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2006 Year End Lists

Top 10 ALBUMS of 2006 according to Greg Maki (Live-Metal.net Writer, Editor)


1) SILENT CIVILIAN - Rebirth of the Temple



When I first heard this album back in April, I knew then that it would end up in this position at the end of the year. Who knew a thrash metal god was hiding inside the industrial metal of Spineshank all those years? Jonny Santos strapped on a guitar, found his musical partner in drummer Chris Mora and returned to his roots on this ferocious batch of tunes. He blends the heavy attack with searing guitar solos, his raging screams with instantly memorable hooks. This is my favorite album since Anthrax’s We’ve Come for You All (2003).

STANDOUT TRACKS: “The Song Remains Un-Named,” “Lies in the House of Shame,” “Wrath”


2) TRIVIUM - The Crusade

The Crusade marked a significant stylistic shift for Trivium, as they left behind the harsh sound dominated by Matt Heafy’s screams for one directly descended from the speed metal bands of the 1980s. Yes, Heafy often sounds an awful lot like James Hetfield, but the band’s more accessible nature opens up the entire sound, allowing the musicianship of each member to shine. I would call this Trivium’s masterpiece, but given their youth, the best may be yet to come.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Anthem (We Are the Fire),” “Contempt Breeds Contamination,” “The Rising”


3) ANKLA - Steep Trails

Ankla, the new band founded by former Puya guitarist Ramon Ortiz, carried the torch high for Latin metal in 2006, delivering an instant classic with their debut album. Steep Trails is an angry, aggressive disc propelled by the rhythmic sounds of the band’s roots. Ortiz is the star with his bone-rattling riffs and showstopping solos.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Deceit,” “Your Grace Makes Me Sick,” “Flush”


4) STONE SOUR- Come What(ever) May

After a couple years of writing, recording, touring and selling millions of albums with Slipknot, Corey Taylor and James Root returned to their baby, Stone Sour. Their dynamic second album blows away any expectations and all limits to the band’s sound. They go from heavy rockers to radio-friendly ballads to New Wave(?!) and back, stopping to include a little more along the way.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “30/30-150,” “Socio,” “ Zzyzx Rd.”


5) SHOOTER JENNINGS AND THE .357’s – Live at Irving Plaza 4.18.06

Shooter Jennings may be considered a country artist, but this live album flat-out rocks from start to finish. How much does it rock? One song includes a chunk of Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf” in the middle. Find me another country band that will do that. The stage clearly is the natural environment for Shooter and his talented players, particularly guitarist Leroy Powell. Including the entire set from that night, rather than just the 10 songs presented here, is the only thing that could have made this album better.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Busted in Baylor County ,” “Southern Comfort,” “Daddy’s Farm”


6) HANK III – Straight to Hell

More country? Yes, but the latest from this third generation outlaw comes packed with more attitude than even the best punk rock. You won’t see this on CMT .

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Country Heroes,” “Smoke & Wine,” “Dick in Dixie ”


7) BLACK STONE CHERRY – Black Stone Cherry

This Kentucky band spent the fall opening for Black Label Society, forcing Mr. Wylde to stay on his toes to avoid being blown off the stage every night. The positive energy put forth by these bluesy, Southern rockers is impossible to deny. Combine that with skillful playing and fun, mature songwriting and you have another young band with loads of potential.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Rain Wizard, “Lonely Train,” “Maybe Someday”

8) UNEARTH – III: In the Eyes of Fire

Can we please drop the “core” from any description of Unearth’s sound? Their third release is metal through and through. Trevor Phipps’ vocal range is limited, but guitarists Ken Susi and Buz McGrath are rising stars with their Iron Maiden-like harmonizing.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “This Glorious Nightmare,” “So It Goes,” “Big Bear and the Hour of Chaos”


9) BLEEDING THROUGH – The Truth

Bleeding Through added more metal and melody to its hardcore sound this year and the result was an album (released all the way back in January) that showcased the improved songwriting and vocals of Brandan Schieppati while remaining as punishing as anything the band has done in the past.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Love in Slow Motion,” “Kill to Believe,” “Line in the Sand”


10) BEYOND FEAR – Beyond Fear

Former Judas Priest/current Iced Earth frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens flexed his creative muscles and continued to display his unparalleled vocal abilities with his new, classic-metal-influenced band. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be time for a full U.S. tour before Ripper has to go back to Iced Earth full-time.

STANDOUT TRACKS: “Scream Machine,” “And ... You Will Die,” “Save Me”

Honorable mentions:
ALL THAT REMAINS - The Fall of Ideals
ARMY OF ANYONE - Army of Anyone
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - Shot to Hell
BRAND NEW SIN - Tequila
TENACIOUS D - The Pick of Destiny