Okay, this took a lot of thought due to the limited nature of the list. Here's my pick for TOP ALBUMS OF 2006:
5. Queensryche - Operation:Mindcrime II
As good as the original? No. But easily the best post-DeGarmo QR album yet. Some very tasteful shredding from Mr Stone, as well. It gets to the top 5 based on the quality of the soloing alone.
4. Blind Guardian - A Twist In The Myth
Kinda spinning their wheels on this album, but it's still head and shoulders above most power prog. The new drummer is awesome, as can be expected. The lack of guitar solos almost pushed the album out of the top 5, but ... Hansi!! Plus, not everyone can make a cool song about Peter Pan!
3. Joe Satriani - Super Colossal
Can't say too many good things about this album. Stunning mix, incredible guitar playing, melodic out the wazoo ... in short, it's colossal!
2. Jon Oliva's Pain - Maniacal Renderings
What do you get when you take old Chriss Oliva demos, have them worked on by the other half of the Savatage writing team, and then have one of the best guitarists in the underground solo over them? An hour of pure old school metal that will kick you in the teeth!!!
and the No. 1 pick goes to ....
1. Cellador - Enter Deception
True Metal. \m/
Albums not released in 2006 that I listened to the most:
1. Coheed & Cambria: Burning Star IV
2. Rush: Roll The Bones
3. The Beatles: Help/Rubber Soul (I have em on a single CD)
4. Peter Gabriel: Security
5. Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here
