Well, I made my top ten of 2005 (along with honarable mentions). Some of these you already mentioned, so you can just overlook those. I would suggest testing them out first just to make sure they are your thing (I like a few different styles of music...some are shunned by the majority of the metal community...meh, like what you like).
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01. Opeth: Ghost Reveries
Anyone who knows me does not find this a surprise at all. Being my favorite band, they are always in the top ten when they release a CD. This time the band really went all out and constructed one the best albums in their catalog.
02. Porcupine Tree: Deadwing
Now, I was disappointed with this release...but I still love the album. I think it was a step down from In Absentia, but the songs are still well-written, I still love Steven's vocals, and the artwork is very cool. Not their best, but still a great album.
03. Cryptopsy: Once Was Not
What can I say about this band? Lord Worm is back, Flo is still one of the greatest drummers of all time, and they out-did themselves with this release. I think this is my favorite album from them (if not, it is just a hair under None So Vile).
04. Modern Life is War: Witness
I am not a huge hardcore fan, but release blew me away. They certainly had something going for them on My Love. My Way., but this album just slays the old release and really gives them a name for themselves. Their progression alone got them to the number four spot on this list.
05. Dredg: Catch Without Arms
Just a well-crafted album. Very catchy.
06. Pelican: The Fire in Our Throats will Beckon the Thaw
They never cease to amaze me.
07. Between the Buried and Me: Alaska
Their most well-crafted of the three in their discography. Some great musicianship, some great songs.
08. Strapping Young Lad: Alien
Oh god...my ears...one of the heaviest albums I have ever heard.
09. A Life Once Lost: Hunter
My faith in this band was restored because of this album. I loved the Fourth Plague: Flies EP, but I despised A Great Artist. This album shows the band at their best.
10. Mew: And the Glass Handed Kites
Great band with a new lovely album. Very catchy, awesome vocal melodies, highly recommended.
Honorable Mentions
These bands also put out solid efforts and should be checked out.
Blackfield: Blackfield (American version came out 2005, technically it is a 2004 release)
Circa Survive: Juturna
Coheed and Cambria: Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear through the Eyes of Madness
Fantomas: Suspended Animation
Jesu: s/t
The Mars Volta: Frances the Mute
The Number 12 Looks Like You: Nuclear.Sad.Nuclear.
Sigur Rós: Takk
