My Top 20 metal cd's of 2006
(pretty general thoughts compiled during the year, and rankings done on 12/14/06)
#1 Vanden Plas - Christ 0 - It's the disc of the year for me. It had some
competition at times, but managed to keep my attention for most of the year, and is quite deserving of the honor. I think this is their best work yet,
and the material is quite interesting. VP's got to rank among my very
favorites these days. They are a band I seem to like a little bit more with
each outing. I think this band really has the total package going. The
concept is pretty cool too. It's based on The Count Of Monte Cristo, but is
set in modern times, and really only loosely resembles the Dumas classic.
When it comes to progressive power metal there just aren't many better than Vanden Plas.
#2 Circle II Circle - Burden Of Truth - Excellent disc ... CIIC's best if
you ask me. This disc is a concept album based on the DaVinci Code, and it
comes across as a real cohesive effort. CIIC always had the problem of 1/2
good, and 1/2 so-so albums, but this time out it's great from start to end.
I think they've really upped it a notch on this one. Zack's a terrific
singer, and this disc is very catchy. I find myself singing along to this
one quite a bit.
#3 Mystic Prophecy - Savage Souls - I love this one. It's my favorite of
theirs. Previous to this one I had Regressus at the top of the heap, but I
put this new one above it now. I think this disc puts MP near the top of the
list when it comes to current power metal bands. I'd put them in the Tad
Morose, Brainstorm, Nocturnal Rites class. I love RD's singing, and one
thing that is amazing is that Gus G. isn't really missed at all. Why oh why
have these guys not played Prog Power yet?
#4 Red Circuit - Trance State - Chity Lanka sings on this one, and is
joined in the project by VP's Stephan Lill, Adagio's Stephen Forte, Elegy's
Patrick Rondat, with co-production from VP's Andy Kuntz. The material
reminds me of a cross between Conception and Vanden Plas. It contains some excellent songs, but the disc only clocks in at 43 minutes long. Still,
this is very high on my favorites list this year. It's been a top 5 choice
for me all year long.
#5 Wolverine - Still - This is my first real taste of Wolverine, and I find
"Still" to be an excellent listen. Gone now are any signs of growly vox,
which had been a staple of theirs to varrying degrees on earlier releases.
"Still" is a moody and dark progressive metal treat that is mainly mid to
slower tempo. Pretty good songs overall, that tend to be catchy enough to
keep my interest. The singer has a really good voice, so that adds to the
enjoyment as well. This has steadily progressed up my list of favorites in
06'. It's a top 5 selection for me.
#6 Into Eternity - The Scattering Of Ashes - Very good disc .. a nice
followup to the excellent Buried In Oblivion. These guy sure have a
terrific mix of sounds, and the songs are always catchy. The new vocalist,
Stu Block, fits in real well on disc, and gives a fine performance, as does
the rest of the band. I think this one comes in just a slight bit below
Buried In Oblivion, but a slight bit ahead of Dead Or Dreaming. Definately
Top 10 worthy.
#7 Firewind - Allegiance - Real good stuff with excellent vocals, guitar
playing, and very catchy songs. The new vocalist is a great fit for this
band, so hopefully Gus G. will keep him employed for the long haul. I like
how varied this disc is as well. It's not just a bunch of sound alike
tunes. The tunes range from the mid tempo to the swift power metal vibe,
and even contains a track (Breaking The Silence) which features a
male/female duet type tradeoff that really works in a big way. The two
bonus tracks found on the Japan release also are quite good, and helped push the final grade up even a little higher.
#8 Tomorrow's Eve - Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II - One of my favoites
over the 2nd half of this year. It's both progressive and power based, and
is a concept disc. I've never heard part one, but it doesn't seem to affect
my enjoyment any. The musicianship, and singing is very good. It seems
this band would make for a very good prog power fit. TE's singer, Martin
LeMar, might ring a bell to some .. he sang on Vivien Lalu's - Oniric Metal
disc in 2005.
#9 Twilight Guardians - Sintrade - This band is new to me this year, but I
really like this new one. I've went back and listened to their last one as
well, but it's not quite as good as Sintrade in my opinon, but it's solid.
I just think they have kind of carved out their own identity on this new
one. It's mostly midtempo melodic metal, but it's working for me. This
band would make for a really nice Prog Power band in the future. I have to
admit too that I think the cover of Madonna's La Isla Bonita is quite
excellent. All in all I don't think there is a weak track to be found.
This has maintained a high position with me all year long.
#10 Amorphis - Eclipse - This has been a big suprise for me. I've never
given them much of a thought, but I think this disc is terrific. They are
now kind of back to doing some of the things that garnered them some success several years ago. They have went back to doing some death growl stuff, and it really works well with their melodic brand of music. I'd say a 3rd of the disc is death growly melodic metal stuff, another 3rd is gothic stuff
ala Sentenced and Charon, and the other 3rd is kind of folk oriented. It's
a really diverse listen, and makes for a very enjoyable disc. It's held a
high spot on my list for most of this year.
#11 Communic - Waves Of Visual Decay - This is a pretty good 2nd release
from this Nevermorish outfit. The singer reminds me a ton of Dane, and some of the music does as well. I think this 2nd release is heavier than the
first one, but also still include some excellent atmosphere here and there.
One problem I had with the debut still remains on this disc. The songs tend
to be a little long winded, with an average of 7-8 minutes per tune. Good
disc though ... quality band. I've been listening to this one a bit more of
late since they were added to the Prog Power 8 bill. I'll also get to check
them out at Wacken 07'.
#12 Edguy - Rocket Ride - I panned their last one (Hellfire Club), although
it wasn't all that awful in hindsight. Their stuff just wasn't working for
me at that point in time, but there were a number of good tracks on the
disc. Well, I like this new one a little bit better. Song like Wasted
Time, and Matrix are the type of tracks I really think Edguy excells at. I
even find myself liking the corny Edguy songs like Trinidad this time out.
I'm a fan again, and all in all this is a pretty strong disc.
#13 Heed - The Call -- Top line Power metal .. along the lines of Lost
Horizon, Nocturnal Rites, and Symphorce. This is a really strong disc. It's
good catchy melodic power metal, with a very good singer, and more than
solid set of musicians. The vocalist and lead guitarist used to be in Lost
Horizon, so fans of that band should be all over this one. I thought this
was a late 05' release, but it seems most everyone is referring to it as an
06' release. It's going to crack my top 15 I think.
#14 Scar Symmetry - Pitch Black Progress - Melodic death with clean, death, and shriek vox. It's similar in some ways to the original, but is probably a little heavier overall, definately more varied, but maybe a tad less catchy.
I think it's clear they evolved a bit into a bit heavier direction, but I
think they've maintained a lot of what made the original work. I would
however give the debut a slight edge, but I like that these guys got a
little more creative. I think the instrumentation is still a highlight, and
I think the singer has improved a bit. I'd give the edge to the debut when
it comes to the songs, but a case could be made that these guys have taken another step forward.
#15 Mercenary - The Hours That Remain - This is a probable top 15 for me,
but it's not up to the level of 11 Dreams. 11 Dreams was much more diverse
than "Hours". "Hours" is deinately a quality disc, but it's a slight step
below the excellent 11 Dreams. Maybe it's just me, but all the tunes seem
to kind of blur together for me on this outing. They certainly aren't bad
tune, but more diversity on the next one could be a positive. I think this
disc is almost a transition type for them after the tough loss of Kral, so
hopefully the next effort will be all that more stable of a release.
#16 Astral Doors - Astralism - Another pretty good disc from theses guy. I
am finding this one a tad less enjoyable than the first two, but it's safe
to say that if you like those first two you'll like this one as well. If
there is any negative it's that all AD's stuff sounds pretty much the same
disc after disc.
#17 Section A - Parallel Lives - This one hit me as being excellent right
away, but I've noticed on subsequent spins it's been dropping a bit. This
band has it all if you ask me, but I think they are bit long winded in their
songs, and I find myself having more trouble getting all the way thru the
disc. I thought on first and second listen this might be a top contender
for disc of the year, but I have backed off that thought. Don't get me wrong
though .. this is a very good disc. We'll see .. this could catch it's
second wind with me, and become a contender again.
#18 Kiuas - Reformation - Power metal mixed with a touch of black metal.
The vocals are mainly clean except for an instance or two of death growling.
It's a little different than the usual power metal metal disc, and quite an
agressive disc. Solid stuff .. it will be interesting to hear what they
come up with next.
#19 Persuader - When Eden Burns - Another winner from Persuader. Good
catchy power metal in that Blind Guardian style. These guys are pretty much clones of BG, but I have liked their material of late much better than BG's.
I also think I prefer Jens Carlson to Hansi these days as well. I like
Evolution Purgatory a bit better, but this new one isn't far off the pace at
all.
#20 Evergrey - Monday Morning Apocalypse - Kind of a dissapointment early on, but I've warmed up to it a lot as the year has went on. I don't like it
quite as much as the last several efforts, but it has grown on me to the
point that I would call it a solid release. A lot of the songs on MMA are
kind of radio friendly, but there is still some trademark Evergrey darkness
present. All in all there are a lot of good tunes to be found on MMA,
although it's not quite up to the level of my favorites from them.
All in all a pretty solid year ... not great .. but not bad!!
Britt
(pretty general thoughts compiled during the year, and rankings done on 12/14/06)
#1 Vanden Plas - Christ 0 - It's the disc of the year for me. It had some
competition at times, but managed to keep my attention for most of the year, and is quite deserving of the honor. I think this is their best work yet,
and the material is quite interesting. VP's got to rank among my very
favorites these days. They are a band I seem to like a little bit more with
each outing. I think this band really has the total package going. The
concept is pretty cool too. It's based on The Count Of Monte Cristo, but is
set in modern times, and really only loosely resembles the Dumas classic.
When it comes to progressive power metal there just aren't many better than Vanden Plas.
#2 Circle II Circle - Burden Of Truth - Excellent disc ... CIIC's best if
you ask me. This disc is a concept album based on the DaVinci Code, and it
comes across as a real cohesive effort. CIIC always had the problem of 1/2
good, and 1/2 so-so albums, but this time out it's great from start to end.
I think they've really upped it a notch on this one. Zack's a terrific
singer, and this disc is very catchy. I find myself singing along to this
one quite a bit.
#3 Mystic Prophecy - Savage Souls - I love this one. It's my favorite of
theirs. Previous to this one I had Regressus at the top of the heap, but I
put this new one above it now. I think this disc puts MP near the top of the
list when it comes to current power metal bands. I'd put them in the Tad
Morose, Brainstorm, Nocturnal Rites class. I love RD's singing, and one
thing that is amazing is that Gus G. isn't really missed at all. Why oh why
have these guys not played Prog Power yet?
#4 Red Circuit - Trance State - Chity Lanka sings on this one, and is
joined in the project by VP's Stephan Lill, Adagio's Stephen Forte, Elegy's
Patrick Rondat, with co-production from VP's Andy Kuntz. The material
reminds me of a cross between Conception and Vanden Plas. It contains some excellent songs, but the disc only clocks in at 43 minutes long. Still,
this is very high on my favorites list this year. It's been a top 5 choice
for me all year long.
#5 Wolverine - Still - This is my first real taste of Wolverine, and I find
"Still" to be an excellent listen. Gone now are any signs of growly vox,
which had been a staple of theirs to varrying degrees on earlier releases.
"Still" is a moody and dark progressive metal treat that is mainly mid to
slower tempo. Pretty good songs overall, that tend to be catchy enough to
keep my interest. The singer has a really good voice, so that adds to the
enjoyment as well. This has steadily progressed up my list of favorites in
06'. It's a top 5 selection for me.
#6 Into Eternity - The Scattering Of Ashes - Very good disc .. a nice
followup to the excellent Buried In Oblivion. These guy sure have a
terrific mix of sounds, and the songs are always catchy. The new vocalist,
Stu Block, fits in real well on disc, and gives a fine performance, as does
the rest of the band. I think this one comes in just a slight bit below
Buried In Oblivion, but a slight bit ahead of Dead Or Dreaming. Definately
Top 10 worthy.
#7 Firewind - Allegiance - Real good stuff with excellent vocals, guitar
playing, and very catchy songs. The new vocalist is a great fit for this
band, so hopefully Gus G. will keep him employed for the long haul. I like
how varied this disc is as well. It's not just a bunch of sound alike
tunes. The tunes range from the mid tempo to the swift power metal vibe,
and even contains a track (Breaking The Silence) which features a
male/female duet type tradeoff that really works in a big way. The two
bonus tracks found on the Japan release also are quite good, and helped push the final grade up even a little higher.
#8 Tomorrow's Eve - Mirror Of Creation 2 - Genesis II - One of my favoites
over the 2nd half of this year. It's both progressive and power based, and
is a concept disc. I've never heard part one, but it doesn't seem to affect
my enjoyment any. The musicianship, and singing is very good. It seems
this band would make for a very good prog power fit. TE's singer, Martin
LeMar, might ring a bell to some .. he sang on Vivien Lalu's - Oniric Metal
disc in 2005.
#9 Twilight Guardians - Sintrade - This band is new to me this year, but I
really like this new one. I've went back and listened to their last one as
well, but it's not quite as good as Sintrade in my opinon, but it's solid.
I just think they have kind of carved out their own identity on this new
one. It's mostly midtempo melodic metal, but it's working for me. This
band would make for a really nice Prog Power band in the future. I have to
admit too that I think the cover of Madonna's La Isla Bonita is quite
excellent. All in all I don't think there is a weak track to be found.
This has maintained a high position with me all year long.
#10 Amorphis - Eclipse - This has been a big suprise for me. I've never
given them much of a thought, but I think this disc is terrific. They are
now kind of back to doing some of the things that garnered them some success several years ago. They have went back to doing some death growl stuff, and it really works well with their melodic brand of music. I'd say a 3rd of the disc is death growly melodic metal stuff, another 3rd is gothic stuff
ala Sentenced and Charon, and the other 3rd is kind of folk oriented. It's
a really diverse listen, and makes for a very enjoyable disc. It's held a
high spot on my list for most of this year.
#11 Communic - Waves Of Visual Decay - This is a pretty good 2nd release
from this Nevermorish outfit. The singer reminds me a ton of Dane, and some of the music does as well. I think this 2nd release is heavier than the
first one, but also still include some excellent atmosphere here and there.
One problem I had with the debut still remains on this disc. The songs tend
to be a little long winded, with an average of 7-8 minutes per tune. Good
disc though ... quality band. I've been listening to this one a bit more of
late since they were added to the Prog Power 8 bill. I'll also get to check
them out at Wacken 07'.
#12 Edguy - Rocket Ride - I panned their last one (Hellfire Club), although
it wasn't all that awful in hindsight. Their stuff just wasn't working for
me at that point in time, but there were a number of good tracks on the
disc. Well, I like this new one a little bit better. Song like Wasted
Time, and Matrix are the type of tracks I really think Edguy excells at. I
even find myself liking the corny Edguy songs like Trinidad this time out.
I'm a fan again, and all in all this is a pretty strong disc.
#13 Heed - The Call -- Top line Power metal .. along the lines of Lost
Horizon, Nocturnal Rites, and Symphorce. This is a really strong disc. It's
good catchy melodic power metal, with a very good singer, and more than
solid set of musicians. The vocalist and lead guitarist used to be in Lost
Horizon, so fans of that band should be all over this one. I thought this
was a late 05' release, but it seems most everyone is referring to it as an
06' release. It's going to crack my top 15 I think.
#14 Scar Symmetry - Pitch Black Progress - Melodic death with clean, death, and shriek vox. It's similar in some ways to the original, but is probably a little heavier overall, definately more varied, but maybe a tad less catchy.
I think it's clear they evolved a bit into a bit heavier direction, but I
think they've maintained a lot of what made the original work. I would
however give the debut a slight edge, but I like that these guys got a
little more creative. I think the instrumentation is still a highlight, and
I think the singer has improved a bit. I'd give the edge to the debut when
it comes to the songs, but a case could be made that these guys have taken another step forward.
#15 Mercenary - The Hours That Remain - This is a probable top 15 for me,
but it's not up to the level of 11 Dreams. 11 Dreams was much more diverse
than "Hours". "Hours" is deinately a quality disc, but it's a slight step
below the excellent 11 Dreams. Maybe it's just me, but all the tunes seem
to kind of blur together for me on this outing. They certainly aren't bad
tune, but more diversity on the next one could be a positive. I think this
disc is almost a transition type for them after the tough loss of Kral, so
hopefully the next effort will be all that more stable of a release.
#16 Astral Doors - Astralism - Another pretty good disc from theses guy. I
am finding this one a tad less enjoyable than the first two, but it's safe
to say that if you like those first two you'll like this one as well. If
there is any negative it's that all AD's stuff sounds pretty much the same
disc after disc.
#17 Section A - Parallel Lives - This one hit me as being excellent right
away, but I've noticed on subsequent spins it's been dropping a bit. This
band has it all if you ask me, but I think they are bit long winded in their
songs, and I find myself having more trouble getting all the way thru the
disc. I thought on first and second listen this might be a top contender
for disc of the year, but I have backed off that thought. Don't get me wrong
though .. this is a very good disc. We'll see .. this could catch it's
second wind with me, and become a contender again.
#18 Kiuas - Reformation - Power metal mixed with a touch of black metal.
The vocals are mainly clean except for an instance or two of death growling.
It's a little different than the usual power metal metal disc, and quite an
agressive disc. Solid stuff .. it will be interesting to hear what they
come up with next.
#19 Persuader - When Eden Burns - Another winner from Persuader. Good
catchy power metal in that Blind Guardian style. These guys are pretty much clones of BG, but I have liked their material of late much better than BG's.
I also think I prefer Jens Carlson to Hansi these days as well. I like
Evolution Purgatory a bit better, but this new one isn't far off the pace at
all.
#20 Evergrey - Monday Morning Apocalypse - Kind of a dissapointment early on, but I've warmed up to it a lot as the year has went on. I don't like it
quite as much as the last several efforts, but it has grown on me to the
point that I would call it a solid release. A lot of the songs on MMA are
kind of radio friendly, but there is still some trademark Evergrey darkness
present. All in all there are a lot of good tunes to be found on MMA,
although it's not quite up to the level of my favorites from them.
All in all a pretty solid year ... not great .. but not bad!!
Britt
