A little heavy for the sunshine? No way.

Something about warm weather makes me crave heavier, harder music. It's an obsession I've had since I got my first Sevendust album. I was in high school, finally had my own car and had somehow convinced myself that I was a little badass because I liked rock music, wore black band shirts and my boyfriend was in a band. Total badass, right? Haha. It's funny looking back on it now. I still vividly remember getting Alpha in the mail as a combo with tickets to my first Sevendust show. My best friend and I listened to that album over and over, turned up so loud, windows rolled down and sunroof opened. We thought we were so cool listening to our 'metal' music--though we were probably playing it in the car on our way to do very un-metal, un-rebellious things like 4-H meetings or Volleyball practice. It didn't matter though. In those few minutes between leaving school and getting to the Extension Office, with a little time added on to circle Wal-Mart or McDonald's, we were the coolest kids we knew, and anyone in earshot was gonna know it, too.

Last week, the first few consecutively warm days of the year rolled around and the time had come to roll down the windows, open the sunroof and turn up the music. Coincidently, Sevendust's new album, Black Out The Sun, came out at about the same time. I didn't stream it or preview it before I bought it, I just went to the store and got it. I was ripping the plastic off as I waked out the door of the store. I ejected my winter music and cranked up the volume. I rolled down the windows and Spring officially began as the first song played.

Here are a few of my new favorite windows down, scare the elderly songs that are perfect for turning up as you ride around and enjoy the sunshine. (And if you're anything like me, you might still feel like a little bit of a badass, even if you are more than a couple of years out of high school.)

Sevendust--Black Out The Sun



The title track isn't anywhere near the hardest song on the album, but it's heavy enough to still rock hard. The entire record is pretty good, not my favorite from them, but solid. I definitely recommend it if you're a Sevendust fan. "Faithless" "Picture Perfect" and "Got a Feeling" are also great cuts to check out.

Marilyn Manson-- I Don't Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)



I hadn't heard this song until I guest hosted The Incubator on 105.3 a couple of weeks ago and Justin played it, but now I'm crazy about it. I have loved Manson since my high school days - his greatest hits album was in regular rotation along with Sevendust. This song is everything I like about his music- heavy and weird, yet catchy as hell. A perfect balance to the happiness the sunshine makes you feel.

In This Moment- Adrenalize



That's the official lyric video, but I highly recommend watching the official video on the link below. It's kind of amazing.

http://www.revolvermag.com/news/exclusive-in-this-moment-premiere-new-video-adrenalize.html

This girl is absolutely crazy and I love it. Not so coincidentally, In This Moment gives me really Manson-esque vibes so they fit perfectly in this list. "Adrenalize" is super heavy and has such a dirty, raw feel to it. I'm not usually a fan of the girl-fronted rock band business, but she more than earns her place. I totally want to be her when I grow up. She is a real badass. But I guess I'll just have to pretend as I listen to her and In This Moment all summer long.