10. Opeth - Blackwater ParkIf it hasn't been established already with this list, I really love dark music. This entire album has a cold, winter night atmosphere that has never been perfected until now. The usage of dissonant chords, the synth textures, and the doubling of acoustic and electric guitars is brought together by the genius of producer Steven Wilson to create the ultimate darkness. While the atmosphere can be unsettling to some, I find it very soothing. I've been sleeping to this album for the last year (it will occasionally switch with Dream Theater's "Awake", for the irony). It's brutal as hell, but the soft sections are so beautiful and ethereal. Even people who hate death metal can find something to love here.
Recommended tracks: The Leper Affinity, Bleak, The Funeral Portrait, Blackwater Park
9. Devin Townsend Project - GhostWhile BWP is beautiful for its darkness, Ghost is beautiful for its light. After a stress-filled day, this is an album that can make everything okay again. This might sound cheesy, but Ghost makes me realize the beauty of life and nature. It's a great companion piece to looking through a National Geographic magazine, or browsing pictures of waterfalls or whatever on the internet. The flute that takes up a lot of space on the album is a great touch that adds to the calm. Overall, this album is the perfect closer of the DTP, wrapping up the sheer chaos that preceded it without feeling out of place. Quite an achievement.
Recommended tracks: Heart Baby, Feather, Ghost, Blackberry, Infinite Ocean