This page was last updated on: April 30, 2026
           Pick of the month for 4 - 2026
          Metal Church-Dead To Rights
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.
Click Cover For Review!
After being quiet for a bit, Metal Church just got very noisy. The band have some impressive lineup changes with this new album with David Ellefson joining on Bass, Brian Allen bringing his game on vocals. Ken Mary is an excellent addition as well with these veterans joining Kurdt Vanderhoof and Rick Van Zandt to round things out. Brian Allen is bringing something special to the band. He sounds like David Wayne at times and also Mike Howe. That is going to bring a lot of flexibility to the live shows for sure. The music is heavy and sounds vintage in a lot of ways. Sort of like going back to the early days and first few albums. This album was an easy pick for me. Always been a fan and music like this is why! Don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!
Gotthard-More Stereo Crush  ©2026 Perception/RPM Records
NA few extra tracks from the 'Stereo Crush' recording sessions on this record. Also, a recording of 'Mayday' which was video only prior. Even a guest appearance by Marc Storace of Krokus fame on 'Liverpool'. Pretty solid EP with 8 tracks all of which are up to the bands usual high standard! Easy recommend!
For Fans of:  Hard Rock Website: Gotthard Official Website
Michael Monroe-Outerstellar   ©2026 Silver Lining Music
Michael Monroe doesn't miss a beat. Been in the business for a long time and stays consistent with each album. From the days of Hanoi Rocks through his great solo career, this album will fit in very well. Lots of great rockers with the occasional melodic tinged stuff. Easy recommend!
For Fans of:  Hard Rock   Website: Michael Monroe Facebook
Venus 5-March Of The Venus 5   ©2026 Frontiers Records
Very cool second album with a cool concept with the band's structure. 5 female vocalists that alternate and bring different sounds to the vocals with the vocal layers. The supporting cast is impressive as well. A bit of symphonic here and there and also some modern elements. It's a tight sounding record and easy recommend!
For Fans of:  Melodic Metal  Website: Venus 5 Facebook
Temple Balls-Temple Balls   ©2026 Frontiers Records
Really cool new hard rock release helping to get 2026 started off right. The band have their usual groove and this album had me thinking of Sons Of Angels from back in the early 90's for some reason. If you dig late 80's and early 90's hard rock and bands with a sound like H.E.A.T., this one is for you!
For Fans of: Hard Rock  Website:  Temple Balls Facebook
Asia-Live In England-Night One  ©2026 Frontiers Records
​Very cool live release that showcases new vocalist Harry Whitley and the band's self titled debut masterpiece. This project looks to be similar to what Blue Oyster Cult did recently with Frontiers Records. There should be a couple of more nights coming. There are a few bonus tracks added as well including 'Video Killed The Radio Star'.
For Fans of: Rock  Website:   Asia Official Website
Michael Vescera Project-Rebirth   ©2026 Rubicon Music
Didn't know this one was coming. Was vacationing in Japan and found this in the Shibuya Tower Records store. Songs are well crafted and Vescera's vocals are excellent as always. Not sure where this can be picked up domestically. This version was a Japanese release. Probably worth searching out as it is really good!
For Fans of: Metal/Hard Rock   Website: Michael Vescera Project Facebook
From Ashes To New-Reflections   ©2026 Better Noise Music
A recent discovery for me. I have had a chance to dig into this band's catalog a bit and at times they remind me of Linkin Park. There are some metalcore moments and the obvious rap rock element as well. I feel the songs are well crafted and the album is great start to finish!  
For Fans of: Modern Hard Rock/Metalcore  Website: From Ashes To New Official Website
Exodus-Goliath  ©2026 Napalm Records
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
Iron Savior-Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy  ©2026 Perception/RPM Records
A power metal covers album that is a fun ride. The band covers a lot of really big songs, from 80's pop artists which was a surprise. There is a definite edge, but at the same time the songs remain somewhat faithful to the originals. This track lineup was somewhat unexpected, but a lot of fun! If you need to sample, videos up on YouTube!
For Fans of: Power Metal Website Iron Savior Official Website
April 2026 Edition
Previous Picks of the Month in 2026

​February 2026  Megadeth-Megadeth
March 2026  Black Swan-Paralyzed
Click here to add text.