Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: November 30, 2023

Pick of the month for 11 - 2023

Vitalines-Wheels Within Wheels

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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Frontiers Records releases quite a few albums that feature different collaborations of well known artists. It's always cool to see music come together with different things that each member brings. Vitalines features Tommy Denander and Robbie LaBlanc. I was familiar with both and kind of felt that this was going to be some well written melodic rock. That is exactly what it offers. A great listen from the first playthrough that only gets better with each subsequent listen. As a whole, the album is really good. I do have some favorite tracks including 'When Spirits Fight', 'Life Waits For No One', and the title track. The structure of not only the songs, but the solos, vocal work etc. are really memorable. It was released late in the year, but should make plenty of best of lists. Top notch music and performances! Definitely don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!

I knew Dokken had toured off and on, but I thought the band was done when it came to new albums. Well, 'Heaven Comes Down' was just released and even though Don is the only remaining member from the heyday of the band, this record rocks. Really good 80's style hard rock just the way Dokken has always offered it!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Dokken Official Website

More excellent melodic rock from Hugo who has fronted bands in the past like Valentine and Open Skyz. If you dig classic Journey, you're more than likely going to love this record. A lot of similarities in the music and the vocal work. Songs are very melodic and memorable. Definitely an easy recommend from me!

For Fans of: Rock Website: Hugo's Voyage Facebook

It took some extra time to get this out due to the recent passing of guitarist Wayne Swinny. He did help complete this album before his passing and a video was shot 5 days before. I found this to be a very good record once again. Not sure where the band will go from here as there are no original members left. If this is the last, it's very good!

For Fans of: Modern Hard Rock Website: Saliva Official Website

If you haven't heard Danko Jones, you really should make yourself familiar with his music. It falls into a hard rock sound with a little bit of a punk feel here and there. I think most of his stuff is quite catchy with a fairly raw feel to it. Some pretty cool anthems this go around including the single 'Get High'. Very good energy here!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Danko Jones Official Website

Red has tried a few different things through the years. They have been mostly consistent, but have experimented a little here and there. 'Rated R' is a straight forward rocker of a record. Take a listen to the track 'Surrogates' and you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. the album may be a bit short, but is good start to finish!

For Fans of: Modern Metal Website: Red Official Website

Really good heavy album chock full of attitude. You can hear various eras in the new music especially some of the earlier albums. Definitely some substance in the subject material as well. This album probably fits into my top 5 from the band. If you dig the earlier stuff by the band, definitely check this one out!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Prong Official Website

This band was new to me even though they have at least 4 albums so far. Art Nation's Alexander Strandell has performed vocals on the last two. Very good melodic hard rock sound that reminded me of the mid to late 80's. If it was the 80's a lot of these songs would be hits for sure. Very good release!

For Fans of: Melodic Rock Website: Nitrate Facebook

Great bombastic hard rock sound. If you are familiar with acts like H.E.A.T, you should really take the time to check these guys out! Plenty of flash, attitude and good production show these guys are the real deal. We have checked them out before and once again can give a good recommendation to fans of 80's style hard rock!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Temple Balls Official Website

This band was new to me with this release but have been around for a while now. They have a ton of energy and are more modern in their sound. The band is also female fronted. As an added bonus, Craig Mabbitt was a guest on the album. If you dig it a bit more on the heavy side with a thick sound, this one is really cool!

For Fans of: Modern Metal Website: Stiched Up Heart Official Website