Over the last few weeks of 05 we will be posting our writers' picks for the best of 2005.

Each day we posted a new Top 5 list from one of our writers. Now at the conclusion we are please to present the master list comprised of the top picks from all of our writer submissions.

Dan Upton's Top 5 of 05.

The problem with this list is that I'm sure there are plenty of great CDs that came out year that I completely missed out on... and also that a lot of my purchases this year have been older CDs... but, that said:

5. Ra - Duality: Took a while for this one to grow on me since it's rather different than their debut, but there's an abundance of good riffs and melodies here, and the lyrics are pretty decent too.
(samples / buy cd | review)

4. Opeth - Ghost Reveries: Opeth, where have you been all my life? Simply amazing.
(samples / buy cd)

3. 3 - Wake Pig: Seems a little out of place perhaps on Metal Blade's roster, but there's great writing and some insane musicianship here.
(samples / buy cd)

2. Sevendust - Next : If there was ever any doubt about the band's future after Clint left, fears have been laid to rest by this release's strong mix of Lajon's melodies and their original aggression.
(samples / buy cd | review)

1. Mattias IA Eklundh - The Road Less Traveled: Quirky, creative, and technically impressive, mostly without any silly lyrics to get in the way.
(samples / buy cd | review)

Honorable Mentions:
Roadrunner United - The All-Star Sessions
Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor