Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Spread Eagle, Devin Townsend, Boys From Heaven, Shinedown, & Adelitas Way

Index

Spread Eagle is a band that I was very glad to see still releasing. There was that gap where things were quiet, but the return with the previous album 'Subway To The Stars' was very much welcome in my opinion. I have always loved their gritty dirty sound and intensity and the latest album 'The Brutal Divine' does not disappoint. I went back and listened to the previous album to get a feel for possible differences between the two and honestly, they fit well together. I feel that the guitar solos on this new record may be a bit more flashy, but the music itself fits in very well with the rest of the catalog in general. There is a definite attitude to this album with some of it being borderline punkish in a way. Hard driving and gritty. There is a definite vibe to the album as a whole and I felt the listen was pretty complete. Another very cool record as far as I am concerned!

Release Date: June 11, 2026

Devin Townsend has to be one of the most ambitious artists that I have encountered. 'The Moth' is a big deal in a variety of ways. The album is a bit of a rock opera that incorporated a band core with orchestration, choirs and very good guest vocalists. I would say this could be one of his most different albums. In ways it is lighter and pretty atmospheric overall. That doesn't mean you don't get some intensity here and there or even the heavier side of his vocals. It's all there in a slightly different format. Once again, in similar fashion like 'Powernerd' there is a pretty cool boxset with a large book, atmos mix and the full album via blu-ray. It's a very nice package and adds another dimension to the album with the ability to watch it in a live show. I believe Townsend is taking a bit of a break, at least from touring. He definitely has earned it. Excellent!

Release Date: May 29, 2026

Third album from a fantastic Danish AOR band. I had not personally heard them before this album, but have spent a lot of time with this album. Very smooth 80's sounding stuff. When the opening track 'I'll Wait' started I literally thought of the 80's AOR classic band Fortune. As the album progresses, there are definitely different things going on, but it all adds to the musical journey which is quite good. As far as different things, the album is definitely even, but each song has its own personality. Take for instance the difference between 'I'll Wait' and the groove of 'Hotline'. Very cool minor differences and the synth sounds great. Other personal favorite include 'Say Goodbye', 'Eileen', 'Time Is On Our Side' and the album closer 'The Bitter End'. The album is sensational. Very good songwriting and delivery. Will definitely be keeping an eye on this band!

Release Date: May 22, 2026

Shinedown is a band that never disappoints. Each album evolves into something slightly different and 'Ei8ht' is no exception. I did something different while digesting this new album. I went back and listened to the band's whole catalogue. It showed me just how much they have evolved from their first album to the new one. There is no mistaking that it's Shinedown, but the growth in the songwriting is apparent. One of my favorite attributes with the new album is Brent's vocal work and the lyrics. Stuff you can relate to and I love the way he puts it all together vocally. There are really good rockers, some lighter stuff and also 'Deep End' which is an interesting shift in sound. I loved that tune. I have really come to love and respect this band. They were always great, but they are definitely something special as well. One of my 2026 favorites! Great job guys!

Release Date: May 29, 2026

Interesting having both Shinedown and Adelitas Way on the same review page. Actually saw these two bands together years ago. Adelitas Way is another band that has evolved their sound. I have never really been disappointed with anything they have done, quite the opposite. They continue to churn out great melodic modern rockers and add the lighter touch here and there. This album does have guest musicians once again which is cool. The major difference this time around is that the record is available straight from the band. They have done well so far with selling lots of CD's and selling out of a 250 limited vinyl run. The band has opted to keep this release away from some of the streaming platforms and go at it in a more old school fashion. I'm an old school guy, so I have no problem with that. It's a great album, so get with them via their website to buy!

Release Date: May 2026