Top 5 Albums of 2010 that I just couldn't put on my real list.

The following are the Top 5 albums that I really enjoyed but couldn't put on my actual Top 40 Albums of 2010 List. For various reasons. Such as, I have always loved this band but there is nothing special or different on this album that makes it any better or worse that the rest of their albums.
In no particular order:

Monster Magnet - Mastermind: I have always loved MM. This album is full of cool riffs and great hooks. But so is every other MM album. Some songs actually sound like they have taken riffs from previous albums. I still love it though.

Lair of the Minotaur - Evil Power: Not as good as the last album but still lots of fun.

Arson Anthem - Insecurity Notoriety: It's Phil Anselmo and Mike Williams. I shouldn't have to say more. A nice quick listen but nothing to set it apart from the pack. Again, plenty of fun.

Karma to Burn - Appalachian Incantation: KTB continues to pump out wicked jams. But other than the song titles/numbers, I have a hard time distinguishing songs from albums. That said, I'd listen to this any time. You can't knock quality instru-metal.

Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy: This one of those bands that I try to like but I can't really love them. The music itself is exceptional but I am not a fan of the vocals. I included this one more because I feel guilty for not digging it more.

Lair of the Minotaur, Kataklysm, A Thousand Knives of Fire

Lair of the Minotaur - War Metal Battle Master: This is how metal should be done, people. Wicked blend of style without it sounding too planned. I can hear influences without it sounding too obvious. It pummels, it destroys, it slays. No sappy lyrics, no pretty parts, just pure ass-kicking aggression. I loved every note. Look for this beast near the top of my list. Not to mention the video they made with with the naked zombie chicks. HORNS UP!!!!

Kataklysm - Prevail: I call this speed-death metal. Faster than your regular death metal but not overly technical. Makes me want to circle headbang. It's not full throttle the whole time though. "Blood in Heaven" has a militaristic type feel to it. I wish I could listen to this louder. It would be better louder. I don't really want the album to end. I'm going to give this a Horns UP, but I don't expect it to make my Top 40 of 2008. (which is turning into a Top 50 because I can't decide)

A Thousand Knives of Fire - The Last Train to Scornsville: Boogie rock. Vocals aren't very good. I heard them do a song on one of the Sucking the '70's compilations. I guess they are better when they don't write the song themselves. Very "Sweet Home Alabama is the best song ever!!!" Kid Rock would really like these guys. The gratuitous us of the word motherfucker on "She's Yours" is the best of this. Too country-ish for me really. Although I would enjoy this after a beers and some Jack. I'm gonna give it a Horns down.