Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: July 12, 2026

Pick of the month for 6 - 2026

Shinedown-Ei8ht

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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Been spending a lot of time with the new Shinedown record. With this band, you kind of know what to expect, but always know it won't be the same album twice. The band always evolve a little and this latest album is no exception. The songs are really good once again. Some great rockers and some very good melodic stuff as well. One element I enjoyed quite a bit with this new batch of songs was the lyrics. Things you can relate to. Whether that means life in general or other things, Shinedown always seems to put an emphasis here and make things thought provoking. The album is just over an hour in length and offers up 18 tracks. They are all fairly short, but very satisfying. These guys are always an easy pick for me. As far as modern rock bands go, they are definitely one of the best! Don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!

This is an amazing record. It took a long time to come to fruition apparently, but was definitely worth the wait. Basically a rock opera with guest vocalists, an orchestra and choirs, and Devin's brilliance. It's definitely different than the usual Devin Townsend record, but has his usual sophistication and quality. Great record!

For Fans of: Progressive Rock Website: Devin Townsend 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

Spread Eagle was one of my more favorite bands from back in the day. I was so glad to see them releasing again. This new album is nasty. Great gritty sound and cool vibe to it. The guitar work is insane here. If you dig solos, this is your record. This record to me fits in very well with the bands first record. Another great album!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Spread Eagle Official Website

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

One of my earliest metal bands from the 80's. Always dig their records. This one is no exception. It's exactly what you would expect. Metal record with very well crafted songs and performances. This band has been going at it for decades and you can just feel the confidence once again with this new record!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Armored Saint Official Website

I really dig Adelitas Way. I first caught them on the 'Home School Valedictorian' record and have been following ever since. The band has evolved and with the new record has a variety of guest musicians. This album is available through the band's website only as of now. Mine came personally signed even with the low cost. Great!

For Fans of: Modern Rock Website: Adelitas Way 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