hey hey hey bitches, it's another year, and you know what that means:
Everyone else's top ten list sucks of '06!
You've seen the lists that everyone puts out right about this time, parading about the finest albums of the year (most of which are probably balls in your eyes)
well now it's my turn, where I can talk about what I liked and why, and if you don't like it, you can kill yourself for all I care, cause it just doesn't matter kids, this is all just opinion, now stand by and get ready for a blast of more or less baseless opinion.
10. Come Clarity - In Flames
It's a good album, sure, but it's basically just a return to fine form after the detour of Soundtrack to your escape, so this isn't relaly TOO experimental or anythin new, it's In Flames doin what they used to do, and still doing it well. The title track is still seriously awesome, and there is noticeable badassiry in Leeches and Dead end (featuring some fancy nordic sounding vocals from some lady I don't know) It's the bottom end cause it's good, but it's just not THAT good.
9. As Daylight Dies - Killswitch Engage
It's again, just more of the same, it's pure metalcore, which everyone says 'it sounds just like killswitch' but hey, if you invented and perfected the style, why change if everyone is just compared to you. They're still the best, and this shows why, but maybe a little more NEW stuff.
8. Destroy What You Enjoy - Powerman 5000
Moderately alienating? Well, yeah, but then, when has Powerman ever stayed the same, from funk rap to space suits to half punk to all punk, but they still write some fun stuff. I'm open minded, so I stood back and saw how it was, this is not my favourite powerman album (that would be Transform) but Wild World (which I have a cellphone ring for) Murder and the slide guitar almost acoustic and very tongue in cheek Miss America made me enjoy the album anyway, yes more than killswitch. I do wish Spider would never wear the eyeshadow in the Wild World video again. EVER. *shudder*
7. The Disappearance of Adalia - Madina Lake
Yes, it's a pop punk album, but this is probably why pop punk became so popular, THE HOOKS, GOD THE HOOKS. I've never seen any one band so incredibly talented at writing hooks, there are something like 7 tracks (maybe 6) on this EP, and one is just some silence or something, and then the rest of it is pure hooks! When they sing 'You'll be amazed' in the first single, House of Cards, they are not kidding. I was freaking amazed. Check out a couple tracks (house of cards is good, but it really doesn't matter which, if there's the band, then it's good) It would have been higher, but it's only an EP, such a teaser.
6. Yes, Virginia - The Dresden Dolls
I've introduced a number of my friends to the dresden dolls (all women who are slightly... strange, yes, I'm looking at you, Magnoliafires) and almost without fail, they have become fanatical fans. There's good reason for it though, I mean, there's nothing quite like it available right now, and it's really, really good. (And they are completely mad!) The songs are well written and very entertaining, although probably more self-indulgent then I'd like, it's just good stuff, through and through. My favourite track off of this one is My Alcoholic Friends, the singles 'Backstabber' and 'Sing' are also fantastic songs. this album is great for lovers of fine music.
5. Blood Mountain - Mastodon
The mighty mastodon return, and while this is a massive change from Leviathan, it's still good, it's not quite as heavy, there's no March of the Fire Ants or Iron Tusk here, but it's more experimental, and one you get used to it, it proves that it's still worth the money you forked down for it. Colony of Birchmen is pretty crazy, and after purchasing the DVD, you come to understand how messed up these hairy nerds from atlanta really are.
4. Come What(ever) May - Stone Sour
Stone Sour returns with that Through glass song, but the rest of the album isn't the same, while not usually as aggressive as the original (it has been five years and a series of slipknot tours for frontman corey taylor and guitarist Jim Root)It still manages to put out some groovy riffs. I couldn't find a match for Inhale on this album, but overall, I feel this is better than the first. Zzyzx road gets me every time.
3. Catalyst - A Dark Halo/Something Real - Meg and Dia
if Fear Factory ten years ago had the production of today and an even heavier obsession with techno, this is what they would have been. And oh, is it good. Catalyst is technically an LP, though it only has 7 tracks. But they're all so good, it teaches you that just because it's industrial/death metal, it can still be catchy and have some really, reallytechno beats. Check out Unbreakable if you're a fan
I completely forgot about Meg and Dia, and i will not forgive myself for it. It's not my usual fare, but after fallin in love with the original version of Indiana (teh acoustic, not the new album version) I knew that this was a group to watch, and I was right, Something Real is everythin pop music should be, so radio friendly it hurts, but still easy to listen to, actually being a band that writes music, and not just hits, whichever sister sings (Meg, i think) has a beautiful voice, and she's a very, very talented writer, each of the songs tells a story that's as bizarre as it is fun to listen to. recomended for anyone who hasn't completely given up on pop music. Monster, Roses, Cardigan Weather, Indiana, fuck it, the whole album is solid as hell, it might not be your thing, but if it is, then you will love all of it. Last words on it: if this were on the radio and TV, we would not have to hate pop music.
2. Lamb of God - Sacrament
I've never been a huge LOG fan, until the very moment I heard the opening riffs of Redneck. I was hooked, and the rest of the album fares just as well, from Walk With Me In Hell, and Forgotten Angels to the closer Requiem, it's just badass from start to finish. And Redneck is officially my Song Of The Year. This is what the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal was supposed to be.
1. Hypersensitive - Ghost Machine
Now the odds of most of you havin heard of this band is slim, but it features the greatly talented Ivan Moody (formerly of Motograter, and currently of Five Finger Death Punch (CD in march of 2007, almost certain to be on EETTLS07) And it;s just got all of his different sides well, from the abrasive voice that he does so well to the haunting soft voice he has, ad the honesty of Burning Bridges. Damn, now that's a cd. I dunno how much or even IF they tour, but I NEED to see it. Check out Ugli (this is what you made me), God Forbid and Burning Bridges if you want a taste The'yre on myspace. Go. Now.
Runner up
Inhuman Rampage - Dragonforce - Overwrought power metal just doesn't do me, some of it's catchy, but just not enough
The Crusade - trivium, guys, quit trying to BE metallica, and stick to being LIKE metallica
St Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkeley - I didn't buy it... sorry
10,000 days - Tool, because tool are overrated, and I didn't hear one thing about this album that I liked. TOOL SUCK DAMMIT!
Extreeme Behaviour - Hinder, cause it makes me angry every time they play those songs. No I'm not entirely sure why.
The Shadows Valley EP - Local boys who prove that they can do fantastic hardcore. It's a very, very solid showing, what's the problem then? there's nothin to differentiate them from the other million bands doin it just as well.
Straight Outta Lynwood - Wierd Al, it's wierd Al! What else do I need to say, it was good, but it's just hard to stick a parody album on a top ten.
Welcome Home - Pieter de Jong, it was a good showing from me in all my poorly produced glory, but it was never released anyway (most of the tracks sounded dull compared to waht I wanted tem to(. If you missed some of the tracks, lot of them will be appearing on the upcoming Armora EP (Home and Stalker Love Song) and my own new record, both title and band name pending (Drown) (hurray for 2007)
That's it, kids, make your own or ignore it completely, and I will see you next year for EETTLS07.
Peace and Good Music!
Piet
You've seen the lists that everyone puts out right about this time, parading about the finest albums of the year (most of which are probably balls in your eyes)
well now it's my turn, where I can talk about what I liked and why, and if you don't like it, you can kill yourself for all I care, cause it just doesn't matter kids, this is all just opinion, now stand by and get ready for a blast of more or less baseless opinion.
10. Come Clarity - In Flames
It's a good album, sure, but it's basically just a return to fine form after the detour of Soundtrack to your escape, so this isn't relaly TOO experimental or anythin new, it's In Flames doin what they used to do, and still doing it well. The title track is still seriously awesome, and there is noticeable badassiry in Leeches and Dead end (featuring some fancy nordic sounding vocals from some lady I don't know) It's the bottom end cause it's good, but it's just not THAT good.
9. As Daylight Dies - Killswitch Engage
It's again, just more of the same, it's pure metalcore, which everyone says 'it sounds just like killswitch' but hey, if you invented and perfected the style, why change if everyone is just compared to you. They're still the best, and this shows why, but maybe a little more NEW stuff.
8. Destroy What You Enjoy - Powerman 5000
Moderately alienating? Well, yeah, but then, when has Powerman ever stayed the same, from funk rap to space suits to half punk to all punk, but they still write some fun stuff. I'm open minded, so I stood back and saw how it was, this is not my favourite powerman album (that would be Transform) but Wild World (which I have a cellphone ring for) Murder and the slide guitar almost acoustic and very tongue in cheek Miss America made me enjoy the album anyway, yes more than killswitch. I do wish Spider would never wear the eyeshadow in the Wild World video again. EVER. *shudder*
7. The Disappearance of Adalia - Madina Lake
Yes, it's a pop punk album, but this is probably why pop punk became so popular, THE HOOKS, GOD THE HOOKS. I've never seen any one band so incredibly talented at writing hooks, there are something like 7 tracks (maybe 6) on this EP, and one is just some silence or something, and then the rest of it is pure hooks! When they sing 'You'll be amazed' in the first single, House of Cards, they are not kidding. I was freaking amazed. Check out a couple tracks (house of cards is good, but it really doesn't matter which, if there's the band, then it's good) It would have been higher, but it's only an EP, such a teaser.
6. Yes, Virginia - The Dresden Dolls
I've introduced a number of my friends to the dresden dolls (all women who are slightly... strange, yes, I'm looking at you, Magnoliafires) and almost without fail, they have become fanatical fans. There's good reason for it though, I mean, there's nothing quite like it available right now, and it's really, really good. (And they are completely mad!) The songs are well written and very entertaining, although probably more self-indulgent then I'd like, it's just good stuff, through and through. My favourite track off of this one is My Alcoholic Friends, the singles 'Backstabber' and 'Sing' are also fantastic songs. this album is great for lovers of fine music.
5. Blood Mountain - Mastodon
The mighty mastodon return, and while this is a massive change from Leviathan, it's still good, it's not quite as heavy, there's no March of the Fire Ants or Iron Tusk here, but it's more experimental, and one you get used to it, it proves that it's still worth the money you forked down for it. Colony of Birchmen is pretty crazy, and after purchasing the DVD, you come to understand how messed up these hairy nerds from atlanta really are.
4. Come What(ever) May - Stone Sour
Stone Sour returns with that Through glass song, but the rest of the album isn't the same, while not usually as aggressive as the original (it has been five years and a series of slipknot tours for frontman corey taylor and guitarist Jim Root)It still manages to put out some groovy riffs. I couldn't find a match for Inhale on this album, but overall, I feel this is better than the first. Zzyzx road gets me every time.
3. Catalyst - A Dark Halo/Something Real - Meg and Dia
if Fear Factory ten years ago had the production of today and an even heavier obsession with techno, this is what they would have been. And oh, is it good. Catalyst is technically an LP, though it only has 7 tracks. But they're all so good, it teaches you that just because it's industrial/death metal, it can still be catchy and have some really, reallytechno beats. Check out Unbreakable if you're a fan
I completely forgot about Meg and Dia, and i will not forgive myself for it. It's not my usual fare, but after fallin in love with the original version of Indiana (teh acoustic, not the new album version) I knew that this was a group to watch, and I was right, Something Real is everythin pop music should be, so radio friendly it hurts, but still easy to listen to, actually being a band that writes music, and not just hits, whichever sister sings (Meg, i think) has a beautiful voice, and she's a very, very talented writer, each of the songs tells a story that's as bizarre as it is fun to listen to. recomended for anyone who hasn't completely given up on pop music. Monster, Roses, Cardigan Weather, Indiana, fuck it, the whole album is solid as hell, it might not be your thing, but if it is, then you will love all of it. Last words on it: if this were on the radio and TV, we would not have to hate pop music.
2. Lamb of God - Sacrament
I've never been a huge LOG fan, until the very moment I heard the opening riffs of Redneck. I was hooked, and the rest of the album fares just as well, from Walk With Me In Hell, and Forgotten Angels to the closer Requiem, it's just badass from start to finish. And Redneck is officially my Song Of The Year. This is what the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal was supposed to be.
1. Hypersensitive - Ghost Machine
Now the odds of most of you havin heard of this band is slim, but it features the greatly talented Ivan Moody (formerly of Motograter, and currently of Five Finger Death Punch (CD in march of 2007, almost certain to be on EETTLS07) And it;s just got all of his different sides well, from the abrasive voice that he does so well to the haunting soft voice he has, ad the honesty of Burning Bridges. Damn, now that's a cd. I dunno how much or even IF they tour, but I NEED to see it. Check out Ugli (this is what you made me), God Forbid and Burning Bridges if you want a taste The'yre on myspace. Go. Now.
Runner up
Inhuman Rampage - Dragonforce - Overwrought power metal just doesn't do me, some of it's catchy, but just not enough
The Crusade - trivium, guys, quit trying to BE metallica, and stick to being LIKE metallica
St Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkeley - I didn't buy it... sorry
10,000 days - Tool, because tool are overrated, and I didn't hear one thing about this album that I liked. TOOL SUCK DAMMIT!
Extreeme Behaviour - Hinder, cause it makes me angry every time they play those songs. No I'm not entirely sure why.
The Shadows Valley EP - Local boys who prove that they can do fantastic hardcore. It's a very, very solid showing, what's the problem then? there's nothin to differentiate them from the other million bands doin it just as well.
Straight Outta Lynwood - Wierd Al, it's wierd Al! What else do I need to say, it was good, but it's just hard to stick a parody album on a top ten.
Welcome Home - Pieter de Jong, it was a good showing from me in all my poorly produced glory, but it was never released anyway (most of the tracks sounded dull compared to waht I wanted tem to(. If you missed some of the tracks, lot of them will be appearing on the upcoming Armora EP (Home and Stalker Love Song) and my own new record, both title and band name pending (Drown) (hurray for 2007)
That's it, kids, make your own or ignore it completely, and I will see you next year for EETTLS07.
Peace and Good Music!
Piet