This page was last updated on: April 1, 2024
         Pick of the month for 3 - 2024
        Judas Priest-Invincible Shield
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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It's become quite obvious that Judas Priest still has plenty to say. There are plenty of bands out there that have diminishing music in terms of creativity and content. This legendary band isn't one of them. There were a few years between this release and the previous 'Firepower' album, but there is no slowing down musically or vocally for the Metal God, Rob Halford. I'm sure this album will make many lists when it comes to picks of the month or best of the year. This is an excellent release with a ton of energy. Songwriting is quite good and the band has retained it's metallic sound. There are plenty of really good albums so far this year, but I knew right away this was a pick of the month for sure Definitely don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!
Takida-The Agony Flame  ©2024 Napalm Records
Been rooting for these guys to get to a bigger stage for some time now. They have landed with Napalm Records which should help them get distribution in out part of the world. The music to me has a bit of a 'The Burning Heart' feel to it. Absolutely excellent modern hard rock. Easy recommendation as always!
For Fans of:  Modern Hard Rock Website: Takida Official Website
Lords Of Black-Mechanics Of Predacity   ©2024 Frontiers Records
Metal band that features Ronnie Romero on vocals and Tony Hernando on guitars. Good heavy and well crafted metal music. I thought this album was very consistent in terms of quality as well. It's a real banger of an album from start to finish. Definitely one of the best metal bands on the Frontiers roster!
For Fans of:  Metal   Website: Lords Of Black Facebook
Amaranthe-The Catalyst   ©2024 Nuclear Blast Records
If you are familiar with Amaranthe and the triple vocal attack they offer, you'll dig this new record as well. The band have a sound about them and with each album they continue to evolve it. Their videos are also really cool with the offerings from this album being no exception. Most appeal will be to more modern rock fans.
For Fans of:  Modern Rock  Website: Amaranthe Official Website
Filter-The Algorithm   ©2023 Golden Robot Records
This was definitely on my radar, but I'm a physical media guy and the pricing was a bit odd. After a bit of a wait, things are more reasonable and I am plenty happy with the music on this album. Concieved in 2018 to be the successor to the debut 'Short Bus'. Plenty of good grooves on this album. Always a good listen!
For Fans of: Modern/Industrial Hard Rock  Website:  Filter Official Website
Illumishade-Another Side Of You  ©2024 Napalm Records
​Discovered this band a short while ago. They are female fronted and deliver the music in a modern almost cinematic fashion. You'll get a heavy wall of guitar mixed with some melodic and atmospheric elements that show a progressive style. Not your typical progressive however. Really good songs and presentation!
For Fans of: Modern Metal  Website:   Illumishade Official Website
Kontrust-Madworld   ©2023 Napalm Records
While I put this in a modern hard rock category, this band is in some ways hard to categorize. One of the more unique, but very fun bands out there. New female lead singer this go around and music is crazy as always. The band brings sounds from their part of the world into the mix as well. Different but very fun album!
For Fans of: Modern Hard Rock   Website: Kontrust Official Website
Grand-Second To None   ©2024 Frontiers Records
I had already liked this band. This release cemented my like even further. I went back to the debut album as well and spent plenty of time with both recently. Very good melodic rock sound with a bit of an edge to it. Really like the feel of the ballad 'Lily'. Very atmospheric and melodic. Really good listen overall!
For Fans of: Melodic Rock  Website: Grand Official Website
Gotus-Gotus  ©2024 Frontiers Records
Really good release featuring Mandy Meyer. Also features Ronnie Romero on lead vocals. To me this album sounds quite a bit like the earlier Gotthard records. Has good edge to it with memorable melodic moments as well. This will be a fun band to follow in the future if they keep releasing records.
For Fans of: Hard Rock  Website: Gotus Facebook
Honeymoon Suite-Alive  ©2024 Frontiers Records
Here is a band that I'm glad to see back. They still write very memorable melodic hard rock music. As of this writing I am still waiting for my physical copy but am sure it should be soon. Great 80's style melodic sound with upbeat music and decent performances throughout! This one is a no brainer!
For Fans of: Melodic Rock Website Honeymoon Suite Official Website
March  2024 Edition
Previous Picks of the month in 2024


​Feb 2024 Mick Mars-The Other Side Of Mars
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