*** READ ME *** This list is about the greatest metal albums of all-time, from all sub-genres and all countries. You won't see bands like Deep Purple, Rush, BOC, Zeppelin, etc., nor will you see bands like Tool, Rage ATM, Melvins and Soundgarden. While I love many of those bands, my definition of metal does not include them.
I haven't decided yet if this is going to be a top-100, -150, -200, so I will start at the top and see where it goes. I'm also considering implementing a 3-albums-per-artist rule to allow for more variety -- we'll see.