Wait wait wait! Did you just say progressive _pagan_ metal?! Yessir, that's what I said. Instead of reiterating the same formula (as it seems to be common practice in the pagan metal scene) after their 2007 masterpiece "Leben und Lebenswille", Bergthron pull a Theatre Of Tragedy and do exactly what none of their fans wanted them to do: abandoning the epic OoooOOOooOhhh parts altogether and becoming modern, fresh, progressive and, yes, perhaps even experimental and avantgarde, while song titles like "84°03'N 174°51'W (Asgard)" reflect their attempt to deliver a modern interpretation of the myths of yore. Highly recommendable for Enslaved worshippers and pagan metal fans who want to listen to something different for a change.

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More sludge for y'all - the heavy-as-fuck, filthy and abrasive kind, with female vocals this time.

Another overlooked gem of 2010? Well that, or you're just not looking hard enough, silly.

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Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, X-Ray Rod

After their excellent full-length debut, this UK post/black metal outfit does not disappoint. While it may not be as extreme as the previous effort, there is more of a loose structure to the songs this time around. There is the classic rawness of black metal production paired with beautiful post-rock segues, with neither style becoming too oppressive in the mix. The contrast blends in these flavors and ends up with a nice organic feeling overall. The little things really add up, as you'll be noticing some great ideas throughout repeat listens (the keyboard atmospheres add a surprising, subtle touch). Of note is the passion that seeps through when listening to the songwriting, very moving. Fans of Agalloch, Alcest, Drudkh, and In The Woods... should not miss this.

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Endorsed by: Ag Fox, !J.O.O.E.!, BitterCOld, Marcel Hubregtse, X-Ray Rod

Enjoy these grooves, melodies, and damn solid songwriting. November-7 is all about high quality and Season 3 has the production and mix, songwriting, and performance that puts them well on par with their more famous counterparts... but with the added bonus of breathing some fiery new life to the genre.

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Endorsed by: Ag Fox

There's a new Deeds Of Flesh coming up and nobody cared to inform the MS News department? Thanks for nothing, you pricks. Hope your ears explode when it's out.

Anyway, the band will start recording Portal to Canaan in May/June, with a late 2011 release through Unique Leader Records. There. In the meantime, please enjoy this monster of an album.

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Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, Ag Fox

You have to hear this. I recently discovered this gem of an album, dripping in old-school death/thrash metal with an equally old-school production. This is what metal should be like.

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Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, Marcel Hubregtse, Ag Fox, wormdrink414, psykometal, X-Ray Rod

Nostalgic reminder: exactly fifteen years ago melodic death metal was still a respectable genre instead of a curse word, and we all thought In Flames were the tits!

Crazy times, crazy times... now get the hell off my playground!

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Endorsed by: Deadsoulman, !J.O.O.E.!, Darkside Momo, BloodTears, X-Ray Rod, White Winter Sun, Milena

Finally, after six years, the incredible trilogy started on Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice ends with this new album from French metallers Deathspell Omega.

Paracletus is among noteworthy Black metal albums of 2010 and can be summed up as a monumental construction of dissonance and darkness.

Disclaimer: I know that Paracletus is nominated in the MS Awards 2010. Please do not see something like to influence your voting decisions or anything... but more like a little reminder. Vote for it or not, that's not the point and it does not really matter. But please do not miss this piece of art.

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Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, Darkside Momo, BitterCOld, Marcel Hubregtse, Jeff, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod, Nefarious, KwonVerge

Falling victim to the latest trend of picking albums that are totally irrelevant to the 2010 MS Awards, thus maintaining a strict level of professionalism and impartiality, I present to you one of 2010's strongest death metal releases.

Not that you should vote for it or anything.

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Endorsed by: Baz Anderson

One of 2010's little treasures you might have missed... and certainly worthy of an Award *cough cough* Just saying.

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Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, !J.O.O.E.!, White Winter Sun, Deadsoulman, BitterCOld, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod, Darkside Momo

Seemingly every year Lucas stumbles on to some relatively obscure release that I otherwise would have missed, and said release blows me away, earning a spot towards the high rent district of my "best of" list for that year.

Eibon is this year's find. Blackened sludgedoom which oozes forth and drowns the listener in it's foul taint... but just enough mellow moments to allow you the occasional breath while it continues to constrict away, slowly sapping your life force.

I just finally got my copy today, so I'm pimping this one again, for the benefit(?) of those who missed the first time around.

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Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, !J.O.O.E.!, Marcel Hubregtse, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod

Not here to influence your voting decisions or anything... but uh, here's a reminder this band Helstar released one mighty fine record last year *cough cough* Just saying.

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Endorsed by: BitterCOld, !J.O.O.E.!, Marcel Hubregtse, Jason W., White Winter Sun

With one of the best EPs ever released by any band, TesseracT will be remembered forevermore for helping to define djent as a seperate genre. Or maybe not, its a pretty stupid term actually. Anyway, who cares?

This is forward-thinking, innovative metal of the highest caliber. Beautiful and also frighteningly heavy, Concealing Fate is a great teaser of the band's upcoming LP One. Mandatory for anyone reading this.

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Endorsed by: Promonex, Bas, Dane Train, Darkside Momo, Ag Fox, BloodTears

Thrashers rejoice! Because, lo and behold, here's the first noteworthy thrash album of 2011. Crank 'em loud!

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Italian band Forgotten Tomb released this, their debut LP, back in 2002. It remains not only their best release to date, but arguably one of the best black/doom metal releases ever made.

This album is a mix of utterly depressing modern day doom and black metal fused together to create an intense, cold atmosphere. It is an absolute masterpiece and a must have for fans of early Katatonia, Shining,, or anyone looking for something bleak but heavy and forward-thinking.

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Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, Thryce, Marcel Hubregtse, Daniell, !J.O.O.E.!, White Winter Sun, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod