy: Heaven (Death, 2004)
Defleshed - Reclaim The Beat (Death/Thrash, 2005)
Tyranny - Tides Of Awakening (Funeral Doom, 2005)
Mourning Beloveth - A Murderous Circus (Doom/Death, 2005)
Rotting Christ - Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy (Black, 2013)

1.Alastis - Unity

2.Diablerie - Seraphyde

3.Dimmu Borgir - Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia

4.Emperor - Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise

5.Hollenthon - With Vilest Of Worms To Dwell

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So like albums that have a clear tie between them, were recorded around about the same time and were clearly intended together, as opposed to a sequel coming years after. Some of these have actually been released together, as can be seen here.

That's about all I can think of right now. So feel free to think of some more for me.

1.Opeth - Deliverance

2.Opeth - Damnation

3.Metallica - Load

4.Metallica - Re-Load

5.Helloween - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I

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Music is not taken into account here.
Enjoy!

1.Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

2.Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine

3.Korn - Korn

4.Tool - Lateralus

5.Mägo De Oz - Gaia II - La Voz Dormida

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1.System Of A Down - System Of A Down

2.System Of A Down - Toxicity

3.System Of A Down - Mezmerize

4.System Of A Down - Hypnotize

5.System Of A Down - Steal This Album!

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1.Draconian - Arcane Rain Fell

2.Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine

3.Candlemass - Candlemass

4.System Of A Down - Hypnotize

5.Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

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1.Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

2.Opeth - Ghost Reveries

3.Epica - Consign To Oblivion

4.Demons And Wizards - Touched By The Crimson King

5.Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine

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1.Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

2.Opeth - Ghost Reveries

3.Green Carnation - The Quiet Offspring

4.Porcupine Tree - Deadwing

5.Riverside - Second Life Syndrome

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