In 2004, Jari Maenpaa (formerly of Ensiferum) released the stunning Wintersun album and shows the world what one man's epic vision can sound like. Wintersun brought epic symphonic black metal to a whole new audience and has been universally adored in the 10 years since it's release. Though the much delayed follow up (Time I) failed to impress, the legacy of the band's first album endures.
46. Cannibal Corpse - Torture
After years of internal turmoil, band member changes and constant media controversy, CC's quality of output was beginning to wane. In 2012, they stunned the world by releasing the brilliant Torture and returning to their death metal roots. Brutal riffs, unintelligible vocals and thunderous drumming reminded the world that Cannibal Corpse are the daddies of modern death metal.
45. Dragonforce - Valley Of The Damned
Before Through The Fire And The Flames brought Dragonforce the attention of the world with its inclusion in Guitar Hero 3, the band had been a more traditional power metal outfit. Sure the songs were all over seven minutes long and features dragons, fire, knights, soldiers and steel, but they were good, well written and less about the over the top shredding that the band has since become known for.