2026 Albums

[Zzzptm]

Also coming out this year are releases from The Black Crowes (March 13), Armored Saint (April), Saxon (late, like Q3/Q4), Deep Purple (June), and Uriah Heep (September 14). That comes out to at least 10 albums I plan to get this year!

[Zzzptm]

This is one that is gonna take a crack at the top 3, I'm feeling. I just bought it and will spend 42:02 mins to give it a proper first listen right now.

The Black Crowes - A Pound of Feathers



Given the tightness at the top, it's possible things could come down to overall mix of the tracks for getting a 1-2-3-4 placement. One misplaced track and it's a could-have-been instead of a look-a-there.

First track is a real banger, "Profane Prophecy" is straight-ahead hard rock with a great chorus, totally in the wheelhouse of the Brothers Robinson.

"Cruel Streak" comes next with a slower pace, but just as intense as the opener. Great grooves in this one and then that chorus clicks into action. Tasty!

"Pharmacy Chronicles" - slower, more acoustic, and I'm guessing from the title it's a sad story of drugs and broken hearts. The kind of song that Paul Rogers could totally pull off in his days at Free or Bad Company, which Chris Robinson is equally suited for. The best parts of ballads like these that The Black Crowes do is the way they write imaginative lyrics and don't play for sappiness. They like an acidic edge and that's what keeps their stuff listenable and likeable where others waste 4-5 mins with a tear-jerker. When you're totally into a song and not checking the time, it's a durable piece of work, for sure.

"Do the Parasite!" - the title is like whaaaaa??? but the opening riff is reassuring. Great four-stroke beat to it. Love the organ kick-in when we get to the chorus. Lyrics are strong, it's like they're the Steely Dan of Southern-fried hard rock. A banging track with great lyrics, love it.

"High & Lonesome" - jaunty acoustic opening informs me this might be an introspective tune. Has a music-theater feel to it, but gets sophisticated enough in the chorus to keep me interested. Second verse and second chorus and I'm wanting several more of these but wait, that's a guitar solo bridge. Not baaaad!

"Queen of the B-Sides" - and that last tune flows sweetly into this one, like a coda to the previous track. Also acoustic with steel guitar and piano slip notes that give it a touch of old-school country music. It totally all works together here. Only complaint is that it ends quickly, but that makes me want it more.

"It's Like That" - back to barn-burning bangers here with this track and I have to say the flow on the album has been exceptional thus far. Anyway, this track is a rock and roll gem and is every bit as rewarding as the others have been on this album. Great singalong chorus.

"Blood Red Regrets" - I expected an acoustic number with a title like that, but it's electric. Heavy rhythm and Chris Robinson successfully resists the urge to rap on the dope beat. Mellotron kicks in after a minute and you know this is a serious rock track. There's some complicated stuff going on here, and it's incredible. The textures on this album have been a delight, if they don't drop the ball on the last three, they can beat out Megadeth for second place. If the sum of the last three exceeds that of SVM's "Blue Desert II", they can take first. The bridge in this tune is incredible and that mellotron is used with professional accuracy and acumen.

"You Call This a Good Time?" - Mid-tempo rocker kicks off with lipstick all over the walls and some other morning-after realizations. This one is straight out of the Ian Hunter mid-70s playbook, sweet and strong.

"Eros Blues" - Slowed-down, it's Otis Redding with a hard rock guitar. Keyboard parts made me want to see if Booker T. was guesting on the album, that's how tasty they're playing. The rhythm guitar work is incredible here, chords driving the emotional depth of the tune.

"Doomsday Doggerel" - Doom-toned, I'm wondering where they're going with this piece. After a minute it comes together, so this might be one that has to grow on me. I don't dislike it, but... yeah, I can tell it'll grow on me. I can feel the roots in this, but they need time to bear fruit, I'm afraid.

The album as a whole works both a sipping album and as a collection of hard-driving road tunes. I liken it strongly to Sky Valley Mistress' release this year as one that works on multiple levels and, indeed, they dovetail nicely with each other if played back-to-back. Plays well cranked up to get to the next truck stop or at perfect volume for a laid back listen on an afternoon of dedicated listening.

However, the sudden ending on "Eros Blues" leaves me a bit nonplussed and the last track doesn't really fit as well into the rest of the mix. I was ready to declare a tie and a penalty kick round with this and Luna Mausoleum, but I think the kids from North England win this one in a thriller. The last track issues, however, aren't to the point where I want to call a re-ordering of the tracks or consider dropping it from a listen, like I felt with "Ride the Lightning" on Megadeth. I want to hear it again, and I want to have it at the end because I think there's something in it that isn't going to happen on the first listen.

I've started the second listen and am having a good time with it. I'll follow with Luna Mausoleum to see if that last track is actually written to lead into SVM's work. Putting it into second place feels right and no slight. It's mid-March and I've already got 4 excellent albums and one more pretty good one for the year.

1. Sky Valley Mistress - Luna Mausoleum
2. The Black Crowes - A Pound of Feathers
3. Megadeth - Megadeth
4. The Stripp - Life Imitates Art

5. Valley of the Sun - The Chariot

[Zzzptm]

Addendum - second time through on "Doomsday Doggerel", and it's working much better this time. Still keeping it in second place overall, but it's one great album, for sure.

[Vyn]

I am surprised that the Robinsons are still playing together, and somewhat surprised one of them isn't in prison for killing the other.

[Zzzptm]

I am surprised that the Robinsons are still playing together, and somewhat surprised one of them isn't in prison for killing the other.

See what happens when you use words instead of bazookas?

They did have a long time pass with their relationship on an inactive state before resolving to work out their differences and get the band back together.

[Charger]

Having lived a while with all 3 albums I've gotten so far I'd say the listing goes:

1. Rob Zombie - The Great Satan (absolute banger this one!!)
2. Megadeth
3. Sky Valley Mistress - Luna Mausoleum

I think it'll be a tall order for anyone to drop Zombie from the top....but there are some heavy hitters to come though so who knows.

[Zzzptm]

I'm checking out Black Label Society's Engines of Demolition, which came out on the 27th.

Zakk Wylde's singing is really close to Tony Reed, so that gives an overall Mos Generator feel to the vocals. It's a heavy record, for sure, but nothing is really standing out for me. Guitar playing is technically excellent, but I'm not getting *moved* by the work. I'm 7 tracks in and they've all been mid-tempo or slower... I really need a fast banger or two to keep me going with an album... track 9 of 13, "Lord Humungus" gets to some excitement, but that's a long, long wait to get my fix. "Pedal to the Floor" is more of what I want, along with "The Stranger" but, again, too little too late. It's not an album I plan to buy, but I might pick up those three tracks later on. I'm giving it a mid-tier grade because I know there's better out there... and a whole lot that's worse.

1. Sky Valley Mistress - Luna Mausoleum
2. The Black Crowes - A Pound of Feathers
3. Megadeth - Megadeth
4. The Stripp - Life Imitates Art

5. Valley of the Sun - The Chariot
6. Black Label Society - Engines of Demolition

[Charger]

I haven't gotten Engine Of Demolition yet but the songs I have heard I have liked very much.

It is true that BLS has started going bit...I don't like to say soft, but less aggressive for sure and they have less super heavy and super fast songs that they used to...a trend that started with Shot To Hell...

[Zzzptm]

So, I'm checking up on the albums I'm looking out for this year and this is the latest news I have on them...

Metal Church - Dead to Rights (April 10)
Rolling Stones - announcement on 11 April? bit of a mystery and rumor mill here...
Armored Saint - Emotion Factory Reset (May 22)
Deep Purple - TBA (June)
Saxon -TBD (late, like Q3/Q4)

Thought Uriah Heep was having a new album, but it will actually be a boxed set of their releases 1975-1977. So no new album from the Heep this year. Alas!

Sooooo... 8 days to Metal Church!

[Charger]

I got an email yesterday that my Metal Church album is on its way.

[Zzzptm]

I got an email yesterday that my Metal Church album is on its way.

I'll be giving it a digital listen in a week, I reckon. This is a strong year for good new music so far.

[Charger]

Well after the first listen through of Dead To Rights I have to say I like it. Right away is captures me more than Congregation ever did.

The title track is an absolute monster! Love that one! Heaven Knows (Slip Away) and Wasted Time are others that stand out.

[Vyn]

I'll be picking up that Metal Church release. And I agree with Z's assessment that this a strong year for music so far.

[Zzzptm]

I gotta drive around a bunch today, Metal Church will be the soundtrack for the errantry of the day.

First track a total banger, this is gonna be a fun ride. The singer is perfect for the band and the guitar work is clean, the top of my list is going to be all the more crowded now...

[Zzzptm]

I pulled into the home driveway just as the last song finished.



Strong album throughout, I enjoyed the final song the most as it had some nice variety to it that made it stand out as an excellent closer. I wouldn't rearrange anything on the album, so it's fine with the mix.

I'll need to listen to it and the others before I can place it. Not an easy decision, because it's such a good one.

Also, Rolling Stones announced their new album Foreign Tongues and it will release in July. Looking forward to that.