EDIT: Made on 1/21/11

First, some honorable mentions that are not that great, but still worth a listen. All of them yield some goods songs but overall they were lacking substance and memorability:
Salem- King Night
The Art Museums- Rough Frame
Nachtmystium- Addicts: Black Meddle Pt.2

Next, here are albums I heard once or maybe twice but still have no idea what to rate them, though I am intrigued enough to them try again. Perhaps you should check them out too?
An Autumn for Crippled Children- Lost
I Shalt Become- Poison
She & Him-…

EDIT: Needless to say, upon reviewing this monolithic list nearly one year later, there are many choices that I would now omit, as well as bands I'd choose different albums from if I were composing it today.

After seeing them all over the place since 2010 started, I thought it was time for me to jump into the fold with one of these “end of the decade” lists of my own. These albums are maybe not the best to some of you but they are the ones I liked most over the last decade nevertheless. Therefore, I hope you’re able…

Same format as last year. First half is made up of stuff I liked most while the second half consists of good but not great albums.

The crème de la crème

Altar of Plagues- White Tomb
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAlebJ7Q1oY/SfSM9s9113I/AAAAAAAAAH4/MEDSFtb9vyI/s200/Altar+of+Plagues+-+White+Tomb.jpg

On the first go around, I wasn't sure what to think. They sounded somewhat similar to Wolves in the Throne Room. Then I listened again. Now I find that they may be better than Wolves in the Throne Room, at least when comparing it to Black Cascade. But really, it's rather unfair since the folk aspect of Wolves is not a part…

Tue 9 Feb – St. Vincent, Wildbirds & Peacedrums

I was pretty damn ecstatic when I heard St. Vincent was going to be playing in LA about 3 weeks ago. I have only been a fan for about 2 or 3 months, but my appreciation for her musical talent and willingness to experiment continued to grow with each new listen to Marry Me. Why I haven't picked up Actor yet I have no idea. But it won't be much longer before I own that album too. Anyway, on to the show!

I looked up the opening act, Wildbirds & Peacedrums…

This list makes me sad because it reveals the all too painful reality of me simply not having enough time or money to spend on music. At least there's youtube in the meantime. If anyone wants to tell me briefly about their favorite(s) from this selection of albums, or any others you think are good, feel free to.

Isis- Wavering Radiant
Isole- Silent Ruins
Katatonia- Night Is the New Day
Crom- Vengeance
Warbringer- Waking into Nightmares
Geist- Galeere
Dagor Dagorath- Yetzer Ha'Ra
Ahab- The Divinity of Oceans
Novembers Doom- Into Night's…

Scoff at me all you want but I am human and since we all listen to music at a different pace, it is inevitable that there will be some bands I just haven't arrived at yet. If only there were more hours in a day then perhaps it would be less of a problem. Comments are welcome. Here they are…

Absentia Lunae
A Fine Frenzy
Ajattara
Arktau Eos
ASP
Beirut
Blood Axis
Blueneck
Circle of Ouroborus
Cor Scorpii
Current 93
Coil
Deepspace
Der Weg Einer Freiheit
Diabolical Masquerade
Draugnim
Falls of Rauros
Fjoergyn
Fleurety
Funeral Mist
Gernotshagen
Glorior Belli
Gustav…

As you can see, I've given desciptions of the albums, and I chose not to put these albums in order because I didn't have time, nor did I feel like it, so they're in no order whatsoever this year. Onward!

The best of the bunch

Agalloch- The White
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2f/Agalloch_EP.jpg/200px-Agalloch_EP.jpg

Great neo-folk/ambient release from one of the most consistent bands in music. If you love the lighter aspects of Agalloch (and who doesn't), then you'll love this EP.

Audrey- The Fierce And The Longing
http://vegavinyl.com/images/Audrey_Fierce_and_Longing.jpg

A pretty unique indie band with some post-rock influence. Vocals are shared by all four members…