Landmark Metal Albums of 2006: Part I
December 15, 2006 by Jo Minor
While I have chosen my personal favorite for the best Metal album of 2006, it was tough narrowing down 5 other albums to be given a notable mention as the landmark albums of the year.
Let’s start things off with a solo project.
Between Two Worlds by I
I is Immortal front man Abbath’s solo project - with help from a few other musicians, of course. Between Two Worlds was the end result of Abbath’s songwriting process, with some lyrical contributions from long-time collaborator and former Immortal band mate Demonaz.
When Abbath dissolved Immortal after their Sons Of Northern Darkness album some years back, he quickly got involved in a Motorhead tribute band named Bombers. Abbath was the vocalist for that band, and it seems that being in a tribute band isn’t the same as writing and performing for the band he single-handedly gave life to. Earlier this year, Abbath announced the reunification of Immortal with a new lineup, as ex-drummer Horgh is plying his trade with legendary Swedish Death Metal outfit Hypocrisy, and ex-bassist Iscariah has his hands tied with his own projects.
As word got around of the reunification, talks were rife about an Abbath solo project as well - and soon enough, some songs were posted on the internet.
Between Two Worlds was the final product and it blew the minds of fans and the media - and as it turned out to be, it was a tasteful blend of old school rock ‘n roll and Sons Of Northern Darkness era Immortal. Solid song structures and catchy hooks are plentiful in this release, making I a project that delivered more than its fair share of goods.
Christ Illusion by Slayer
The latest release by the Thrash Metal legends, Christ Illusion marked the return of original drummer Dave Lombardo from a decade-long hiatus from the band. As with any Slayer release, the hype for this album was unrivalled and its launch was met with intense anticipation from fans.
Everything about the album spelled “successful comeback” - right down to the cover artwork by artist Larry Carroll. The no-holds-barred cover, which depicts a drawing of a disfigured Jesus Christ, was gracefully accepted by fans as it resembled earlier Slayer covers from classic albums Reign In Blood, South Of Heaven and Seasons In The Abyss.
Artwork aside, the songs in Christ Illusion pack quite a punch - it’s great to see that the aging members of the band have actually produced an album which is even faster and heavier than the past few releases. Drummer Dave Lombardo performs the best drum work in the band’s twenty-plus year career, and has actually improved from his time away from Slayer.
Songs like the opening Flesh Storm and the controversial Jihad (which takes the listener into a journey deep into the mind of a terrorist) are pure Thrash Metal, while Eyes Of The Insane takes us back to the more groove-laden tracks like Stain Of Mind. The first single of the album, Cult, is a worthy listen but the best track is saved for last. Supremist is the last, and arguably the best track in the album - it’s probably the best showcase of Lombardo’s lightning-fast drumming. His concrete-smashing blast beats take up the entire chorus parts of the song, and is a great listening pleasure.
The best Thrash Metal album of the year.
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
