One thing I fail to do with everything I entertain myself with, outside of movies, is to pay attention to the sources of what I enjoy. Sure, if it is something I am reviewing I pay attention to it, but when the end of the year comes and it's time to even consider putting together some list of the year's best, I am generally left behind. For 2006 I have become determined to put together a list of some sort, this is the fruit of that labor.
As I think back over the year, I realize that I probably have not listened to enough music releases this year to come up with a "best of" list. Actually, I take that back, I know I have not listened to enough to deliver a list of the best. So, what you are about to read is not, and I repeat not, a list of the best albums. As soon as you begin to read through the list, you will recognize just how much of a truth that is. Rather, what I have done is put together a list of 10 albums that I particularly liked. They may not be the best, but the certainly aren't the worst. If you are feeling brave, read on.
The following are in no specific order, save for the top album, which was my favorite for the year.
Killswitch Engage - As Daylight Dies
This band first appeared on my radar when I heard their 2004 release, The End of Heartache. Quite frankly, the album floored me. I was caught completely off guard by the brilliance of it. Two years later they have released their follow up and, at least in my mind, have cemented their position as the top of the burgeoning metalcore genre.
If there was any one reason for the existence of a new subgenre, it is Killswitch Engage. They have a great blend of raw heaviness and melody that just go together so well, it is music to my ears. Driving drums, heavy riffs, and some of the best singing I have heard, this is a band to get behind. The album furthers the skills demonstrated on Heartache. If the CD isn't enough, I also got to see them live recently and they are an incredible act to see live, the charisma and energy just flows from the stage, washing over the crowd that is more than willing to receive it.
3 Mile Scream - Prelude to Our Demise
This, the Canadian act's debut release, is full of promise. They blend a number of influences, like old school thrash and speed, the melodies of metalcore, a touch of the extreme, and even a little black metal into one hell of an opening salvo on the listeners ears. I have to say that I am not all that crazy about the bands name, but so long as the keep putting out music of this quality, I will surely not complain.
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