My Belated Top 10 of 2006!

So, here it is, my top 10 of 2006, while it's a bit late. That doesn't change its awesome pertinence.

10. Vanden Plas - Christ 0

I stumbled upon this album several months ago on a download website. I was completely taken aback. Vanden Plas is a German progressive metal band formed in the mid-1980s. On a suggestion that it was very much like Adagio, and band I am very fond of, I took to it. Its title track, Christ 0, is splendid progressive metal. The entire album is just very well structured. I became an instant fan and Christ 0 gained a spot in my Top Ten of 2006.

9. Unexpect - In A Flesh Aquarium

Unexpect is a Canad ian band whose genre can only be described as something along the lines of avant-garde extreme metal. Their style is extremely unstructured and hectic. Utilizing violin, heavy guitar, piano, and vocals both female and male, this band is a force to be reckoned with. While In A Flesh Aquarium is not their only album, I believe it to be their most impressive. It may be the most impromptu, strange music I've ever heard, save Stalaggh. This, however, is a good thing. Fantastic album.

8. Estradasphere - Palace of Mirrors

Estradasphere is an American experimental / avant-garde band whose sound can't really be described within the true realms of metal. Much of this album doesn't contain much distorted guitar at all, but rather a great deal of symphonic and elegant instrumentals, most notably the song Palace of Mirrors. Another one of my favorite songs on the album, Flower Garden of an Evil Man, is quite brooding to start with, but develops into a very complex song. The entire album is a masterpiece and I find it to be great thinking music.

7. Outworld - Outworld

Outworld is an American progressive metal band formed by Rusty Cooley. If you don't know who Rusty Cooley is, he is the king of wank; the sultan of unnecessarily technical solo guitar. His solo shred album may be the single most technical album ever, aside from MAB's No Boundaries. The trouble with Rusty is that he can't make good bands. Book of Reflections was, in my opinion, a pile of steaming crap. Outworld did something right, though. This album managed to be heavy and still utilize Rusty's sinfully fast fretwork, all whilst maintaining a tasteful sound. The singer for Outworld is also top notch. Solid, solid album.

6. Diablo Swing Orchestra - The Butcher's Ballroom

One of the most unique albums I've ever heard. Diablo Swing Orchestra is a Swedish avant-garde metal band who utilizes operatic female vocals heavily in their music. Their songs are delightfully unstructured and in many cases feature the violin. On top of this, most notably in the song Poetic Pitbull Revolutions, the trumpet is used. This album is one of the most innovative things I've ever heard. I recommend it to anyone with an open mind who's looking for something new.

5. Aghora - Formless

I already sang the praises of this album in my previous entry. This album is genius. I still haven't stopped listening to it. Again, Aghora is American progressive metal with female vocals. The vocals aren't quite like Diablo Swing Orchestra's, however. They're far less operatic and "manageable" than DSO. This album is very well rounded. They cover the progressive aspects of the music very well while not overdoing it at all. Well done.

4. Iron Maiden - A Matter of Life and Death

Iron Maiden is a band that needs absolutely no introduction. But, for those that don't know, which is basically nobody, Iron Maiden is a British NWOBHM band that happen to be the most influential band in the history of recorded metal, save maybe Black Sabbath. This is their latest album, and I'll be the first to say it's something that needs to grow on you. Met with much dissent, A Matter of Life and Death, followed their new trend of epic metal. The band played the album in its entirety in their 2006 US tour, which I was lucky enough to attend. Iron Maiden's new album is a misunderstood masterpiece that deserves all the praise it gets.

3. Manticora - The Black Circus, Part 1: Letters

Manticora is a progressive / power metal band from Denmark. They're also the gayest looking people on the planet. Who would have known they could produce such blindingly awesome music? There are alot of prog/power acts lately, but these guys stand out. Fantastic guitar work, accompanied by stellar drum speed, and extreme vocals. I find myself listening to this album over and over again on several occasions. It's one of those albums you can listen to all the way through without hesitation.

2. Persuader - When Eden Burns

Persuader is a Swedish power / thrash metal band formed in the late 90s. This is one of the best power metal bands ever, without any contest at all. Nearly every song on each of their three albums is flawless. The vocals are not what one would call standard PM vocals. Jens Carlsson has some of the most unique vocals in metal and he makes great use of them on this album. It was extremely difficult for me to pick between this album and my first pick.

1. Blind Guardian - A Twist in the Myth

Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s. They are the fathers of power metal; what every PM band strives to be. Fuck Helloween, Blind Guardian is the be all and end all of the genre. They are untouchable in their sound and style. A Twist in the Myth may be one of their finest releases. Every single song on the album is perfect. Hansi Kürsch continues to have the greatest voice in metal, creating, again, the most unique and powerful vocal harmonies I've ever heard. This album is also the first to feature Frederik Ehmke on drums. He seems to be a fine, fine fit. I had the privilege of seeing this band live in New York City in November. They played their new songs flawlessly. A Twist In The Myth is my top pick for albums of 2006.

Honorable Mention:
-Solitude Aeturnus - Alone
-Buckethead - The Elephant Man's Alarm Clock
-Canvas Solaris - Penumbra Diffuse
-Communic - Waves of Visual Decay
-Cloudscape - Crimson Skies
-Zero Hour - Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond
-Twisted Into Form - Then Comes Affliction To Awaken The Dreamer
-Andromeda - Chimera

There you have it. I realize it's a bit late, but I wanted to completely make my mind up.