METALEATER's Top 30 Metal Releases Of 2006

METALEATER Spin Of The Year

1. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
2. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
3. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In the Myth [Nuclear Blast]
4. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Warner]
5. I - Between Two Worlds [Nuclear Blast]
6. KORPIKLAANI - Tales Along This Road [Napalm Records]
7. AMORPHIS - Eclipse [Nuclear Blast]
8. TOOL - 10,000 Days [Volcano]
9. SUMMONING - Oath Bound [Napalm Records]
10. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - The New Black [Century Media]
11. GOD DETHRONED - The Toxic Touch [Metal Blade]
12. INSOMNIUM - Above the Weeping World [Candlelight]
13. AGALLOCH - Ashes Against The Grain [The End Records]
14. NAPALM DEATH - Smear Campaign [Century Media]
15. LAMB OF GOD - Sacrament [Epic/Prosthetic]
16. HEED - The Call [Metal Heaven]
17. COMMUNIC - Waves Of Visual Decay [Nuclear Blast]
18. VOIVOD - Katorz [The End Records]
19. SATYRICON - Now, Diabolical [Century Media]
20. KATAKLYSM - In The Arms Of Devastation [Nuclear Blast]
21. NORTHER - Til Death Unites Us [Spinefarm]
22. EIDOLON - The Parallel Otherworld [Escapi]
23. SCAR SYMMETRY - Pitch Black Progress [Nuclear Blast]
24. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary]
25. ENSLAVED - Ruun [Candlelight Records]
26. DISSECTION - Reinkaos [Black Horizon]
27. VADER - Impressions In Blood [Candlelight]
28. EDGUY - Rocket Ride [Nuclear Blast]
29. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Kill [Metal Blade]
30. SLAYER - Christ Illusion [Warner/American]

Tony Antunovich

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
2. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In the Myth [Nuclear Blast]
3. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
4. I - Between Two Worlds [Nuclear Blast]
5. KATAKLYSM - In The Arms Of Devastation [Nuclear Blast]
6. SUMMONING - Oath Bound [Napalm Records]
7. INSOMNIUM - Above the Weeping World [Candlelight]
8. GOD DETHRONED - The Toxic Touch [Metal Blade]
9. KRISIUN - AssassiNation [Century Media]
10. DISSECTION - Reinkaos [Black Horizon]
11. EIDOLON - The Parallel Otherworld [Escapi]
12. BEYOND FEAR - Beyond Fear [SPV/Steamhammer]
13. SATYRICON - Now, Diabolical [Century Media]
14. KALMAH - The Black Waltz [Spinefarm]
15. AGALLOCH - Ashes Against The Grain [The End Records]
16. LAMB OF GOD - Sacrament [Epic/Prosthetic]
17. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Kill [Metal Blade]
18. GRAVE - As Rapture Comes [Century Media]
19. DREAMS OF DAMNATION - Epic Tales Of Vengeance [Say It In Blood]
20. UNLEASHED - Midvinterblot [SPV/Steamhammer]
21. VADER - Impressions In Blood [Candlelight]
22. NOCTURNAL RITES - Grand Illusion [Century Media]
23. ANGRA - Aurora Consurgens [SPV/Steamhammer]
24. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary]
25. SAVAGE CIRCUS - Dreamland Warrior [Century Media]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. QUEENSRŸCHE - Operation: Mindcrime II [Rhino] - We waited 18 years for THIS??? What a disgrace. No further comments.
2. TRIVIUM - The Crusade [Roadrunner] - They actually do have the skills to create music, so why did they decide to rip-off METALLICA's once-beloved sound, then hack it to pieces? This is just a pathetic attempt to capitalize on something that has already been done... successfully - IN THE PAST! Why this album has been praised so highly is beyond me.
3. VENOM - Metal Black [Sanctuary] - With all due respect to the Black Metal legends, this sounds like a blender full of dried bread crumbs and butter milk.
4. SEPULTURA - Dante XXI [SPV/Steamhammer] - Same band name since day one, but such a drastic change in musical direction since Max Cavalera left. Are lemons sour?
5. RHAPSODY OF FIRE - Triumph Or Agony [Magic Circle Music] - It seems that the name change prompted a musical change as well. Why? Very disappointing.

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. AMON AMARTH - Wrath Of The Norsemen [Metal Blade]
2. ARCH ENEMY - Live Apocalypse [Century Media]
3. MEGADETH - Arsenal Of Megadeth [EMI]
4. ANNIHILATOR - Ten Years In Hell [SPV/Steamhammer]
5. KRISIUN - Live Armageddon [Century Media]

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. Metal Crusaders Tour (KATAKLYSM, VADER, DESTRUCTION, SPEED\KILL/HATE, THE ABSCENCE) - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
2. MORBID ANGEL/KRISIUN/BEHEMOTH/DESPISED ICON - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
3. Jagermeister Tour (ARCH ENEMY, CHIMAIRA, GOD FORBID, HATE ETERNAL) - Croatian Cultural Centre - Vancouver, BC
4. BLIND GUARDIAN/LEAVES' EYES - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC
5. Unholy Alliance Tour (SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD, MASTODON, CHILDREN OF BODOM, THINE EYES BLEED) - GM Place - Vancouver, BC

High Expectations For 2007

1. ANTHRAX - Okay, the original lineup seems to be permanently intact once again. Now it's time for a new album!
2. ARCH ENEMY - After three killer albums with Angela Gossow, can they make #4 rise above them all? Extreme needs to be more extreme, that's all I can say. Can't wait for this one.
3. WINTERSUN - 2005's self-titled album was a masterpiece. Can the sophomore outing follow in its footsteps? With the talent involved in this band, I think that's a given.
4. JUDAS PRIEST - 2005's "comeback" with the reunion of Rob Halford was good, but the album that followed was not as good as it could have been. Enter 2007...their band's first-ever concept album based on the predictions of Nostradamus? This will be interesting.
5. IMMORTAL - Let's hope the reunion sparks new ideas which will cultivate into a NEW ALBUM!

Corey Bonnett

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
2. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
3. PATH OF GOLCONDA - The Threshold Diaries [Independently Released]
4. ANONYMUS - Chapter Chaos Begins [Galy]
5. EIDOLON - The Parallel Otherworld [Escapi]
6. PURIFIED IN BLOOD – Reaper Of Souls [Alveran Records]
7. MERCENARY - The Hours That Remain [Century Media]
8. I - Between Two Worlds [Nuclear Blast]
9. VADER - Impressions In Blood [Candlelight]
10. HERRATIK - Wrath=Divine [Copro Records]
11. FAIRYTALE ABUSE - The Spirit Tower [HateWorks Records]
12. LAMB OF GOD - Sacrament [Epic/Prosthetic]
13. NAPALM DEATH - Smear Campaign [Century Media]
14. GOD DETHRONED - The Toxic Touch [Metal Blade]
15. SOULEDGE - Blood Has No Limit [SelfMadeGod Records]
16. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Kill [Metal Blade]
17. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In the Myth [Nuclear Blast]
18. TOTAL DEVASTATION - Wreck [Firebox Records]
19. SCAR SYMMETRY - Pitch Black Progress [Nuclear Blast]
20. HEED - The Call [Metal Heaven]
21. UNEARTH - III: In The Eyes Of Fire [Metal Blade]
22. FALCONER - Northwind [Metal Blade]
23. LETHAL GUEST - Suicide By The Other Side [Independently Released]
24. JUNGLE ROT - War Zone [Crash Music]
25. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE - As Daylight Dies [Roadrunner]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. CELTIC FROST - Monotheist [Century Media]
2. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary]
3. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Warner]
4. TRIVIUM - The Crusade [Roadrunner]
5. ROB ZOMBIE - Educated Horses [Geffen]

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. ARCH ENEMY - Live Apocalypse [Century Media]
2. AMON AMARTH - Wrath Of The Norsemen [Metal Blade]
3. MEGADETH - Arsenal Of Megadeth [EMI]
4. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey [Warner]
5. ANNIHILATOR - Ten Years In Hell [SPV/Steamhammer]

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. ANONYMUS – Kilroys - Thunder Bay, ON
2. CRYPTOPSY/SKINLESS – Kilroys - Thunder Bay, ON
3. DARKEST HOUR/MISERY SIGNALS – Kilroys - Thunder Bay, ON
4. 3 INCHES OF BLOOD – Kilroys - Thunder Bay, ON

High Expectations For 2007

1. SINNER - Mask Of Sanity [MTM Music]
2. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy
3. A new IMMORTAL release!
4. A new ANTHRAX release!
5. More live DVDs from Metal bands in general!

Brian Davis

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. TOOL - 10,000 Days [Volcano]
2. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
3. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In The Myth [Nuclear Blast]
4. SCAR SYMMETRY - Pitch Black Progress [Nuclear Blast]
5. GOD DETHRONED - The Toxic Touch [Metal Blade]
6. AUTUMN'S END - Act Of Attrition [Hammermill]
7. MASTERY - Lethal Legacy [Corporate Punishment]
8. DOG FASHION DISCO - Adultery [Rotten Records]
9. COMMUNIC - Waves Of Visual Decay [Nuclear Blast]
10. KATAKLYSM - In The Arms Of Devastation [Nuclear Blast]
11. TO-MERA - Transcendental [Candlelight]
12. ANATA - The Conductor's Departure [Earache]
13. SOULSCAR - Endgame [Galy]
14. DISSECTION - Reinkaos [Black Horizon]
15. DREAMS OF DAMNATION - Epic Tales Of Vengeance [Say It In Blood]
16. DECAPITATED - Organic Hallucinosis [Earache]
17. GRAVE - As Rapture Comes [Century Media]
18. WITCHERY - Don't Fear The Reaper [Century Media]
19. NECROPHOBIC - Hrimthursum [Candlelight]
20. VADER - Impressions In Blood [Candlelight]
21. SHADOWS LAND - Terminus Ante Quem [Osmose Productions]
22. YYRKOON - Unhealthy Opera [The End Records]
23. LYZANXIA - Unsu [Listenable]
24. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - The New Black [Century Media]
25. MY DARKEST HATE - Combat Area [Massacre]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. QUEENSRŸCHE - Operation: Mindcrime II [Rhino] - One of the greatest travesties in musical history. What a pathetic stab at trying to capitalize on one of the Metal world's most legendary concept albums. For shame.
2. EVERGREY - Monday Morning Apocalypse [SPV] - EVERGREY is so much better than this album dictates. Back to the drawing board, guys - you really missed the mark this time.
3. SLAVE TO THE SYSTEM - Slave To The System [Spitfire] - I'm not losing any sleep over this one, but they have enough talent to have pulled off something better than this tripe.
4. ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET - 21st Century Killing Machine [Nuclear Blast] - Maybe the demise of THE CROWN was still a little too fresh for me to fully appreciate this, but what a let down. Still, I'll reserve any long term judgment until I hear the next effort.
5. VENOM - Metal Black [Sanctuary] - Proof that trying to make the exact same Lucifer loving, under produced Metal from 20 years ago doesn't work these days.

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. TOOL - The Gorge - George, WA - Point blank the absolute greatest concert experience of my entire life. Period.
2. Jagermeister Tour - El Corazon - Seattle, WA - Not only a phenomenal show, but Angela Gossow and ARCH ENEMY proved that Metal is truly a caring community by meeting our 5 year old daughter and dedicating a song to her. It doesn't get any better than that.
3. HYPOCRISY/STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - El Corazon - Seattle, WA - Two of the most intense live bands in all of Metal, plain and simple.
4. DECAPITATED/HYPOCRISY - El Corazon - Seattle, WA - Both bands toured the US so much this year, I've begun to think they live here.
5. RUSTMINE - Rock 'N' Roll Pizza - Portland, OR - Want a band to make you feel at home and treat you like family? Go see RUSTMINE.

High Expectations For 2007

1. Another TOOL tour in support of "10,000 Days". Not only am I curious to see what they come up with for the next stage show, but I'm wondering if it's humanly possibly to top this year's tour. Time will tell...
2. A full scale INTO ETERNITY tour of North America. They gave us one of the greatest and most original Metal albums of all time with "The Scattering Of Ashes"; now it's time to see it live.
3. The release of the next BIOMECHANICAL epic, "Cannibalized". Along with INTO ETERNITY these guys are redefining Metal single-handedly. The new disc is guaranteed brilliance.
4. A new CARNIVAL IN COAL album. Whether it will be out next year or not remains to be seen, but I can dream dammit, I can dream.
5. Since I'm in a dream state already, I'll really shoot for the moon and beg for CARNIVAL IN COAL to make their touring debut on US soil. Their brilliance can't go on being under-appreciated forever, can it?

Ciaran Meeks

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
2. I - Between Two Worlds [Nuclear Blast]
3. KORPIKLAANI - Tales Along This Road [Napalm Records]
4. SUMMONING - Oath Bound [Napalm Records]
5. AMORPHIS - Eclipse [Nuclear Blast]
6. ENSLAVED - Ruun [Candlelight Records]
7. INSOMNIUM - Above the Weeping World [Candlelight]
8. AGALLOCH - Ashes Against The Grain [The End Records]
9. JORN - The Duke [AFM Records]
10. NORTHER - Til Death Unites Us [Spinefarm]
11. DARKTHRONE - The Cult Is Alive [Peaceville Records]
12. KALMAH - The Black Waltz [Spinefarm]
13. ELVENKING - The Winter Wake [AFM Records]
14. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Warner]
15. IHSAHN - The Adversary [Candlelight]
16. SATYRICON - Now, Diabolical [Century Media]
17. DISMEMBER - The God That Never Was [Candlelight]
18. CELTIC FROST - Monotheist [Century Media]
19. UNLEASHED - Midvinterblot [SPV/Steamhammer]
20. SLAYER - Christ Illusion [Warner/American]
21. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
22. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In the Myth [Nuclear Blast]
23. WOLF - The Black Flame [Prosthetic Records]
24. KEEP OF KALESSIN - Armada [Candlelight]
25. THYRFING - Farsotstider [Candlelight]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

Just for once I'm not going to play this game. Well...kinda not going to at any rate. My reasons are as follows: i) I haven't actually reviewed any real stinkers this year, and thus don't honestly have much to offer in to this section in terms of objective complaints, ii) as far as building my personal collection of music is concerned I'm becoming more discerning in what I purchase and therefore have not even really heard much more than a track or two of what I continue to be "stinkers", and iii) maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, but more and more I'm starting to be of the opinion that a bad review is punishment enough...no need to rub salt in the wound come end-of-the-year time...unless we're talking about ANVIL that is!

If anything, the only poor quality album I made the mistake of spending a hard-earned $12.99 on this year (well...the only poor quality METAL album that is. I'm one of those idiots who thought on a whim that MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE's "The Black Parade" might be worth a try. How embarrassing to actually admit that here.), only to be brutally reminded that - as PUBLIC ENEMY once so eloquently put it - "Don't believe the hype!" is too often too true an adage...was TRIVIUM's God-awful "The Crusade".

Seriously...if ever there were a bunch of guys determined to demonstrate - as this band continues to do time and time again - in every interview/soundbite/article I read of them (not to mention the exhibit-A-level, mount-everest-sized slab of evidence that is their recorded output!) that their only interest in life is in putting out blatantly ripped-off, carbon copied, trend-whoring, you-know-what-sucking sonic photo copies of their idol's existing work (can anyone say obsessive METALLICA-worship out there!?!)...then I don't know who is. Frankly I thought Corey was being kind when he gave this coaster a 4/10. I wish I had reviewed it. I probably would have given it a 2/10 instead. I mean really...being horribly unoriginal is one thing, but to do it in such an impotent, flaccid, and uninspiringly obvious manner as is displayed on "The Crusade" is just flat-out offensive. The fact that the North American music media continues to hype these talentless hacks as the second-coming of "Master Of Puppets"-era 'TALLICA merely cements my view that the North American music media don't have a frickin' clue.

So there you have it; a single album so bad that it gets an end-of-year panning easily worth any other five bad albums combined. Just garbage. An example of everything that is wrong with commercial music...because yes, despite the presence of a few power chords and a blastbeat or two this is definitely commercial music! An insult to genuine Metal music and Metalheads everywhere. Blehh.

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. AMON AMARTH - Wrath Of The Norsemen [Metal Blade]
2. CHILDREN OF BODOM - Chaos Ridden Years: Stockholm Knockout Live [Universal]
3. MANOWAR - The Day The Shook: The Absolute Power [Magic Circle Music]
4. ARCH ENEMY - Live Apocalypse [Century Media]
5. ENSIFERUM - 10th Anniversary [Spinefarm]

Top 5 Live Shows 2006

1. FINNTROLL/SODOM - The Opera House - Toronto, ON
2. CHILDREN OF BODOM/CHIMAIRA - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON
3. DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND - The Red Room - Vancouver, BC
4. BLIND GUARDIAN/LEAVE'S EYES - The Commodore - Vancouver, BC
5. TYRANT'S BLOOD - some guy's basement - Burnaby, BC

High Expectations For 2007

1. A killer new album from FINNTROLL hits the shelves!!!
2. CHILDREN OF BODOM release a fantastic, consciously less commercial follow-up to "Are You Dead Yet?" and STILL manage to become the next big thing in Heavy Metal on North American shores.
3. AMON AMARTH embark upon a headline tour that takes them across Europe and North America. These intrepid Vikings are poised to break BIG on both shores!!! But hey...what do you expect? They do have Oden on their side after all!!!
4. Once again both OPETH and ENSLAVED prove to the world that they can do no wrong.
5. IMMORTAL reunite and release a new album???

Luc Ben Hayoun

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. HEED - The Call [Metal Heaven]
2. AMORPHIS - Eclipse [Nuclear Blast]
3. PERSUADER - When Eden Burns [Dockyard 1]
4. COMMUNIC - Waves Of Visual Decay [Nuclear Blast]
5. NORTHER - Till Death Unites Us [Spinefarm]
6. KORPIKLAANI - Tales Along This Road [Napalm Records]
7. ENTWINE - Fatal Design [Spikefarm]
8. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary]
9. NOUMENA - Anatomy Of Life [Spikefarm]
10. INSOMNIUM - Above The Weeping World [Candlelight]
11. BLOODBOUND - Nosferatu [Metal Heaven]
12. MYSTIC PROPHECY - Savage Souls [Massacre]
13. SAVAGE CIRCUS - Dreamland Warrior [Century Media]
14. FIREWIND - Allegiance [Century Media]
15. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
17. ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW - Before The Bleeding Sun [Spinefarm]
18. FALKENBACH - Heralding The Fireblade [Napalm Records]
19. FALCHION - Legacy Of Heathens [World Chaos Productions]
20. SATYRICON - Now Diabolical [Century Media]
21. NIGHTMARE - The Dominion Gate [Candlelight]
22. OBSCURANT - First Degree Suicide [Woodcut Records]
23. KALMAH - The Black Waltz [Spinefarm]
24. ATAKHAMA - Existence Indifferent [Woodcut Records]
25. DRAGONLAND - Astronomy [Century Media]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. MANOWAR - The Sons Of Odin [Magic Circle Music]. It seems like now the longer we wait between two releases, the worse it gets with MANOWAR.
2. BRAND NEW SIN - Tequila [Century Media]. This album could be easily forgotten if it wasn't so painful to be listened to.
3. SEVEN WITCHES - Amped [Candlelight]. Frost and Co. got us used to so much better in their previous material. Lets just hope this one was just a mishap!
4. CHILDREN OF BODOM - Chaos Ridden Years: Stockholm Knockout Live [Universal]. After seeing the Fins performing live at several occasions, I was hoping for something else.
5. DRAGONFORCE - Inhuman Rampage- [Sanctuary]. More technical than ever, unfortunately the whole thing lacks inspiration as well as emotion.

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. AMON AMARTH - Wrath Of The Norsemen [Metal Blade]
2. WHITESNAKE - Live In The Still Of The Night [AFM Records]
3. RAINBOW - Live In Munich 1977 [Eagle Rock Entertainment]

High Expectations For 2007

1. DIMMU BORGIR - In Sorte Diaboli - New album scheduled to be released this spring!
2. MOONSORROW - Hävitetty
3. MNEMIC - Passenger
4. THERION - Gothic Kabbalah
5. IMMORTAL - The Reunion has been confirmed. Still waiting for news about a new album!

Philip Wickstrand

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Warner]
2. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - The New Black [Century Media]
3. DAYLIGHT DIES - Dismantling Devotion [Candlelight]
4. AMON AMARTH - With Oden On Our Side [Metal Blade]
5. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In The Myth [Nuclear Blast]
6. WATERCLIME - The Astral Factor [Lion Music]
7. AGALLOCH - Ashes Against The Grain [The End Records]
8. SUMMONING - Oath Bound [Napalm Records]
9. DOL AMMAD - Ocean Dynamics [Electronica Art Metal Records]
10. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering Of Ashes [Century Media]
11. CHROME DIVISION - Doomsday Rock N' Roll [Nuclear Blast]
12. KORPIKLAANI - Tales Along This Road [Napalm Records]
13. TERROR 2000 - Terror For Sale [Nuclear Blast]
14. VOIVOD - Katorz [The End Records]
15. ALL THAT REMAINS - The Fall Of Ideals [Prosthetic Records]
16. EDGUY - Rocket Ride [Nuclear Blast]
17. OPUS DAI - Tïerra Trágame [Double Blind]
18. EVERGREY - Monday Morning Apocalypse [InsideOut Music]
19. DREAM EVIL - United [Century Media]
20. DRAGONFORCE - Inhuman Rampage [Sanctuary]
21. DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND - Synchestra [InsideOut Music]
22. KATATONIA - The Great Cold Distance [Peaceville]
23. PLACE OF SKULLS - The Black Is Never Far [Exile On Mainstream Records]
24. CANVAS SOLARIS - Penumbra Diffuse [Sensory]
25. IHSAHN - The Adversary [Candlelight]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary] - This actually wasn't a bad album, but the bare fact that there were only three memorable songs on an album I'd been salivating over for a year means that I'm very disappointed.
2. LACUNA COIL - Karmacode [Century Media] - "Comalies" was such a great album with numerous memorable songs, so what does it say about the follow-up LP when the most memorable track is a DEPECHE MODE cover?
3. SEVEN WITCHES - Amped [Candlelight] - It's like the audio equivalent a big helping of bland with an extra side of bland.
4. TROLLFEST - Brakebein [Omvina] - I liked what I'd heard from the debut album, but nothing stuck out for me on their sophomore effort.
5. MY DYING BRIDE - A Line of Deathless Kings [Peaceville] - The music is fine here, but the vocals suddenly became whiny to the point of almost being Emo over the span of one album.

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. THERION - Celebrators Of Becoming [Nuclear Blast]
2. AMON AMARTH - Wrath Of The Norsemen [Metal Blade]
3. THE WHO - Quadrophenia Live With Special Guests [Rhino]
4. ANNIHILATOR - Ten Years In Hell [SPV/Steamhammer]
5. MASTODON - The Workhorse Chronicles [Relapse]

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. BLIND GUARDIAN w/ LEAVE'S EYES - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
2. MÄGO DE OZ w/ INTERPUESTO - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
3. MOONSPELL w/ KATATONIA/DAYLIGHT DIES/AGALLOCH - The Gravity Room - Portland, OR
4. SPOCK'S BEARD w/ LYRANTHE/ASHLAND - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
5. AGALLOCH w/ WALDTEUFEL/GIANT SQUID/WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM - Sabala's - Portland, OR

High Expectations For 2007

1. Heathen Crusade II - This will be my first vacation since March of 2001. Needless to say, that's enough to make me excited on it's own. Couple that with exclusive North American appearances from international acts like BAL-SAGOTH, MÅNEGARM, SKYFORGER, RUDRA and OBTEST, as well as appearances from U.S. acts like SLOUGH FEG and VESPERIAN SORROW, and you get the show I've met with the most anticipation since I saw THERION's U.S. live debut.
2. New albums from THERION, MOONSORROW, SHAI HULUD, THRESHOLD, LAST EMPIRE and REDEMPTION - I don't even need to hear these albums to know that they are all already the frontrunners for my vote on album of the year, 2007.
3. The live NEVERMORE DVD - Made even more special by the fact that I was at the Seattle show they filmed for it with several of my best friends.
4. More good tours in 2007! And don't ignore the Pacific Northwest so often this year, please. Yes, I'm talking to you, Dave Mustaine.
5. Did I mention that THERION and MOONSORROW have new albums out in 2007?

Nick Cacioppo

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. STARKWEATHER - Croatoan [Candlelight]
2. MADE OUT OF BABIES - Coward [Neurot Recordings]
3. DEATHCYCLE - Deathcycle [Chainsaw Safety]
4. BLUT AUS NORD - Mort [Candlelight]
5. GOATWHORE - A Haunting Curse [Metal Blade]
6. MELVINS - (A) Senile Animal [Ipecac]
7. UNEARTHLY TRANCE - The Trident [Relapse]
8. GIANT SQUID - Metridium Fields [The End Records]
9. CRETIN - Freakery [Relapse Records]
10. NAPALM DEATH - Smear Campaign [Century Media]
11. DRUGS OF FAITH - Drugs Of Faith [Selfmadegod]
12. IMPALED NAZARENE - Pro Patria Finlandia [Osmose Productions]
13. MISERY INDEX - Discordia [Relapse]
14. KYLESA - Time Will Fuse Its Worth [Prosthetic Records]
15. HARVEY MILK - Special Wishes [Relapse Records]
16. KAYO DOT - Dowsing Amenoe With Copper Tongue [Robotic Empire]
17. ANAAL NATHRAKH - Eschaton [Season Of Mist]
18. UNEXPECT - In A Flesh Aqaurium [The End Records]
19. LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR - Ultimate Destroyer [Southern Lord]
20. JESU - Silver [Hydrahead Records]
21. DARKTHRONE - The Cult Is Alive [Peaceville]
22. KHLYST - Chaos Is My Name [Hydrahead Records]
23. ANTAEUS - Blood Libels [Southern Lord]
24. FEAST OF HEROD - Longinus [Independent]
25. GOJIRA - From Mars to Sirus [Prosthetic Records]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. SLAYER - Christ Illusion [Warner/American]
2. TERRORIZER - Darker Days Ahead [Century Media]
3. JUCIFER - If Thine Enemy Hunger [Relapse]
4. VOIVOD - Katorz [The End Records]
5. No new OXBOW album!

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. STARKWEATHER - CBGBs - NY
2. SOILENT GREEN - CBGBs - NY
3. ANAL CUNT - North Six - Brooklyn, NY
4. SUNSANE - CBGBs - NY
5. MELVINS - Warsaw - Brooklyn, NY

High Expectations For 2007

1. DVD releases from CRIPPLE BASTARDS, NEGATIVE APPROACH, and CABLE.
2. A new OXBOW album.
3. NEUROSIS getting heavy again.
4. "Headbanger's Ball" either getting cancelled or overhauled completely.
5. Tearing the new OTEP album a third poopchute.

Jeff Treppel

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. BLIND GUARDIAN - A Twist In The Myth [Nuclear Blast]
2. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Reprise]
3. INTO ETERNITY - The Scattering of Ashes [Century Media]
4. AMON AMARTH - With Oden on Our Side [Metal Blade]
5. AMORPHIS - Eclipse [Nuclear Blast]
6. I - Between Two Worlds [Nuclear Blast]
7. KORPIKLAANI - Tales along This Road [Napalm Records]
8. NEBULA - Apollo [Liquor And Poker Music]
9. LOCH VOSTOK - Destruction Time Again! [Escapi]
10. GOJIRA- From Mars To Sirius [Prosthetic Records]
11. SATYRICON - Now, Diabolical [Century Media]
12. DESTROY DESTROY DESTROY - Devour The Power [Metal Blade]
13. VOIVOD - Katorz [The End Records]
14. IN FLAMES - Come Clarity [Ferret Music]
15. STOLEN BABIES - There Be Squabbles Ahead [The End Records]
16. EDGUY - Rocket Ride [Nuclear Blast]
17. HEROD - Rich Man's War... Poor Man's Fight [Lifeforce]
18. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - The New Black [Century Media]
19. THE GATHERING - Home [The End Records]
20. THE HAUNTED - The Dead Eye [Century Media]
21. JUCIFER - If Thine Enemy Hunger [Relapse]
22. FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES - The Always Open Mouth [Equal Vision]
23. CASKET SALESMEN - Sleeping Giants [Long Hair Illuminati]
24. SCAR SYMMETRY - Pitch Black Progress [Nuclear Blast]
25. DREAM EVIL - United [Century Media]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary] - Look, I love IRON MAIDEN, but no matter how much the band tries to insist that this is their best album EVER, it isn't. It just doesn't have that classic MAIDEN feel, and when I can drive to the grocery store, buy milk, and drive back home within the space of one song and not miss anything, that isn't a good thing.
2. LACUNA COIL - Karmacode [Century Media] - It took four years for this? Really?
3. CELTIC FROST - Monotheist [Century Media] - It took 16 years for this? Really?
4. DRAGONFORCE - The Inhuman Rampage [RoadRunner] - The ridiculous speed almost manages to cover the fact that this band doesn't actually know how to write songs. Almost.
5. ROB ZOMBIE - Educated Horses [Geffen] - I used to say that Rob Zombie should stick to music and not movies, but now I'm thinking he should probably stay with movies.

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. ARCH ENEMY - Live Apocalypse [Century Media]
2. BRUCE DICKINSON - Anthology [Sanctuary]
3. CHILDREN OF BODOM - Chaos Ridden Years: Stockholm Knockout Live [Universal]
4. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey [Warner]
5. FAITH NO MORE - Live At The Brixton Academy, London You Fat B**tards/Who Cares A Lot? The Greatest Videos [Rhino]

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. ARMORED SAINT/DEATH ANGEL - House Of Blues - Hollywood, CA
2. GREEN CARNATION/BEYOND THE EMBRACE - Zen Sushi - Los Angeles, CA
3. HELLACOPTERS/NEBULA - El Rey Theater - Los Angeles, CA
4. IN FLAMES/TRIVIUM - Wiltern Theater - Los Angeles, CA
5. MUNICIPAL WASTE - Zen Sushi - Los Angeles, CA

High Expectations For 2007

1. Dave Wyndorf gets out of rehab and makes another awesome MONSTER MAGNET record.
2. Peter Steele gets out of prison/rehab/CARNIVORE and finally puts out another TYPE O NEGATIVE album.
3. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy!
4. JUDAS PRIEST concept album? I'm hopeful. Yeah, hopeful... that's the word...
5. I realize OZZY OSBOURNE probably isn't ever going to put out another good solo album, but a boy can dream, can't he?

Cordula Abston

Top 25 Releases Of 2006

1. MASTODON - Blood Mountain [Warner]
2. TOOL - 10,000 Days [Zomba/SonyBMG]
3. MOTÖRHEAD - Kiss Of Death [SPV/Steamhammer]
4. BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - Shot To Hell [Roadrunner]
5. LAMB OF GOD - Sacrament [Epic/Prosthetic]
6. VOIVOD - Katorz [The End Records]
7. NAPALM DEATH - Smear Campaign [Century Media]
8. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD – The New Black [Century Media]
9. DISILLUSION - GLORIA [Metal Blade]
10. HEAVEN SHALL BURN - Deaf To Our Prayers [Century Media]
11. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death [Sanctuary]
12. TRIVIUM - The Crusade [Roadrunner]
13. SLAYER - Christ Illusion [Warner/American]
14. ENSLAVED - Ruun [Candlelight]
15. RAMMSTEIN - Völkerball [Universal]
16. SHADOWS FALL - Fallout From The War [Century Media]
17. METAL CHURCH - A Light In The Dark [SPV/STEAMHAMMER]
18. CELTIC FROST - Monotheist [Century Media]
19. EVERGREY - Monday Morning Apocalypse [InsideOut Music]
20. SOULSCAR - Endgame [Galy]
21. THE HAUNTED - The Dead Eye [Century Media]
22. IN FLAMES - Come Clarity [Ferret Music]
23. KORPIKLAANI - Tales Along This Road [Napalm Records]
24. SONATA ARCTICA - For The Sake Of Revenge [Nuclear Blast]
25. SODOM - Sodom [SPV/Steamhammer]

Top Disappointments Of 2006

1. QUEENSRŸCHE - Operation: Mindcrime II [Rhino Records]
2. BODY COUNT - Murder 4 Hire [Escapi Music]
3. VENOM - Metal Black [Sanctuary]
4. LACUNA COIL - Karmacode [Century Media]
5. COLDSEED - Completion Makes The Tragedy [Nuclear Blast]

Top DVDs Of 2006

1. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey [Warner]
2. RAMMSTEIN - Völkerball [Universal]
3. ARCH ENEMY - Live Apocalypse [Century Media]
4. TROUBLE - The Skull [Escapi Musik/Edel]
5. GWAR - Blood Bath And Beyound [DRT Entertainment]

Top Live Shows Of 2006

1. KREATOR w/NAPALM DEATH - Studio 7 - Seattle, WA
2. TRIVIUM w/DEW-SCENTED - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
3. MOTÖRHEAD w/WE/MELDRUM - Philipshalle - Düsseldorf, Germany
4. ANTHRAX w/BEYOND FEAR - Garage – Saarbrücken, Germany
5. AMON AMARTH w/WINTERSUN/TÝR - Batschkapp – Frankfurt, Germany

High Expectations For 2007

1. More open-mindedness between people of the different metal genres. Come on, we’re all kick ass in our own way!!!
2. That PRONG will continue and get a new record deal.
3. PRO-PAIN - I can’t wait for the new studio album and the subsequent European tour.
4. ANTHRAX - Where is the new album?
5. That INFERNAL MAJESTY will tour Germany. Would love to see those guys again!