With the end of the year in sight, it is time to review what has happened on the musical stage in the year 2006. I shall discuss some of the albums of bands I like that have been released this year, hopefully directing you into a musically informed 2007.

Note: Some albums aren't linked because they don't exist in last.fm's catalogue yet.

Highly anticipated
First off, let's give a small summary of releases done by "big bands" that I was looking forward to.

With Oden on Our Side
A good continuation of the viking domination called Amon Amarth. Though some differences can be heard on the album, it's a strong album that can be presented live among the older songs without friction.
See also: Concert Review: Týr, Wintersun, Amon Amarth

Aurora Consurgens
Quite different from previous Angra albums if heard at first, but it is still growing on me. Some songs have really good parts, but I didn't like it as much as I had expected. A bit of a turn off so far, but I haven't really listened to it enough I guess.

A Twist in the Myth
Listened it only a few times. It has some structurally brilliant songs, but if it was meant as a continuation of the epic "A Night At The Opera", Blind Guardian has failed. I had expected more. It may not have been a coincedence Blind Guardian played only a few of their new songs live when I saw them.

Monday Morning Apocalypse
Another disappointment. It's not a disaster, just a disappointment. Good songs, but I fear Evergrey are simply over their top. In my opinion, they've softened. It's no longer that dauntingly emotional dark melodic metal. It sounds plain. Alas!

Come Clarity
In Flames has already been accused of being musically different some albums back, so I will not do so. The new album fits really well in the course In Flames is currently on. The song Dead End contains vocals from pop artist Lisa Miskovsky, which worked out remarkably well.

Triumph Or Agony
Rhapody of Fire has long left being the blistering, fast power metal band with classical influences. They are now (as they call it themselves) film score metal, but they do a perfect job at it. It's not quite my cup of tea, though.

Unanticipated, yet brilliant
It may seem that 2006 was a bad year for metal, for I have not been very enthusiastic in the reviews so far. Still, there are some albums I came across that really blew my mind. Some are from newcomer bands, others from obscure ones I had not heard of before.

God Has a Plan for Us All
Formed around the backing vocalist of Cradle Of Filth, Sarah Jezebel Deva. A surprisingly well crafted piece of female fronted melodic metal. A critical view of the catholic church is the storyline, and make up for a good combination of music and songwriting in Angtoria.

The Butcher's Ballroom
I only recently discovered this one, but it's a gem! If you like projects like The Vision Bleak, you will definately like this one. Diablo Swing Orchestra is a blend between metal, jazz and opera. Very daring, but done with professional precision. Definately worth checking out.

Lucidity
A rock project directed by ex-Within Temptation keyboardist Martijn Westerholt. Members from numerous gothic metal bands contributed to this album, therefore already making Delain mentionable. The product is a very brilliant score that insures a strong impact when played live.
See also: Concert Review: Infernorama, Delain

Astronomy
A feast for fans of power metal with a taste of classical music. Like the previous Dragonland release, Starfall, this one keeps repeating itself in your head. It's marvellous in it's complexity and beautiful vocals.

Reformation
As a newcomer, Kiuas has surprised a lot of metalfans. They are very talented and the songs have a vivid air. Songs are both fast and complex, the vocals brutal and yet also emotional. Fantastic lyrics also make me say that this is absolutely a must!

Legend of the Bone Carver
Pyramaze is quality progressive/power metal and is setting high standards for other bands to equal. Riffs are heavy and powerful, and some very interesting in-song movements are found on this album.

Sintrade
Twilight Guardians continue their great contribution to the power metal world. In this new album they even accomplish to do a brilliant cover of Madonna's La Isla Bonita. Even though their sound isn't unique, I really enjoyed this album.