Our eagerly awaited ‘albums of the year’ selection is close at hand, and as usual it will include an eclectic range of music including heavy metal. I’ll cut to the chase and state categorically that SATURDAY NIGHT WRIST will feature strongly.

Rather like Thrice’s album released early in 2006, Deftones have taken a more adventurous musical route without departing from their signature sound. It’s a risky, clever route to take, but it’s worked a treat. Opener Hole In The Earth is a supreme example of how successfully the band have blended the heavy with the melodic and atmospheric. It’s a stunning track that begs to be played time and time again; there’s dark, shade and light, there’s an expressive Chino Moreno vocal that’s as good as anything you’ve heard in 2006 (from any act), a mind numbing instrumental display, and melody to burn. Rapture is firmly back in pure metal land but resists the temptation to follow Slayer’s cataclysmic path; rather it has structure and musicality. Beware is played at deathly pace with an ambience to match. Every emo note of this devastating, menacing track bears the sign of greatness, and it’s my favourite heavy rock song of the year. Cherry Waves ain’t that far behind with its mournful pace, despairing vocal and Metallica instrumental moments. Hell, it sounds like the band is playing in an endless dark tunnel, occasionally finding the air vents… Other highlights include the rampant, melodic Men, the lighter instrumental U.U.D.L.R.L.R.R.A.B., Select, Start, the hauntingly beautiful Xerces, and highly original, glacial Pink Cellphone that features an extraordinary monologue from Giant Drag’s Annie Hardie (check out the reference to British people and why they have bad teeth…).

For fans of heavy rock this album will inspire, and to those who usually prefer a more sedate brand of rock prepare to be surprised and delighted. A brilliant, ground-breaking album and one I cannot wait to see replicated in the live arena.

4.5/5