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Don't adjust your web browser -- we know it's February 2010, but as we move through the first couple months of this new decade, we can't help but reflect on some great music from the not-so-distant past.

Since 1986, Roadrunner Records’ US contingent has proudly carved itself a niche in hard and heavy music. In later years we’ve branched out to radio rock and even the alt/indie field, but when it came time to rate the Top 10 albums of the first decade of this millennium, our staff and artists alike kept with Roadrunner’s traditions, and focused mainly on metal – with a few surprises in the mix.

Though you’ll find a lot of Roadrunner releases in our consensus list below, know that this Top 10 was compiled of over 40 entries from Roadrunner employees around the globe and even includes the opinions of artists like Max Cavalera, Corey Taylor, Matt Heafy, Joel Stroetzel and much more.

So here’s the Top 10 that most of us agreed on, and judging by our tie for the number four position and three-way tie for number 9, it wasn’t all in perfect harmony.

 

1. Killswitch EngageThe End of Heartache

2. Killswitch EngageAlive or Just Breathing

3. System of a Down - Toxicity

4. Deftones – White Pony

4. At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command

5. OpethBlackwater Park

6. Tool – Lateralus

7. Mastodon – Crack the Skye

8. GlassjawEverything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence

9. SlipknotVol. 3 the Subliminal Verses

9. Radiohead – In Rainbows

9. Iron Maiden – Brave New World

10. Muse - Absolution