Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: June 30, 2008

Pick of the month for 6 - 2008

Shinedown - The Sound Of Madness

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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There were a few titles that I considered as being in close competition for this month's main pick. I finally went with the latest from Shinedown. The last effort 'Us and Them' was a bit disappointing to me, but the band came back with a vengeance with 'The Sound of Madness'. There is some really good heavy stuff here, but also a nice balance of melodic stuff. To me this album feels complete and consistant. The band are definitely more modern in sound, but this album has some good crossover appeal to add some older and more traditional fans as well. Great stuff! Check out the other picks below as well. Definitely don't miss these titles!

This album had to grow on me a little. Mike Tramp's voice is a bit diiferent now and the music is a bit more deep then I remember it. After really digesting the bands latest effort which features only Tramp from the original 'Pride' lineup, there are some definite decent moments on this album. Maybe not what they used to be, but still decent.

Favorite Tunes: Sangre de Cristo, Live Your Life, I Will, Battle Of Little Big Horn, Let Me Be Me

Probably my favorite album since 'Slang'. The album has some very good guitar drive and has an edge to it. It's nice to see the band get a little more dangerous with this release. The Sparkle Lounge for those who don't know is the back room at the concert venue. The band likes to write their music here and this is a great batch this time.

Favorite Tunes: Go, Nine Lives, C'mon C'mon, Love, Cruise Control, Only The Good Die Young, Gotta Let It Go

I never paid much attention to this band, but with their most recent release, I was glad I did. Obviously sporting a more modern sound, this album really rocks, but also has a fair amount of moody element. Not sure where the band fits into the current evolving scene, but I was happy with this particular release.

Favorite Tunes: Inside, Enough, Scapegoat, Prodigal Son, Lifeless, Sorrow, Contradiction

The bands best work since 'Dr. Feelgood'. This album really rocks and returns to the attitude of the Crüe that we have all known and loved. The songwriting had some outside writers by way of some of Sixx's bandmates in Sixx A.M. If you want it loud and raunchy the old school way, this album is pretty damn cool.

Favorite Tunes: Face Down in the Dirt, Saints of Los Angeles, Mutherfucker of the Year, Goin' Out Swingin'

Another pretty decent album from this more modern band. The album has a nice even feel in terms of tempo and in some ways has a bit of 'The Sickness' (some of it was written back in those sessions) and '10,000 Fists'. The band still seems to be standing firm in a scene that is continually evolving. Pretty decent stuff.

Favorite Tunes: Indestructible, Inside The Fire, Haunted, The Curse, Criminal, Façade

Very good compilation that also includes 'Speed' from the movie as well as 2 new tracks 'John Wayne' and 'New Future Weapon'. These 2 new tracks are of great quality and are not even remotely filler material. Billy Idol and Steve Stevens are on a roll. There is a 2 disc set that contains a bonus DVD with Idol's earlier videos. Great!

Favorite Tunes: It's a greatest hits thing, but I absolutely love the 2 new tracks, 'John Wayne' & 'New Future Weapon'

Swedish band that plays with alot of energy and big riffs. At times the vocalist reminds me of a mix of Ian Astbury and Freddie Mercury. There is just some all out rockin' stuff here and also some more depth oriented stuff. I found this to be a very enjoyable listen personally. Definitely worth a look.

Favorite Tunes: Double Nature, The Heckler, I Wanna Be Loved, Bring Me Everyone, The End

Hadn't listened to this band too much up to the point of checking out 'City of Evil'. That album was okay to me, but this latest effort really hit a homerun in my opinion. I love the anger in the first track 'Critical Acclaim' and really what that song stands for in general. Very cool album if you haven't checked this band out yet.

Favorite Tunes: Critical Acclaim, Scream, Afterlife. Unbound (The Wild Ride), Brompton Cocktail, Dear God

I wasn't sure I liked this album much until the second listen. What bothered me was the fact that Coverdale's vocals sounded fairly worn out. Upon another listen the music jumped out much more and I felt much more at ease with the vocal work. This album almost takes the band back to earlier days in terms of sound and is pretty soulful.

Favorite Tunes: Best Years, Call On Me, All I Want All I Need, Summer Rain, A Fool In Love

June 2008 Edition

Previous Picks of the month in 2008

Feb '08 - Endeverafter - Kiss or Kill

March '08 - Steve Stevens - Memroy Crash

April '08 - Testament - The Formation of Damnation

May '08 - Dokken - Lightning Strikes Again