Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: December 4, 2020

Pick of the month for 11 - 2020

Ocean Hills-Santa Monica

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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As the year comes to a close it becomes more obvious which albums you have spent the most time with. It makes it easy to make picks when you have been playing an album a lot. Even though Ocean Hills just released this album recently, I was able to spend a lot of time with it and can say it is one of my most listened to releases of 2020 (I have plenty to listen to and can't always spend a lot of time with any one album). This album just clicked with me. I love the vocal work that features Zoltán Téglás who fronted the melodic punk band Ignite. This band definitely has a different feel than his former band. Songs are catchy and at times kind of melodic. This is one of those albums that will stick with me for a long time to come. Essential modern rock! Also, check out the other great music below!

Primal Fear is one of the most consistent bands out there. The write their music in a certain formula and it works. You know what you are going to get each time. It always comes down to is the album great or even better than that. This album joins some of the greats like the debut in my opinion as some of the best in their catalog!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Primal Fear Official Website

This Swedish AOR band really has the goods. If they would have been around back in the 80's, they would have been a major player on the scene. Think bands like Journey, Foreigner and others and you will have a feel for the style of Perfect Plan. Absolutely great release that has been getting its fair share of playing time!

For Fans of: Rock Website: Perfect Plan Official Website

After some years, Orianthi returns with her latest record via the Frontiers Records label. Although this could have been a shredder, as we know she is capable, we get a really cool album with a great overall vibe. Some radio friendly stuff here and the rock stuff is fairly gritty and raw. The album is enjoyable start to finish!

For Fans of: Rock Website: Orianthi Official Website

Fourth album from this awesome melodic hard rock band. Work Of Art frontman Lars Säfsund also fronts this band and there are obvious similarities. The music as always is rich in tone with very good atmosphere. Pretty much on par with previous albums. They know what the do well and they deliver each time!

For Fans of: AOR Website: Lionville on Facebook

GAlmost two decades between studio albums yielded good results. Not that we like that many years between. Really good songs and some good heavier stuff on this new album. The heavier stuff happens to be our favorite although the rest of the album is really good as well. Great Blue Öyster Cult music once again!

For Fans of: Rock Website: Blue Öyster Cult Official Website

Always a good day when a new Armored Saint album releases. This album displays the consistency that many of their previous albums have shown. It's good, heavy metal in a traditional sense, but with that Armored Saint Flair. Long time fans will understand this. Very easy to recommend to any fans of good metal.

For Fans of: Metal Website: Armored Saint Official Website

Sixth album by this great band. Probably the band's most mainstream effort without sacrificing the elements that have made this band great. The band features Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers and former Pyramaze vocalists Matt Barlow and Lance King. Some good heavier stuff and a few more melodic tunes.

For Fans of: Metal Website: Pyramaze Official Website

Another great album from the band who brings us a bit of a 70's sound. This is the band's fourth album and is sinilar in style to the previous three. Songs have that big stadium sound that 70's acts were known for and a great deal of melody. The band does have a knew frontman who is quite good. Great record!

For Fans of: Rock Website: Cats In Space Official Website

Adelitas Way is definitely one of the bright spots in 2020. The band have put together a great album with good variety. The sound continues to evolve once again. There are plenty of 'hit' type songs on this album. I actually rank this one as my second favorite of their catalog now. Definitely give it a shot!

For Fans of: Modern Rock Website: Adelitas Way Official Website