Let's kick it off with Imperial Crystalline Entombment (AKA I.C.E.). This album is pretty great for an American black metal band. This album has got some great songs on it and is definitely worthy of a couple spins. One of my favorite American black metal releases of the decade.
Imperial Crystalline Entombment - Apocalyptic End in White (2004)
Next up we have another older release. This band hails from Germany. Depressive/Suicidal black metal. I love the album art, so bleak. Very, very tight music, kind of has a folky atmosphere, almost. Love the vocals, their kinda bone chilling.
Sterbend - Dwelling Lifeless (2006)
Up next we have another French atmospheric/shoegaze black metal band....whodda thunk this...yeah, Amesouers worship once more. This is probably going to be in the top 5 this year, as far as albums go. It's a masterpiece. Check it out.
Alcest - Écailles De Lune (2010)
Finally we have a top 5 album of 2010 for me. It's a tough call, but I've listened to this quite a few times since I've come across it. Don't get me wrong, I love symphonic black metal, but it has to be done correctly. Let's just say this band knocks symphonic black metal on it's ass. This album is damn near flawless....and get this...IT'S ABOUT A FUCKING PIRATE GHOST SHIP. They are from the Netherlands. Download it. It's amazing, even if the album cover...is...uhh...not.
Carach Angren - Death Came Through a Phantom Ship (2010)
