Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Creye, Sevendust, Black Label Society, degreed, & Helix

Index

I have to confess. When I heard the band replaced the lead singer again with new vocalist Simon Böös, I was a bit resistant to the new album. Being a huge fan of the band, I spent the time to get a feel for where the band were on the new journey with a new vocalist. Replacing singers doesn't always go well, but Creye have been amazing every step of the way. This album is no exception. As a matter of fact, I feel this is probably their most complete album to date. I have liked all of the band's albums so far, but have always migrated to the highlights of each album. This entire album is a highlight. I have been through it close to a dozen times with no need to skip anything. It's that good. The music is very much Creye in nature, but it has evolved a bit further with the new chemistry. One thing is for sure, you can not miss with any era of this band. One of my 2026 favorites!

Release Date: April 24, 2026

Sevendust have just released another very cool album with 'One'. The sound is what you would expect as Sevendust has a sound all their own. There is an interesting dynamic in play here. Bands like to find ways to evolve a bit and keep things interesting. The dynamic here is the typical aggression, but with depth in each track. There is an atmospheric feel to a lot of the music on this album. Take for instance the closer 'Misdirection'. It sounds like it might go the lighter route, but ends up with chugging guitar work mixed in and the overall feel is very cool. They don't stray from what has worked in the past, but do add some minor things that give this album a fresh feel. I think Sevendust is one of the more interesting bands of the last few decades. They fit in well within the genre, but also have a unique feel as well. Definitely dig this new record!

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Always dig what Zakk Wylde does, but at this point in time, my interest was at a higher level due to the passing of Ozzy last year. You know that had to be tough for Wylde and musicians bring things out musically. This record has some of that. Obviously, the song that sticks out the most is the emotionally driven 'Ozzy's Song'. Everything about it right down to the solo feels of emotion. A very good track. The rest of the album is full of heavy rockers with a very cool groove, but also the atmospheric stuff that Zakk does here and there. One thing is for sure, he does both equally well. This album has a very good flow to it. I would go as far to say that this is probably my most favorite since 'The Blessed Hellride' which you might remember featured Ozzy as well. You have to respect this album. It's very good musically and we know about Zakk and Ozzy. Fantastic!

Release Date: March 27, 2026

Degreed is a band that I buy each time without hesitation. Their consistency is one of their biggest attributes. The melodic hard rock band has churned out another great batch of tunes with 'Curtain Calls' The album starts with a bit of a bang with the opening track 'One Helluva Ride' and that's what this album ends up being. Some of the music here feels fairly typical of what the band does each time, but retains a fresh feel regardless. You can tell the band is very confident at this point. Most of the album falls into the mid tempo realm, but does have some very good melodic tracks such as 'The Rambler' and the album closer 'Promise Me' which is a personal favorite from this album. 'The Rambler' has a fairly unique feel and differs from the other tracks. This really is a great album start to finish which came as no surprise to me. Excellent as always!

Release Date: April 24, 2026

Helix is an old school favorite of mine. I remember hearing them for the first time with 'No Rest For The Wicked' and was hooked. Been riding along with them for a very long time. 'Scrap Metal' is a banger of an album. If you were wondering if the band still had it after all of the decades, this album proves they do. The sound of the record is pretty vintage in my opinion. Good reason for this. The album contains 5 unreleased tracks and a compilation of 5 additional tracks that appeared on a few of the Helix releases like 'Half Alive' and 'Old School'. The classic Helix sound is alive and well here. The opening track 'Stuck In The 80's' also has a video for fans to check out if you haven't at this point. I personally really dig 'Fast And Furious'. That song is exactly that. One of the heaviest songs the band has done. Overall, a very good Helix record with teeth!

Release Date: January 23, 2026