It's been a pretty amazing year for our beloved genre, as I look back it has been a year remarkably free of excessive mainstream tinkering and trends. While the 'emo' movement seems to have carried on in earnest, most of actual metal has thankfully been left to its own devices and while I have a feeling 2007 will see the emo's being replaced by an explosion of power metal kiddies I feel the integrity of the scene will hold out. With the exception of a few bad apples (Bullet for My Valentine, I'm looking in your direction) much of the mainstream metal acts seem to be guiding that section of the genre in a far better direction than has been seen in previous years and I only hope it continues. Talk of trends and scenes aside, the music has spoken for itself with some very good releases from established acts and some utterly incredible ones from relative unknowns. If the future of this genre rests with many of these bands the future is certainly bright. While a few of the old guard have disappointed me this year I feel that there is definately a lot to look ahead to. Some of what I have heard this year has pushed the boundaries of what I would class as music and it's an exhillirating and exciting feeling. The more progressive side of this genre I feel is at times genuinely treading new ground in this medium and it is that sense of discovery and venture into the artistic unknown that keeps me coming back time and time again and consistently reminding me why the extreme fringes of any artform are so very vital. Looking ahead, one thing stands out for me in 2007 and it is comprised of two words. New Metallica. Will this be the final nail in the coffin of a band past their best and a chance for the critics and fans to put the knives they've been sharpening since St Anger to good use? Or will this be a startling return to form from one of the legends of the genre silencing the naysayers and putting them back on the top of the metal heirarchy? Whichever way it goes I seriously doubt you'll hear the word 'average' being batted about, it will be one extreme or the other I feel, I'm already excited.

On a personal note, as I come to the end of 2006 and reflect, I'm happy to say that it has been a year I can look back on and say I did things with my life. I finished the college course I was on successfully, got myself a place on one of the most coveted English Literature courses in the country, travelled to Amsterdam for the first time and solidly made up my mind (for now) about what I want to do with my life. Of course I also drank too much, smoked too much, put on too much weight, saved no money and was a general dick, but that's just my charming 'personality'. I'll grow up some day. I'd like to thank those that really matter (you know who you are) and I look forward to entertaining / pissing you off for another year. In simple terms, you lot fuckin' rule. I'd also like to thank this site and the MR team for providing me an outlet for my oft nonsensical ramblings and suspect opinions. Many of you guys on the team are consistently pleasant to work with and we've got a pretty damn good music site here, It can only get better. And finally of course a massive thank you to the readers, community and bands for being the main reason this site exists.

-Al