By 2002 nu metal had almost huffed itself out, leaving giants such as Korn to fight a rearguard action. Thankfully there were a whole host of bands - and scenes - ready to step up to the plate, from the metalcore scene emerging from America’s East Coast in the shape of Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall to the weird and wonderful glimmerings of 21st century prog metal courtesy of Opeth and Mastodon. Here are the 10 best albums from those 12 thrilling months.
- On a budget? Here are the best budget turntables (opens in new tab)
- The best budget wireless headphones (opens in new tab): wire-free and wallet-friendly
- The best Metallica merch 2020 (opens in new tab): amazing gifts for the Metallica fan in your life
- Spotify vs Apple Music vs Tidal: which streaming service is best (opens in new tab) for rock and metal?
Audioslave - Audioslave
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 2000 (opens in new tab)
- The Top 10 Best Metal Albums Of 2001 (opens in new tab)
Down – Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow
- The Top 10 best albums of 1998 (opens in new tab)
- Top 10 best metal album of 1999 (opens in new tab)
In Flames - Reroute To Remain
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1996 (opens in new tab)
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1997 (opens in new tab)
Isis - Oceanic
- The best metal albums of 1994 (opens in new tab)
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 199 (opens in new tab)5
Killswitch Engage – Alive Or Just Breathing
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1992 (opens in new tab)
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1993 (opens in new tab)
Korn - Untouchables
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1991 (opens in new tab)
- The Top 10 best metal albums of 1990 (opens in new tab)