The first decade of the new millennium served as a critical turning point for heavy music. While the 1990s presented a challenging landscape for heavy metal in the commercial sense—marked by the decline of many 1970s and 80s innovators—the 2000s arrived with a renewed sense of purpose. This era successfully restored confidence in veteran acts while simultaneously cultivating a fresh crop of future headliners who would go on to dominate the genre.
A Decade of Evolution and Unity
Evolution was the defining theme of the decade. Metalcore emerged as a dominant force, rivaling the cultural impact of thrash, while genre-mashing became increasingly normalized. This stylistic fluidity helped bridge the gap between once-opposing factions of metalheads, creating a more cohesive community. The New Wave of American Heavy Metal expanded the sonic palette of the genre, while overseas, bands like Children of Bodom pushed boundaries with their signature blend of melodic flair and aggressive intensity.
As we look back, these albums and songs stand as a testament to one of the most exciting periods in metal’s history. Below, we explore the best metal album and the best metal song for every year from 2000 through 2009.
The Best Metal Album of Each Year of the 2000s
Going through metal’s first decade in the new millennium, these albums represent the best of each year from 2000 through 2009.
The Best Metal Song of Each Year of the 2000s
From anthemic choruses to technical masterclasses, these tracks defined the sound of the 2000s.
