jared's 2006 Top Ten
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1.
Unearth - III: In the Eyes of Fire
III: In the Eyes of Fire is a blistering album packed with breakdowns and plenty of ferocity. Talent gushes from every single note. This album is a freight train barreling down the tracks at 100 miles an hour. Once it starts, it can't be stopped.
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2.
Underoath - Define the Great Line
Coming off the success of They're Only Chasing Safety, a release that saw the band style evolve, Underoath were feeling the pressure. They not only managed to create a killer album in Define the Great Line, but they also managed to do it at a time when stress and media pressure was at it's highest. They weathered the storm and are a better band and better people because of it.
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3.
In Flames - Come Clarity
In Flames have been around for a very long time. They've progressed quite far from their melodic death metal roots. This release marks both a return to their former style and a progression on their more recent albums. I had originally cast Come Clarity aside as just another In Flames album. Only after hearing some of the new material live, did I come to realize how good this album really is.
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4.
Saosin - Saosin
The hype for Saosin's self-titled debut was immeasurable. Fortunately for the band, they put together a catchy, well-crafted release. The first few spins I gave the album left me disappointed, but I was coming from the standpoint that this was a progression of their previous EP. Instead, you must realize that this is somewhat of a new band. After doing that, I saw Saosin for what it is, a brilliant album.
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5.
If Hope Dies - Life in Ruin
Having proven themselves with The Ground is Rushing Up to Meet Us, I was eagerly anticipating the release of the next If Hope Dies album. Needless to say, it met those expectations and even exceeded them in some cases. With the recent announcement that the band is going on indefinite hiatus, this may be their crowning achievement.
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6.
Purified in Blood - Reaper of Souls
I usually take my metalcore with more metal than hardcore, but Purified in Blood just are the opposite. This is straight edge hardcore with a sprinkling of metal at it's finest. "Brutal" is the only word that can describe Reaper of Souls.
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7.
After The Eulogy - Libertine's Dream
I usually don't put much stock in EP's as I'd much rather hear a fully fleshed out release, but Libertine's Dream was an exception to that rule. Every song on this album is solid. To make up for it's length, I usually ended up listening to it several times over in one sitting.
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8.
As Blood Runs Black - Allegiance
Allegiance is another one that came out of left field and knocked me upside the head. It's just the right mix of death, thrash, and metalcore. It definitely brings "the motherfucking ruckus." It's only weakness is it's length.
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9.
All That Remains - The Fall of Ideals
I was highly anticipating this release as I was in love with This Darkened Heart. From the moment that Labonte screams out on 'This Calling,' I knew I was in for a treat. Though The Fall of Ideals has been criticized as a neutering of All That Remains' style, I think it is a very listenable release.
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10.
The Human Abstract - Nocturne
Nocturne was a complete surprise. Before I gave the album a shot, I had never heard of the band. It's a fresh take on the metalcore genre that is quickly becoming stale. The generous use of clean, melodic vocals really makes this a standout record.
