25 Best Metal Albums Of The Decade

22. Cult Of Luna - Vertikal (2013)

It speaks volumes of Cult of Luna's consistency this decade that three of their studio albums almost made the cut here, with 2019's A Dawn to Fear narrowly missing out. Regardless, the Metropolis-inspired Vertikal is a towering post-metal concept album that audibly reflects the film's jaw-dropping dystopian themes, and it helps that it contains some of the band's thickest, sludgiest riffage too.

Vertikal, like Luna's other peak releases, hypnotises you as it caves your skull in. It is ugly and beautiful, heavy and soft, melodic and abrasive, with the sombre sci-fi atmosphere taking the full-album experience to the next level.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.