Best albums

- Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life And Death
Iron Maiden are my favourite band, but this is not why I chose this as the best release. I waited almost two weeks after buying this just to play it, so as not to rush; even though, I had read so many pejorative reviews. I stand by my review, as this received my highest rating of the year. After 30 years Maiden still knows how to write quality and memorable music. I just received the Different World on line game from the fan club, and I plan to watch the video momentarily.

- Tankard - The Beauty And The Beer
This was my debut review for Metal Covenant when I joined in mid April. Once again after over 25 years, Tankard still continue to thrash better than most, all the while maintaining an excellent sense of humour, just watch their videos. This was also the year I finally was blessed with the opportunity to see them live for their first ever appearance in America. I was even asked to write their press release, which was an honour and priviledge. The band's manager Buffo showered me in free merchandise!

- Sodom - Sodom
Once again Sodom keep continually thrashing, this time throwing in some serious melodic moments. Unkle Tom Angelripper and his elder crows still know how to create substantial songs. I was surprised when this made Revolver magazine's Top 20, too. This band has yet to let me down, but this release is as good as Agent Orange.

- Edguy - Rocket Ride
Once again, many detractors did not like the more commercial approach on this release. It took me several listens to really sink in; but, the music is still 100% metal and the lyrics are quite humorous. Toby and his educated guise shine through on this CD. Even though, it was released at the first of the year, every time I play it, I'm overwhelmed. Edguy succeed where Rage, Hammerfall, and Blind Guardian slightly missed the mark.

- Nanowar (Of Steel) - Other Bands Play (Nanowar Gay)
With the success of bands like Lordi and Massacration, I just don't understand why Nanowar don't receive the recognition which they so rightfully deserve. Metal-Archives won't even submit them, and they have Spinal Tap information posted there. If you are not familiar with this tongue in cheek band from Italy, check them out! They spoof Manowar, Rhapsody, Maiden, Metallica, so splendidly. They are talented musicians with an awesome sense of humour. Read my review at www.metalcdratings.com.

- Lamb Of God - Sacrament
Once again, it took me a while to get into this band, but after seeing them live twice, meeting them, and watching the DVDs, I have the utmost respect for this truly talented American metal band. They are extremely hard working, married or engaged, and extremely disciplined. They are the best band in America today. Even if you don't like their past releases, I urge you to check this one out. Revolver magazine chose it as their #1 (bollocks to Mastodon!)

- Dragonforce - Inhuman Rampage
Once again, having seen these guys live thrice and hanging out with them, one can't deny their talent and stage performances. Sure they may be as sleazy as Mötley Crüe (well not Dave); but they sure know how to shred, while having serious fun. I stand by my review of them too at www.live4metal.com.

- Vicious Rumors - Warball
Warball - Hey, even Schmier from Destruction loves this old school speed metal masterpiece. James Rivera may be in a myriad of other bands, including recording new Helstar material, but his vocals are crystal. Who would have thought that Brad Gillis could shred so well! Welcome to the Warball!

- Sacred Steel - Hammer Of Destruction
This was definitely a last minute decision; but this album rules and rages! Many power metal enthusiasts do not seem to care for this band, but they reign. Centvrion is awesome too, they just need a better vocalist! The new line-up kicks serious ass! The limited edition box set also comes with a bonus disc with the Pounding Inferno EP with covers of Death, Raven, Nasty Savage, and Tankard, what more could one ask for? When in doubt ask Gerre from Tankard who chose this as his #1 for the year.

- Obsession - Carnival Of Lies
This was a total return to form of old school speed metal. I was quite impressed with this and I'm so pleased when this band reformed they had the integrity to uphold the metal banner of the 80's, and not attempt some modern bull$hit!

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Runner ups (in no specific order): Cellador - Enter Deception, Pharaoh - The Longest Night, Elvenking - The Winter Wake, Almora - 1945, Gaia Epicus - Victory, Heavenly - Virus, Wuthering Heights - The Shadow Cabinet, Metal Inquisitor - Doomsday For The Heretic, Skid Row - Revolution Per Minute, Into Eternity - The Scattering Of Ashes, All That Remains - The Fall Of Ideals, Falconer - Northwind, Slayer - Christ Illusion, Metal Church - A Light In
The Dark and more!

Reissues: Hallow's Eve - History Of Terror (first three CDs remastered + Live CD & DVD), Flotsam & Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deceiver with remastered CD, bonus tracks, and DVD, Trouble - Psalm 9 & The Skull with bonus DVDs, and all Roadrunner thrash reissues!
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Not albums but most worthy of mentioning are the DVD's:

A Headbanger's Journey Documentary, Tankard - Fat, Ugly, And Still (A)live, Hirax - Thrash 'Til Death, Annihilator - Ten Years In Hell

Biggest disappointments

- The renaming of bands for stupid reasons, like Rhapsody Of Fire, and now Nanowar Of Steel...what's the point, somebody's getting paid!

- The Celtic Frost reunion. The new CD is average, the show was alright, even though they skipped all of Into The Pandemonium except Mesmerized, and they never played Morbid Tales. Tom G. Warrior is an arrogant prick! I'm glad I finally had a chance to see them, but even Cold Lake is better than Monotheist!

- Average American bands receiving so much press coverage. Granted Trivium found their niche, but so many of these other hyped band still suck and are definitely not metal. Mushroomhead, take off your masks and find your inner purgatory!

- My misfortunate in Cleveland which resulted in the theft of my Moonspell, Soilwork, Mnemic, & Threat Signal interviews, and all that chaos that ensued shortly thereafter.

- Oh yeah, and nothing catastrophic happened on June 6, 2006, not even the release of the new Slayer.

Happiest/biggest news

- The opportunity for me to write for my favourite metal site on the web. I wrote for a few other sites for awhile; but ultimately I returned to Metal Covenant, where I plan to stay. This meant meeting many awesome musicians, and doing killer interviews. It also resulted in discovering so many excellent, and somewhat unknown artists. What an awesome metal year!

Best live concerts

- Minneapolis Metalfest
Legal reasons kept me from writing a comprehensive review for this show, but seeing and hanging out with Tankard, Gaia Epicus, Helstar, Raven, Hirax, Steel Attack, Omen, Seven Witches, and so many new bands like Merciless Death, Division, and Imagika, was quite a treat! Next time, I'll enjoy the show and do my interviews after the show.

- Unholy Alliance
Again hanging with all the bands was a blast, well accept Mastodon, who I'm glad I missed to party with Thine Eyes Bleed. Meeting Slayer was a real treat, then standing beneath the stage to see them live, only surrounded by bodyguards, was just incredible!

- GiganTour 2
What an amazing line-up and we hung out with Overkill, Lamb Of God, Into Eternity, and Arch Enemy backstage!

- The Metal Crusaders Tour
Meeting Schmier was a godsend, then Speed/Kill\Hate, Graveworm, Vader, and the rest were just radical. I just wish I could have caught The Absence perform live.

Hopefully, I'll get to see Maiden soon perform their whole new album, like my mates have witnessed.