 Drew Walton's Top 20 of 2006: This past year has been a good one for me. A lot of things have changed. Undoubtedly, every year brings changes for every person. But, I feel this past year has seen more significant changes in my personal life than any other thus far. I no longer live with my parents, I work two jobs and go to school, I'm no longer straight edge. In the midst of all that I've still managed to catch some good shows and hear some great bands.
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Number 10: |
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Verse - From Anger and Rage / Rivalry
I was a bit skeptical of this album at first, but it definitely grew on me. The song structures, lyrics and all-around songwriting have all been stepped up from their previous effort, Rebuild. I've seen this band live several times and they never disappoint. I am really feeling the direction the band is heading and I look forward to seeing them more. |
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Number 9: |
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Another Breath - Mill City / Rivalry
I had never heard this band prior to this record and it's definitely a good introduction to their catalog. Taking inspiration from bands like American Nightmare, Another Breath play a progressive style of hardcore and they do it very well. I got the chance to see them at the end of this year at This is For You Fest in Daytona Beach, FL. Live and on record, this band delivers.
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Number 8: |
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Razzle Dazzle - Both / Lockin Out
This is a compilation of Razzle Dazzle's two EPs (both released this year, I believe), hence the name Both. If you haven't heard, you should probably crawl out from under that rock, because Razzle Dazzle play some of the most fun-filled, party-themed hardcore around. After releasing the video for their new song "Ignorance is Bliss," I'm really looking forward to see what this band does in 2007. |
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Number 7: |
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Bracewar - self-titled / Kill the Peace
This is similar to Razzle Dazzle in that it's Bracewar's previous efforts compiled into one. Put out by Atlanta's own Kill the Peace Records, I got see this band countless times this year and they were always full of energy and played great sets. Playing fast, thrash-inspired hardcore, Bracewar brings some raw energy and obscure influences to the table not found in most of today's hardcore. Great band.
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Number 6: |
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Murder By Death - In Bocca Al Lupo / Tent Show
Not generally a style of music I like, Murder By Death plays alt-country with awesome lyrics about everything from pirates to dynamite mines. On this album, the vocals definitely sound a lot like Johnny Cash, which is a good thing. I got to see these guys once this year and their live show was a sight to see. The band had a projector screen behind them playing random black and white scenes that seemed to fit their lyrics. Good times, good tunes.
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Number 5: |
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Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury / Startrak
I'm a pretty big hip-hop fan and this record is definitely the best hip-hop release I've heard in a while. I've never really reviewed a hip-hop record before, so I'll just say the beats are better than most of the stuff out there today. I like their flow and lyrics and I'd definitely suggest this to anybody that hasn't heard it.
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Number 4: |
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Rise and Fall - Into Oblivion / Deathwish Inc.
This band rules. No better way to put it. I got the chance to see them live, which is awesome considering they're from Belgium. They're definitely the best in metallic hardcore right now. With bands like Integrity and Ringworm being obvious inspiration, Rise and Fall brings the best of the heavier side of hardcore to the table. Awesome vocals, heavy music; it doesn't get much better.
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Number 3: |
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Have Heart - The Things We Carry / Bridge Nine
Have Heart has been making their place in the hardcore scene for a few years now. With this album, they have definitely made their mark and found their own sound. Moving away from their straight up youth crew sound of their previous efforts, Have Heart has crafted a truly great album in The Things We Carry. Awesome lyrics, sweet guest vocals, and stepped up songwriting has made this album a huge improvement from What Counts.
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Number 2: |
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Iron Age - Constant Struggle / Youngblood
If you like Cro-Mags (which you definitely should), you should check this band out. A strong Cro-Mags/early metallic hardcore influence is present. In Iron Age's case, metallic doesn't mean breakdowns, but a strong sense of technicality and metallic influence. This album is great from beginning to end. Every time I was supposed to see them this year they cancelled so I still haven't gotten the joy of seeing them, so in the meantime I'll just listen to Constant Struggle and imagine.
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Number 1: |
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The Hope Conspiracy - Death Knows Your Name / Deathwish Inc.
I have loved the Hope Conspiracy for a while now and the anticipation leading up to the release of the album was totally worth it, from the first listen. The best songwriting in current hardcore and Kevin Baker's amazing vocals make this my obvious choice for record of the year. If you've never heard Hope Con I would describe them as progressive hardcore with heavy vocals. I would also suggest you get in the know, cause this shit rules hard. I can't even describe this album, it's just mind-blowing.
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Honorable Mentions: |
Attitude - We All Go Down Together
Young Jeezy - Thug Inspiration
Guns Up! - Outlive
Ceremony - Violence Violence
Dead Hearts - Bitter Verses
Betrayed - Substance
Triple Threat - Into The Darkness
Lion of Judah - Universal Peace
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Top EPs of 2006: |
1. Meltdown - self-titled
2. War Hungry - Divine/Demonic
3. Irreversible - Age
4. Shipwreck - 7"
5. Depression - self-titled
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Random things that ruled in 2006: |
- Moving out of my parents' house
- Getting more tattoos
- Drinking
- Skating more
- Hardcore shows
- Seeing Young Jeezy live
- Sick of It All 20th anniversary tour
- Finally seeing Hatebreed
- Bring it Back Fest
- This is For You Fest
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Looking forward to in 2007: |
- Bracewar
- Irreversible full length
- Getting more tattoos
- Skating more
- Shipwreck full length
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