2002

1. Boole - Pheromones

2. Apoptygma Berzerk - Harmonizer

3. VNV Nation - Futureperfect

4. Neuroticfish - Les Chansons Neurotiques

5. Informätik - Nymphomatik

6. Ladytron - Light & Magic

7. Reverend Bizarre - In The Rectory Of The Bizarre Reverend

8. Dismantled - Dismantled

9. Bella Morte - The Quiet

10. Emilie Autumn - Enchant

Despite Apoptygma Berzerk and VNV Nation both releasing some of their very best material, the top spot goes to relative unknown Boole for their dizzyingly varied and quirky Pheromones album. Debut releases from doom band Reverend Bizarre and violinist Emilie Autumn make the list, beating out somewhat disappointing releases from popular veterans Covenant and Theatre of Tragedy. A number of now-popular acts were just making a name for themselves in 2002, with quality albums from groups like Icon Of Coil, Aslan Faction and The Cruxshadows barely missing a spot in the top 10.

My top five albums of 2002 by artists not covered on Darktronica.com: progressive hip-hop classics The Many Faces Of Oliver Hart by Eyedea and Godlovesugly by Atmosphere, Agalloch's acoustic black metal album The Mantle, power metal legend Nightwish's Century Child, and Remedy Lane by progressive metal rockers Pain of Salvation.