1) 3 Inches Of Blood - Fire Up The Blades

Probably one of the most metal things to happen in 2007. As long as you are capable of accepting that this band is probably one of the cheesiest things out there (aside from Manowar), you'll love it. You just know that the gods of metal are smiling down on this band every time they write another record, and Fire Up The Blades is no exception. Words won't do it justice -- so if anyone asks you what metal really is, just pop this in and educate them.

2) Darkest Hour - Deliver Us

Here's a band that just keeps delivering, ironically enough. Deliver Us contains some of their heaviest and most aggressive work yet, which in a way sharply contrasts the more positive feel of Undoing Ruin while maintaining a deeply emotional message. I think it would have been a stronger release if it had been a bit longer, but nevertheless, the music is all top-notch. Old and new DH fans alike will not be disappointed.

3) Between The Buried And Me - Colors

To quote Keanu Reeves, "whoa". This album will blow you away, especially if you're a music nerd. If you thought these guys couldn't get any more progressive, then you're in for a treat -- expect to hear some jazz, hardcore, metal, carnival, old west, and a little bit of Queen on the side. While it's sometimes hard to distinguish between the end of one track and the beginning of another, each song is fundamentally different in its own way, and some of their catchy hooks will stay with you for hours or even days after listening. Listen to "White Walls", and you'll know what I mean.

4) Dethklok - The Dethalbum

Dethklok is undoubtedly a metal phenomenon, and you can expect no less from the album. The fact that one guy put all of this together (with assistance from legendary drummer Gene Hoglan) is truly impressive. The lyrics to some of the songs, such as "Bloodrocuted" and "Birthday Dethday", may induce gut-splitting laughter, but aside from all of the metal gags, this is actually excellent music, and a must-have for any metalhead.

5) Alter Bridge - Blackbird

Say what you will, but these guys know what they're doing. You have to look past the band's roots to get into this one, and once you do, it's worth it. There are so many catchy tunes on this record, it just never gets old. Granted, some of the lyrics are pretty shallow, and the music is mostly straightforward, but sometimes a band like this is the only thing to cure your metal itch. Give it a go, and keep an open mind. I'm willing to bet you will be surprised at how edgy and unique this album really is.

6) The End - Elementary

Out of all the releases in 2007, I would venture to say that this is the most balanced. The tracking is perfect, and takes you on ups and downs throughout the album's duration. Both the lyrics and melodies are extremely powerful, but don't expect any fast shredding. The End builds their songs up to be slow, deliberate, and heavy, with thoughtful breaks and a brooding undertone. Who knew Canadians could rock this hard?

7) Finntroll - Ur Jordens Djup

So what would a band of folk-metal trolls sound like, anyway? Well... this. Hailing from Finland (obviously), Finntroll doesn't pull any punches on this one. For folk metal, Ur Jordens Djup is just stupid catchy. Every time I listen to this record, I want to swing around a tankard of ale and kick people in the face. There's no better soundtrack for a Renaissance Faire.

8) The Red Chord - Prey For Eyes

Holy shit. This is sheer brutality. Listening to Prey For Eyes is like swimming in a lake of chainsaws. Yet, strangely, they found a way to add a level of interesting creativity to this album that sets it apart from your average hardcore band. And with tracks like "It Came From Over There", it's hard to tell what will come at you next. Oh, and don't expect the lyrics to make any sense, or the creepy story in the liner notes. That's just the Red Chord.

9) Symphony X - Paradise Lost

These guys are the kings of the concept album. Loosely based on the epic poem, Paradise Lost delivers some of the meanest and most progressive metal riffs that we've heard in years. If you don't have a raging boner by the end of the second track, you're probably not physically capable of producing wood. Women, of course, are exempt from this. Even the packaging is amazingly well done, and getting to the actual cd is a journey in itself. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

10) Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works

If you could somehow build a misogynistic jazz cyborg that plays music at "ludicrous speed", the result might sound something like Ire Works. There were many skeptics when Chris Pennie left the band, but Gil Sharone not only filled his shoes -- he burst the seams. Both musically and lyrically, this album is a captivating listen. The only thing it has going against it is the short length (roughly 38 minutes), which is made more noticeable by the "filler" tracks consisting of noise and ambient melodies. Even still, you'll get more than enough bang for your buck if you pick this one up.