Gary’s Top 9 Albums of 2006

This year featured a shitload of mediocre and/or disappointing releases from otherwise (or previously judged) “great” bands like Lamb of God, Tool, Killswitch Engage, and Slayer. But there were just enough really good releases—rated seven or above—to draw the list out to nine “buy ‘em now, sucka” recommendations… up one from last year’s “Top 8”.
Normally, [...]

Gary’s Worst Album of 2006

My pick for “Worst Album of the Year” is (drum roll, please):
Tool: 10,000 Days
I’m sure there are far worse albums out there (I’m looking directly at you, Nickelback), but this one is the year’s worst release that I actually own.

Killswitch Engage: As Daylight Dies

Nothing new here. This is your typical KsE release. Unfortunately, what was once original—Killswitch in the Alive Or Just Breathing days—has become the poster child of what most would nowadays deride as “metalcore”. It’s all become rather homogeneous, and KsE don’t really do anything on this album to distance themselves from the pack of clones [...]

36 Crazyfists: Rest Inside the Flames

Four great tracks and passable filler make this album a good purchase for current 36CF fans. If you’re new to the band, cut your teeth on A Snow Capped Romance, or better yet, Bitterness the Star.
The opening track “I’ll Go Until My Heart Stops” was the first to be “released” in the U.S. as it [...]