2. Cave In—Antenna

I go back to this more often than Jupiter.

I do, too, but I don't know why. I love them both, but "Youth Overrided" is just too awesome!

3. Katatonia—Viva Emptiness

I really wanted to like this, but I hated the lyrics. I could only enjoy the instrumental track.

Really? What turned you off so much?

5. Spiral Architect—A Skeptic’s Universe

I find it odd how something so militantly anti-commercial manages to be so catchy. Every riff and melody sticks with me.

Exactly. It's a miracle of an album. Oyvind's ability to craft melodies around those riffs just boggles the mind.

9. Idlewild—100 Broken Windows

I'm not familiar with them, but your description makes me think I should be.

You might like this, but it might be too straight-up indie rock for you. Check it out, though.

12. Ulver—Perdition City

I got this at just the right time in my life, together with reading Perdido Street Station, it set the course for my music. I haven't disliked anything Ulver's done since they went electronic, but this does push all the right buttons.

There's nothing quite like it. Even when I'm not in the mood for electronic music, I can still reach for this and be satisfied.

15. Gordian Knot—Emergent

Initially I didn't like this as much as the debut, but it has stuck with me much more. It stirs something in me that the first one doesn't. Singing Deep Mountain always impresses me.

That's my whole thing with this record. It DOES stir something in me. Very emotion instrumental music.

22.Paradise Lost—Believe in Nothing

I was surprised when I revisited my Paradise Lost CDs to find this one had the most songs that I like. I don't think it would make a Top 30 list for me.

It surprised me, but I had to give it its due!

26. Anathema—A Fine Day to Exit

It's my favorite from Anathema, it's got a mood and sound that just hit the right spot for me.

You like it more than Judgement?

27. Arcturus—The Sham Mirrors

I find myself playing this far more often than LMI, it's one of my most played metal albums.

I listen to it more than LMI, but I still like LMI more. Either way, they're both fantastic albums.

HG