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Megadeth Th1rt3en (Roadrunner Records)

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Los Angeles-based speed metal band Megadeth is at the height of its power, with a gloriously deranged-sounding Dave Mustaine raving "I'm invincible, you might say despicable," in Public Enemy No. 1. The quartet has never sounded tighter than on Th1rt3en, unleashing a blitz of guitar, drums and bass, while Mustaine snarls, rasps and groans like a man gone mad.

- Charles MandelAl Tuck Under Your Shadow (New Scotland/Fontana North)

Al Tuck has been making music for the better part of two decades now, yet has never really achieved anything fame. Tuck's fortunes might change with his newest release Under Your Shadow. Touting a haunting, acoustic-based sound and baritone vocals, the lazy man would compare Tuck to Bob Dylan, but tracks like No Need To Wonder and Saltwater Cowboy show that while Tuck might owe a musical debt to Dylan, his work holds originality.

- Ken KelleyRush Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland (Anthem/Universal Music Canada)

This is Rush's third live record in the past 11 years compared to two studio efforts. This would be overkill for any other band. Returning to the city that helped break them into America, the Canadian trio show they're best enjoyed live, plowing through classics like Limelight, Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio with abandon. Newer tracks like Workin' Them Angels and Far Cry fare just as well.

- Ken KelleyNoel Gallagher's High Flying Birds S/T (Universal Music Canada)

After having endured the lacklustre debut from Beady Eye, the group fronted by ex-Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, all eyes are squarely cast upon Noel Gallagher's solo debut. If there was ever any doubt about who the true brains behind Oasis was, they'll be erased on a first listen to High Flying Birds. Though Gallagher doesn't stray too far from territory that Oasis would have covered, the familiar sounds that he embraces serve him well.

- Ken KelleyVarious artists The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (Universal)

As with any soundtrack, the Twilight Saga movie's CD is a grab-bag. It opens with The Joy Formidable's Endtapes, an excellent song resonating with '80s electro-pop angst, then goes downhill. It Will Rain, Bruno Mars' contribution, is a treacly love song. Christina Perri's A Thousand Years seems to last about that long. Thank heavens for Theophilius London, whose funky, nervous Neighbors adds a little spark.

- Charles Mandel