Heavy Metal Resource-Picks

This page was last updated on: March 1, 2025

Pick of the month for 2 - 2025

Dream Theater-Parasomnia

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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As I mentioned in my review, I typically like Dream Theater's albums and music, but there are a few in their catalog that I hold in a bit higher regard. 'Parasomnia' will be the latest added to the groups elite list. This album featured the return of Mike Portnoy on drums. He brings chemistry to the band and while I think the albums were worthy while he was gone, I am glad he returned to the fold. The album really hits the mark in various areas. From the ambience to the songwriting, and even the intensity. It's a fairly heavy record that showcases the band as a unit. Everyone in the band brings their A game and the album benefits from it! Happy to see it and glad this first album back with Portnoy was so solid! Definitely don't miss any of the titles below as they all represent the genre very nicely!

It looked Hietala was leaving the public life for good a few years back, but lucky for us, the former Nightwish member returns with a banger of a solo album. The album has a great vibe and in places feels quite unique. It's not only his vocals, but the music itself. Makes for a very fresh sounding listen and musical journey!

For Fans of: Heavy Rock Website: Marko Hietala Official Website

Just released and fabulous new album from Robin. I was familiar with him going back to Grand Prix, but was a huge fan when he was in McAuley Schenker Group. That is where I became a rabid fan and have been staying on top of his music. This is a slab of melodic hard rockers that offers up some flash in places. Excellent!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Robin McAuley Facebook

A really fun new record which I believe is the band's 5th overall. The band offer a melodic metal style with some decent intensity in places. Definite retro feel in places, but you can also sense some more modern influences as well. It was my introduction to the band and they are now on my music radar!

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Kilmara Facebook

Became a fan of this band with their first record. They have a fairly unique sound and in my opinion lean more modern. This album in terms of style leans a bit towards the previous record 'Turbulent Waters' sound. Their albums are a bit of work to get domestically, but I feel are very much worth it. Their are YouTube videos as well.

For Fans of: Hard Rock Website: Slears Official Website

Second great record from this melodic metal band that features cousins Christer Harøy and Terje Harøy withTerje being the frontman of Pyramaze as well. I really liked 'Trial By Fire' and recently went back to it and liked it even more. This album hit me right away as it is the band doing what the do best once again. Good intensity & melody!

For Fans of: Melodic Metal Website: Mantric Momentum Facebook

Every now and then I show my more extreme side. Sure, everyone knows who this band is and if you like it really heavy, with great riffing and songwriting with substance, this is your band and album. I feel like this album needs to be taken in with multiple listens to fully digest everything here. Pretty solid intense modern metal!

For Fans of: Modern Heavy Metal Website: Killswitch Engage Official Website

Great new release from the Swedish hard rockers. This band is always top notch and I feel this batch of songs is particularly strong. Good presence of melodic material with the typical rock elements the band usually offers. The band's been around for a bit, and you can hear their confidence in the music and songwriting in general.

For Fans of: Melodic Hard Rock Website: Perfect Plan Facebook

So glad that this band stays on a regular rotation of releasing albums. It seems like they evolve a bit with each album without losing their core sound. This album has some modern influences and a fair amount of flash from the musicians. Check out the title track 'Game Of Faces' and you'll see what I mean. Another great album!

For Fans of: Metal Website: Dynazty Official Website

This might be my personal favorite release by the trio of melodic metallers. The songs just hit right. Their albums are always worth mentioning and listening to, but this one just has a great feel to it. Decent intensity in places mixed with some good atmosphere makes this a very good musical journey!

For Fans of: Melodic Metal Website: The Ferrymen Facebook

February 2025 Edition

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