Rolling Stone has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 250 Best Albums of the 21st Century So Far, revealing that only two influential metal albums have secured a place on this prestigious ranking.

This limited representation of metal music on such a comprehensive list is not surprising, especially when considering the vast array of genres included, particularly more mainstream acts. However, the presence of these select albums underscores their significant impact on the metal genre and the broader music landscape, showcasing how certain records can resonate deeply, even in a crowded field.

Curious about which metal albums have earned their spot in Rolling Stone‘s prestigious 250 Best Albums of the 21st Century So Far?

Explore the Impact of Mastodon’s Groundbreaking Work

To uncover the first metal album on the list, one must scroll to No. 171, where the honor is bestowed upon Mastodon’s 2004 landmark album, Leviathan. In its retrospective analysis, Rolling Stone highlights how “their meat-and-potatoes approach to heavy metal provided a refreshing change during a period when the genre was grappling with an identity crisis, caught between nu metal, metalcore, and progressive metal. Mastodon simply assessed the landscape and metaphorically growled, ‘You’re gonna need a bigger riff.’

READ MORE: Discover the 66 Best Metal Songs of the 21st Century

Leviathan features iconic tracks such as “Blood and Thunder,” “Iron Tusk,” and “Naked Burn,” which not only showcase the band’s prowess but also underscore their influence in the metal community. Upon its release, it peaked at No. 139 on the Billboard 200 album chart, but over the years, it has grown to be recognized as one of the most significant albums of its time. As part of their celebration, the band is set to honor the album’s 20th anniversary during their tour in 2024, a testament to its lasting legacy.

System of a Down’s Bold Political Statements in Music

Notably, Rolling Stone has recognized System of a Down’s considerable contribution to the music scene by featuring their iconic 2001 album Toxicity at No. 159 on the list. The band’s unique style has revolutionized the notion of protest music, combining elements from the ’90s alterna-metal genre while crafting a sound that is perfectly suited for 21st-century audiences.

“System of a Down pioneered a lively and engaging style of protest music, diverging from the traditional machismo of their nu-metal contemporaries. They skillfully incorporated staccato squeaks, elements of death disco, punk polkas, and circus thrash, leading a generation toward a heightened awareness of radical politics,” Rolling Stone elaborates in its commentary on the album.

With hit singles like “Chop Suey,” “Toxicity,” and “Aerials,” this album marked a pivotal moment for the band, becoming their first record to top the charts and securing a six-time platinum certification in the U.S., solidifying its place in music history.

Metalcore’s Rise: A Spotlight on Influential Bands

The Rolling Stone list also highlights two significant metalcore acts, reflecting the genre’s rapid evolution and growing influence in the 21st Century. The first entry is Pierce the Veil’s 2012 album, Collide With the Sky, which ranks at No. 243. Rolling Stone captures the urgency and passion of this record, stating, “The band performs as if it’s actively being consumed by a fiery blaze,” emphasizing the intense energy they bring to their music.

Converge also earns recognition with their 2001 album Jane Doe, which takes the 192nd spot on the list. Rolling Stone describes the album as “pure chaos,” noting the absence of traditional song structures such as verses and choruses, and even the lack of a catchy guitar riff. Instead, it presents listeners with 45 minutes of exhilarating, frightening, and rattling sonic experiences that push the boundaries of what metal can entail.

Exploring the Trends in Rock and Metal Representations

While recency bias may influence the rankings, it is noteworthy that only one rock or metal album from the 2020s made it onto the list: Turnstile’s 2021 album Glow On, which sits at No. 236.

Additionally, the 2010s saw a modest representation, with only four rock and metal albums making the cut. These include Pierce the Veil’s Collide With the Sky (2012) at No. 243, The Black Keys’ Brothers (2010) at No. 217, Arctic Monkeys’ AM (2013) at No. 57, and David Bowie’s Blackstar (2016) at No. 24.

Interestingly, only two rock albums managed to break into the Top 10 overall. The Strokes’ 2001 garage rock revival album Is This It captured the No. 10 spot on the Rolling Stone list, while Radiohead’s acclaimed Kid A claimed the prestigious No. 2 position for the Best Album of the 21st Century So Far.

If you’re eager to explore the full list of these remarkable albums, you can find it available now through Rolling Stone.