That would place you at Darksteel I believe ( Mirrodin Block ) . You might want to consider the EDH Commander format as a point of interest and a starting place to " get back in to it ", because there are a lot of great cards in the format from that era. It ( EDH ) is a 1v1 and multiplayer format ( great flexibility imho ) , and you might just have a few powerhouse EDH Commander cards to get you started, and Commander is great fun. Some things to consider I suppose, check it out in " Official Casual Formats " if you'd like, otherwise welcome.
Although I loved ( and still do ) Ravnica, and there are undeniable staples in Mirrodin, Alara and Zen, I think it was Timespiral block that defined and evolved EDH to where it is today.
Suddenly there was a slew of viable generals like Teferi, Jhoira, Jaya, Stonebrow, Kaervek ( among others ) and of course the legendary dragons.
Also staples and usable cards are abundant such as: Vesuva, Urborg, Academy Ruins, Akroma's Memorial, Coalition Relic, Aven Mindcensor, Body Double, Krosan Grip, Krovax ( white ), Akroma ( red ) Stonecloaker among lot's of others.
Add in the fact that Sliver generals were given access to a ton of new options, and the reprinted " Time Shifted " cards were made available to new players of the time, makes it imho the set that made EDH - Commander as popular as it is currently . ( as per the parameters of the OP's question ) Without a doubt there are better and more interesting generals and more powerful cards today, but I feel Timespiral paved the way for the format.
Long time lurker, very part time poster here. Even though your deck is a theme couldn't you use Helldozer ( perhaps a little DB but theme fitting ) or Unliving Psychopath. Sorry messaging from a PS3.
Suddenly there was a slew of viable generals like Teferi, Jhoira, Jaya, Stonebrow, Kaervek ( among others ) and of course the legendary dragons.
Also staples and usable cards are abundant such as: Vesuva, Urborg, Academy Ruins, Akroma's Memorial, Coalition Relic, Aven Mindcensor, Body Double, Krosan Grip, Krovax ( white ), Akroma ( red ) Stonecloaker among lot's of others.
Add in the fact that Sliver generals were given access to a ton of new options, and the reprinted " Time Shifted " cards were made available to new players of the time, makes it imho the set that made EDH - Commander as popular as it is currently . ( as per the parameters of the OP's question ) Without a doubt there are better and more interesting generals and more powerful cards today, but I feel Timespiral paved the way for the format.
I concur.