Metal

More than 20 years into its professional recording career, the Deftones are still killing the (alt-metal) competition - 'Gore' slays, and it features Alice in Chains guitar wizard Jerry Cantrell. Need I say more?

Brownout finds the little nooks and crannies of the soulful and funky undercurrents in the heaviness of Black Sabbath songs and fleshes them out with some greasy horns, nearly hypnotic percussion, and much more psychedelic improv than you might think. If you love Black Sabbath, you will dig this unique covers album tremendously.

For weeks I’ve been listening to the new 'A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993' box set from Rhino Entertainment and regretting time lost. As opposed to the usual “greatest hits” collection approach to a box set with interspersed unreleased alternate takes, 'Decade' is simply the first six albums from Ronnie James Dio’s solo career, remastered and repackaged with some amazing new artwork from longtime Dio cover artist, Marc Sasso.

Newly released in standalone DVD and digital formats, the band's final show with founding keyboardist Jon Lord includes classic hits – "Woman from Tokyo," "Highway Star," "Hush," "Space Truckin'," and of course "Smoke on the Water."

Babymetal's fan base is understandably devout and they are growing with each show and each album. Don't be surprised if by next year they are headlining their own nights at music festivals worldwide. If you have the chance to see them, do not pass it up.

Pentagram's resurgence and growing popularity in recent years is rooted in one basic fact: They are one of the pioneers of "American" hard rock/heavy metal. And it all began with these two compilations of their earliest material, recorded between 1972-1976, now newly remastered with full lyrics, band history and some rare mixes. Basically, it is hard rock heaven.

Motorhead roar out an appropriate farewell to their fallen leader in a concert album recorded just weeks before his passing. R.I.P. Lemmy.

Does Dave Mustaine's political bent get in the way of his metal mastery?

2015 wasn't a year for landmark releases, but there were some rather impressive outings from veterans and newbies alike.

This is an absolutely top-notch concert DVD and an absolute must for any fan of the band.