Dragonforce
Inhuman Rampage
Sanctuary (2006)
Usually, when a band tries to surpass their previous musical efforts, especially when the stage is set to such a high standard, they hit a block of musical creativity. This block sounds like an attempt at something new and original but falls quite short of that, and what you hear makes you look back at the CD case to see … Read more
Eagles of Death Metal
Death by Sexy
Downtown (2006)
The Eagles of Death Metal are back in action and are kicking all notions of a sophomore slump to the curb. Death by Sexy is thirteen tracks of sassed up garage rock that makes for the ideal Summer soundtrack. So pick up a copy of this album and plan a get-together, because if there is fun to be had, this … Read more
Electric Horsemen
Electric Horsemen
Churchtown Deathbed (2006)
Somewhere - where I have no idea - the idea that traditional stoner-rock could get a huge kick in the ass by adding some of the successful elements of "hardcore" popped into some tattooed (probably grizzly) peoples' heads. I imagine the plethora of people who own the Hydra Head catalog also have a few Eyehategod and Sleep records, and vice … Read more
Elphaba
Any Land But This
Rome Plow (2006)
Elphaba is a noisy band that at times is reminiscent of the sound of The Blood Brothers mixed with No Kill No Beep Beep-era Q and Not U. Upon first listen, their album, Any Land But This, is a very difficult record to digest. But, repeated listening showed the album to have several interesting qualities. "Long Decay Slow Delay" not … Read more
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton
Knives Don't Have Your Back
Last Gang (2006)
Emily Haines is a diva. Okay, maybe not in the traditional sense of the word, but if the modern definition - "an extremely independent and talented female singer" - allows individuals like Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé to be considered divas, then Haines is more than deserving. Haines may be most well known for her work fronting Metric, but she has … Read more
Empty
Open Aeon
Aphotic Audio (2006)
The alternative electronic world is a strange one. In a realm of, literally, limitless possibilities, beats and effects and bound only by human imagination, there is a clique of acts that all sound the same. These acts make electronic music in the same way that punk bands make punk music. There are, of course, a few exceptions to that rule … Read more
End of a Year
Sincerely
Revelation (2006)
I have decided that a review for End of a Year's Sincerely should mimic the album's defining characteristics. So this review will be written quickly with an abundance of energy and a smattering of thought. Sincerely is an album that is so engulfed by its own influences that it almost seems like it doesn't even exist. But it does. End … Read more
Engineer
Reproach
Hex (2006)
Hot off the heels of their split with labelmates Achilles, Engineer serves up Reproach. This album was born from the varying manners of hardship and adversity that forced the band to hole up and dig in. The resulting months of being locked up together was spent hammering this record into submission through countless hours of writing, honing, practicing... All the … Read more
Envy
Insomniac Doze
Temporary Residence (2006)
"In such an ugly time the real protest is beauty," said some smart dude once. Right now, July 17 of 2006 at 3:36 p.m. I'm living in one of the ugliest times in the history of the homo sapien. Reading any newspaper makes that abundantly clear with who-knows-what on the horizon. At the moment out of everything that I can … Read more
Envy
Insomniac Doze
Temporary Residence (2006)
Unless you haven't heard Envy before, which would be a tragic mistake, then you already know how incredible this Japan-based melodic hardcore band is. This band truly is the instrumental representation of angst and sincerity that is a rare find in the crowded pool of crappy hardcore bands today. That being said, their new album, Insomniac Doze is sure to … Read more
Envy
Insomniac Doze
Temporary Residence (2006)
I came to Insomniac Doze with no prior knowledge of Envy, but with a strong interest in Japanese culture. As a country, Japan isn't exactly renowned for its success in the international music scene. Its successful exports tend to be few and far between, offering only a brief glimpse into what is in fact perhaps one of the most diverse … Read more
Erase Errata
Nightlife
Kill Rock Stars (2006)
I fear it may happen one day; someone will slip up, let the cat out of the bag, and give the game away. Someone may, one day, tell Erase Errata that it isn't 1981 any longer. Basquiat is dead, Sonic Youth isn't so youthful anymore and John Hinckley Jr. was a rubbish shot. Step forward, Ladies, 2006 has much to … Read more
Escape the Fate
There's No Sympathy for the Dead
Epitaph (2006)
Brett Gurewitz clearly smells money like band mate Greg Graffin smells fat teen pussy from Wisconsin, and it gets him just as hard. By his own admission Gurewitz has never "come across a new group with more potential to be huge" than Escape the Fate. The dollar signs must be spinning in his eyes as the Myspace friend requests grow … Read more
Escape the Floodwater Jug Band
Whiskey Will Fix It
Super Amigos (2006)
A half a century ago, when America was a more wholesome place than its current manifestation, a man by the name of Kerouac wrote the great American novel of its time. In the novel, On the Road, Kerouac recounts the adventures had when crisscrossing the newly developed highway system. Kerouac himself often romanticized of an even earlier America still: a … Read more
Estradasphere
Palace of Mirrors
The End (2006)
For a newcomer to the weird and wonderful world of Estradasphere, Palace of Mirrors is as good a starting point as any. Though the album lacks the vocals featured on the bands previous releases, due to the departure of vocalist and contributing songwriter John Whooley, it is by no means weak as a consequence. The album works well as an … Read more
Everything Falls Apart
Escape
Independent (2006)
Everything Falls Apart gets big ups and putting this seven-inch out all on their own. Six songs of semi-melodic 80's styled punk/hardcore with snotty vocals. No chugga-chugga breakdowns, no useless slogans, no emo meanderings, just straight up fast hardcore that may be played a bit sloppy but most assuredly played with all heart. Read more
Eye of Judgement
The New Crusade
New Eden (2006)
Let's face it, since the departure of Earth Crisis in 2001, there hasn't been a prevalent force in the vegan straightedge scene. I suppose Undying made an attempt at it, but with constant lineup problems and a lack of touring, they never quite got on track. xMaroonx also had a shot at it, but they really haven't toured outside of … Read more
Eyes Averted
Paralyzing Passion and Motion
Independent (2006)
It seems strange that a band like Eyes Averted would end up having to self-release their debut album. Before Paralyzing Passion and Motion was completed, the band was abruptly dropped from their label. Why would this happen? What acceptable excuse could there possibly be? The technical, almost progressive, hardcore style the band embraces has reached a level of popularity that … Read more
