Metal Awards

Adam's Top 15 albums of 2006

  1. Agalloch - Ashes Against The Grain
    I find myself returning to this album often, as it's a beautiful and engaging experience to say the least. Now I can only hope they don't wait another 4 years to give me more!
  2. Vanden Plas - Christ.0
    This is probably the finest prog album I've heard in the last 3 years. The concept, the grandiose feel, everything is in top form.
  3. Mastodon - Blood Mountain
    Easily one of the most polarizing releases of the year, but I love it. It's technical and creative, not to mention an enjoyable listen.
  4. Amon Amarth - With Oden On Our Side
    One of their best albums. The high level of aggression present here sets this album apart from many of their previous efforts.
  5. Napalm Death - Smear Campaign
    A study in longevity done right, Napalm Death sound just as fresh today as they did twenty years ago.
  6. Solitude Aeturnus - Alone
    After a prolonged hiatus, Solitude Aeturnus return with a near perfect display, and possibly their finest album.
  7. Mouth of the Architect - The Ties that Blind
    This album is a perfect marriage of sludge and post-rock, an album with a truly epic feel. Isis should take notes.
  8. Dragonauta - Cabramacabra
    One of the biggest travesties in this world is that this band is not a household name in the genre of doom. Cabramacabra is one of the most unique doom albums I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.
  9. Amorphis - Eclipse
    I had been losing a bit of interest in this band the last couple of years, but this outstanding album put them right back on their pedestal.
  10. Jon Oliva's Pain - Maniacal Renderings
    As much as I love 'Tage Mahal, this album easily surpasses it with its magnificent riffing. As always, Jon's vocals sound excellent.
  11. Sunn O)))/Boris - Altar
    One of the most accessible drone albums you will ever hear, and I mean that in a good way. It is very interesting to hear two of the giants of the genre combine forces so well.
  12. Sodom - Sodom
    The most reliable thrash band ever. This album did nothing but further that notion. Slayer should take notes.
  13. Strapping Young Lad - The New Black
    Devin was a busy man this year, as always. While I did miss the brutality of Alien, this lighter version of SYL still sounds great.
  14. Communic - Waves of Visual Decay
    Communic went a long way towards leaving their "Nevermore clone" stigma in the dust with this fine display. Fooled by the Serpent is one of my favorite songs of 2006.
  15. Draconian - The Burning Halo
    While this album is really more of a teaser, it was enough to convince me that Arcane Rain Fell was no fluke. I am currently salivating while awaiting the arrival of the follow up.
Adam's Top 5 surprises of 2006

  1. Mouth of the Architect - The Ties that Blind
  2. Heavy Lord - From Cosmos to Chaos
    The finest release from a young label, this band should pique the interest of the red-eyed stoner doom fans of the world.
  3. Darsombra - Ecdysis
    Quite possibly the most frightening listening experience I have ever had, and a magnificent spin on drone.
  4. Kayo Dot - Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue
    If you're a fan of King Crimson and/or progressive rock, this album is a sure thing.
  5. Circle II Circle - Burden Of Truth
    I slept on this band for too long. Any fan of Savatage will love this album.
Adam's Disappointment(s) of 2006

  1. Slayer - Christ Illusion
    With the original lineup back together, I expected an album which could stand beside Seasons In the Abyss, etc. Though my expectations were dashed, this is still far better than their last two albums. Maybe they'll get it right next time.
  2. Dissection - Reinkaos
    I'm just going to go ahead and forget this album ever happened.
  3. Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime II
    Calling this album underwhelming would be generous.
  4. The Haunted - The Dead Eye
    Judging by the past two albums, it would behoove this band to bring back Marco Aro.
  5. Voivod - Katorz
    Not a bad album by any means, but when it's Voivod, anything less than great is disappointing to me.
Adam's Joke(s) 2006

  1. Michael Kiske - Kiske
    This album and its review will always be good for a laugh.
  2. The price of gasoline. A very cruel joke, I might add.
  3. The BCS of college footbal, which has been a reliable running joke for the last few years.
Adam's words about 2006
  1. This was definitely an amazing year, one I'll remember forever. Not only is this my first year reviewing, but I've got a child on the way, and what an outstanding year of metal releases to boot! Thanks to everyone on the metalreviews.com staff for making this experience as enjoyable as possible. Also, I would like to thank all the readers and especially the forum dwellers, for making my work days fly by. Hopefully, this is just the beginning! Thanks, Adam Song of the Year: Agalloch - Falling Snow