Metal Sludge Gossip Board

It's not always easy to keep up, but here's an attempt to recap my personal favorites of the month. There were some Sludgey new releases this month (LAG, Love/Hate), but they weren't listed for a reason.

ALBUMS
Dream Theater - Parasomnia (released Feb 7)
Might be their best album in 20+ years. Favorite song: "Midnight Messiah" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwOjMJB0Q2k)

Crazy Lixx - Thrill of the Bite (released Feb 14)
The Swedish hair metal revivalists deliver again. Favorite song: "Call of the Wild" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D3Xx7ZUw7w)

SINGLES
Smith/Kotzen - "Black Light" (new album coming in April)
I dig this one more than the first song that was released. Cool video, too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMS53p6MJ9w)

The Darkness - "Walking Through Fire" (new album coming March 28)
This is more in my lane than "Rock and Roll Party Cowboy," in that it's not only silly, but also clever. Kind of reminds me of "Solid Gold." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDldc1Mlwmo

Billy Idol - "Still Dancing" (new album coming in April)
Sounds exactly like a Billy Idol song should, or at the very least, a long-lost relative of "White Wedding." Love that they used the MTV font for the titles as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrNnsKxvUs0

Shiraz Lane - "Dangerous" (stand-alone single for now)
The Finnish hard rockers go more modern than glam on this new song, but it's still catchy as fuck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OVBGjD5tcI

Lordi - "Hellizabeth" (new album coming March 21)
Good stuff from the Kiss-influenced horror rockers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNrvkl5mCmY

The Wildhearts - "I'll Be Your Monster" (new album coming March 7)
Wanted to like it more than I actually did, but love the freak-out saxophone solo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoBWH2GrS5Q

There are some Finnish bands mentioned, which I've seen a few times but I'm waiting for The Darkness and Wildhearts records.