Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Venus 5, Michael Vescera Project, From Ashes To New, Metal Church, & Exodus

Index

I was looking for something new when I came across this promo of this unique band. The band features 5 different female vocalists and are supported by some great musician and songwriters such as Aldo Lonobile and Stefan Helleblad who was part of Within Temptation. I felt the songwriting was strong with this record with many different elements such as symphonic, melodic metal, etc. coming into play. This is the band's second release. I missed the first album for whatever reason, but plan on going back to discover it. The opening and title track has a killer groove to it and as the album plays out, there are plenty of different things going on that are highlighted by the different vocal styles of each singer. At times the music sounds a bit more modern, other times it comes back to a more traditional or mainstream feel. Thought this was a great record!

Release Date: March 20, 2026

This album was a bit of a surprise to me. I actually took a vacation to Japan and found this new release in the Shibuya Tower Records in Tokyo. I have been a fan for a long time of Michael Vescera going back to the early days of Obsession, through Loudness, and even his early MVP albums. Just didn't realize this one had just released. I bought without hesitation. I love the MVP stuff. Fairly melodic with an edge through most of the record and Vescera still has the pipes. It's crazy how some of these guys can sustain their vocal styles. Vescera is a definite gem in the metal community. I felt the songs on this new record were pretty accessible and straightforward. There are plenty of heavy moments, but overall, this is a very upbeat sounding record. A very good batch of songs once again including 'Innocent Man' which appeared on the 'Windows' album. Excellent!

Release Date: March 11, 2026

From Ashes To New is a younger band that in my opinion would have a lot of appeal to Linkin Park fans. They have been around for some time and have released some really good more modern oriented stuff. There is a rap rock element here and there and a bit of a metalcore feel with breakdowns and such. I am a bit new to the band so this is my first go with them in the form of a review. After becoming familiar with some of the previous material, I have to say I really dig this new record. Songs are catchy and have some good punch to them. I feel they should be able to attain even more success due to the strength of the songs. I am a more traditional rock and metal guy, but this album just hit perfect with me. Lots of hit potential in my opinion. It will have more appeal to modern hard rock fans, but give it a shot, it's really good!

Release Date: April 17, 2026

I had been wondering what was happening with Metal Church. 'Congregation of Annihilation' was a really good record, but the band seemed very quiet. Obviously, big things were brewing. I think the band had actually gone defunct, but out of the ashes comes some of the genre's big players with David Ellefson, Ken Mary, Rick Van Zandt, Kurdt Vanderhoof and new vocalist Brian Allen who has fronted Vicious Rumors. Allen has a vocal style that can do both the David Wayne and Mike Howe stuff. It's really impressive. With a lineup like this you definitely want to get a record out and the new album is an absolute banger. Songs are heavy and performances by everyone are very strong. In some ways the music almost has a bit of a vintage feel going back to the early days. Absolutely happy to see them back and the record sets a high bar for the genre in 2026!

Release Date: April 10, 2026

Exodus return with their thirteenth studio album and the first with Napalm Records. The band also sees the return of Rob Dukes on lead vocals. This new album is quite cool in my opinion. You can feel a bit of experimentation with some of these songs. I have seen people mention 'Force Of Habit' in comparison and to me this album hits different than the typical Exodus album. It's definitely heavy, but as the album rolls along, there is a very cool groove that shows up in some of the songs. Kind of catchy in ways, but not to the point of sacrificing the heaviness fans have come to expect. The title track is doomy sounding as it plods along. There are some definite chugging styled rhythms scattered throughout this album. Due to some of these attributes, the album has a slightly unique and fresh feel to it. It's obvious that Exodus is still very relevant!

Release Date: March 20, 2026