(HelloAngel, feel free to quote anything in this post.)
I feel 2006 has not been a particularly sensational year in music, especially not after the postponement of Blackfield's second album to 2007. Orphaned Land's new album was also meant to be out this year but it looks almost certain now that it will be released in 2007 too. However, this year has produced two absolute gems:
Agalloch - Ashes Against The Grain
With their third offering, Agalloch prove that their first two albums weren't just flukes. These guys are the masters of the soundscape. They have an incredible ability to create beautiful, eerie, wintry landscapes in the listener's mind that are more vivid than those created by any other band I've heard. John Haughm is a great clean singer and his death growls are largely very comprehensible, and the band's atmospheric metal style is a rather original combination of death and black metal elements with folk music influences. Ashes Against The Grain is the third atmospheric masterpiece in a row and I can't wait to hear what Agalloch has for us in the future.
Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third
Without a doubt, this is the best album of the year. Pure Reason Revolution draw strong influences from Pink Floyd but also bring in abundant amounts of originality. Their male and female vocalists have gorgeous harmonies and float in and out of each other seamlessly. The soundscapes crafted by the music are ethereal and artistic, full of richness, warmth, and depth. It is hard to believe that this is the band's debut album, as they are clearly very accomplished, talented, and thoughtful musicians.
I am very eagerly looking forward to 2007. It looks set to be a great year for music, with releases from bands such as Blackfield, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Orphaned Land, Circus Maximus, hopefully Anathema, and if we're all very lucky, The Chills.