Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: August 5, 2026

Pick of the month for 7 - 2026

Zan/Cody-Beautiful 'N Damned

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 been way too long since we had Harry Cody tearing it up on guitar. The new Zan/Cody album featuring the two early members of Shotgun Messiah reunited for a new project band. Shotgun Messiah was always a go to band for me. They had only a few releases, but they definitely got a lot of play time with me. Zan/Cody is not too different. This album was an easy pick as I found this to be every bit as good as the Shotgun Messiah albums. Great vibe through the entire album and Zinny Zan and Cody both sound great on their parts of the album. There's a bit of variety in the music on this album and that is one of my favorite parts. Sometimes you like a fairly even album and other times different things make it work. This is definitely a top 5 of 2026 midway through the year. Great to see these guys at it again! Don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!

This is an amazing record. It took a long time to come to fruition apparently, but was definitely worth the wait. Basically a rock opera with guest vocalists, an orchestra and choirs, and Devin's brilliance. It's definitely different than the usual Devin Townsend record, but has his usual sophistication and quality. Great record!

For Fans of: Progressive Rock Website: Devin Townsend Official Website

On the heavier side of the spectrum is Black Label Society's 'Engines Of Demolition'. Zakk always has a really mean sounding guitar tone and the music always benefits. I really liked the melodic stuff on this one as well. Plenty of atmosphere and 'Ozzy's Song' is a real gem. Very heartfelt tribute in my opinion. Very solid record!

For Fans of: Heavy Rock Website: Black Label Society Official Website

Spread Eagle was one of my more favorite bands from back in the day. I was so glad to see them releasing again. This new album is nasty. Great gritty sound and cool vibe to it. The guitar work is insane here. If you dig solos, this is your record. This record to me fits in very well with the bands first record. Another great album!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Spread Eagle Official Website

Chez Kane returned recently with a pretty strong 80's sounding melodic hard rock record. It was a pain in the ass to get too. Had orders cancelled, Amazon took forever to stock, etc. Well, I was finally able to get it and it is a great listen like the previous 2 records. She has a powerful set of pipes and Danny Rexon brings the goods again!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Chez Kane Facebook

Another very easy recommend. I love Degreed and find them to be very consistent in terms of sound and quality. This record is strong and has a good mix of rockers and more melodic tracks as well. Songs were instantly likeable for me. They usually get our recommend, so if you haven't checked them out, what are you waiting for?

For Fans of: Melodic Hard Rock Website: Degreed Official Website

One of my earliest metal bands from the 80's. Always dig their records. This one is no exception. It's exactly what you would expect. Metal record with very well crafted songs and performances. This band has been going at it for decades and you can just feel the confidence once again with this new record!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Armored Saint Official Website

I really dig Adelitas Way. I first caught them on the 'Home School Valedictorian' record and have been following ever since. The band has evolved and with the new record has a variety of guest musicians. This album is available through the band's website only as of now. Mine came personally signed even with the low cost. Great!

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

Even though Primal Fear seemed to get a bit more attention, Mat Sinner brought the goods in his band Sinner. You hate to see the end of this band but here we are. This is a great final record. Superb guest musicians. Good quality songs and enough here to make it a memorable finish. Definitely worth your time!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Sinner Official Website

You can always count on Sevendust to deliver a great record. There is a certain degree of polish here, but some good grit as well. I think songs are well written and definitely fit well in the Sevendust catalog. This band has been rolling along for a long time and they just get it right. A very goo modern sounding hard rock record!

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