Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: June 8, 2026

Pick of the month for 5 - 2026

Von Groove-Born To Rock

I have revamped the picks section into more of a buyers guide. I figured that I would give a little more exposure to albums that are must haves and are still available as far as I know. If you have questions beyond the descriptions given, email me. Thanks for checking this section out.

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Well, I thought these guys were done. Been a long time since we saw a new album and the wait was worth it.I remember finding this bands first album and bought without hearing it. That album set my love of the band's music in motion. 'Born To Rock' is a great record full of good rocking songs with a decent amount of melody. And that bass guitar. I remeber being a fan of this element in the band and it is definitely a presence here. I don't know whether this album is a one off or if the band will dig in and get more stuff released at this point. I am hoping they stick around around for a while. My choice of this latest album is out of excitement due to loving this band, and the fact that it really is a great record! Don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!

NA few extra tracks from the 'Stereo Crush' recording sessions on this record. Also, a recording of 'Mayday' which was video only prior. Even a guest appearance by Marc Storace of Krokus fame on 'Liverpool'. Pretty solid EP with 8 tracks all of which are up to the bands usual high standard! Easy recommend!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Gotthard Official Website

On the heavier side of the spectrum is Black Label Society's 'Engines Of Demolition'. Zakk always has a really mean sounding guitar tone and the music always benefits. I really liked the melodic stuff on this one as well. Plenty of atmosphere and 'Ozzy's Song' is a real gem. Very heartfelt tribute in my opinion. Very solid record!

For Fans of: Heavy Rock Website: Black Label Society Official Website

Very cool second album with a cool concept with the band's structure. 5 female vocalists that alternate and bring different sounds to the vocals with the vocal layers. The supporting cast is impressive as well. A bit of symphonic here and there and also some modern elements. It's a tight sounding record and easy recommend!

For Fans of: Melodic Metal Website: Venus 5 Facebook

The band changed singers with this new album and he fits pretty well with the band's sound as usual. The singers that have gone through this band all have their own sound, but are similar. The record itself is one of the most complete by the band. Written in their usual formula, the songs are once again solid!

For Fans of: Melodic Hard Rock Website: Creye Official Website

Another very easy recommend. I love Degreed and find them to be very consistent in terms of sound and quality. This record is strong and has a good mix of rockers and more melodic tracks as well. Songs were instantly likeable for me. They usually get our recommend, so if you haven't checked them out, what are you waiting for?

For Fans of: Melodic Hard Rock Website: Degreed Official Website

Didn't know this one was coming. Was vacationing in Japan and found this in the Shibuya Tower Records store. Songs are well crafted and Vescera's vocals are excellent as always. Not sure where this can be picked up domestically. This version was a Japanese release. Probably worth searching out as it is really good!

For Fans of: Metal/Hard Rock Website: Michael Vescera Project Facebook

A recent discovery for me. I have had a chance to dig into this band's catalog a bit and at times they remind me of Linkin Park. There are some metalcore moments and the obvious rap rock element as well. I feel the songs are well crafted and the album is great start to finish!

For Fans of: Modern Hard Rock/Metalcore Website: From Ashes To New Official Website

New label and the return of Rob Dukes on this record. Very cool vibe to this album. It's heavy as expected, but maybe a bit more experimental in small ways. The album blows wide open when it starts and then all kinds of cool elements come into play. All rock oriented type things but give a bit of a fresh feel to their thrash!

For Fans of: Thrash Metal Website: Exodus Official Website

You can always count on Sevendust to deliver a great record. There is a certain degree of polish here, but some good grit as well. I think songs are well written and definitely fit well in the Sevendust catalog. This band has been rolling along for a long time and they just get it right. A very goo modern sounding hard rock record!

For Fans of: Modern Hard Rock Website: Sevendust Official Website