1. Neural DSP - Omega Ampworks Granophyre
   
   This is hands down the best amp sim I've heard, so far. Especially for (but not limited to) heavy music.
   
   I've used it on punk, rock, hardcore, metal and indie/alternative records and I simply love it. The realism and depth are insane and the mic selection and built in cab simulation lets me get amazing results even without external IRs (which is not the case with most amp sims).
   
   Get Neural DSP - Omega Ampworks Granophyre
   
   
2. Room Sound Drums
   
   Full disclosure: I am a Room Sound affiliate, but please know that I bought every single one of their libraries with my own money before I asked for an affiliate deal. Just because I love them so much.
   
   To me they are the most realistic, organic sounding kits out there and you can use them completely raw, or processed and "fully mixed" with their built in emulations of world-class analog gear and FX.
   
   You can choose from signature kits engineered by some of the best producers in heavy music: Beau Burchell (Saosin), Jay Maas (Defeater), Kurt Ballou (Converge) and The Blasting Room (Bill Stevenson, Jason Livermore, All, Decendents, Rise Against...).
   
   Get Room Sound Drums (Affiliate Link. This means nothing changes for you, but I get a small commission if you buy. Thank you for supporting me!)
   
   
3. Evertune Bridge
   
   Guitar tuning is the biggest issue the most DIY productions have these days. Seriously, this is a real problem. You might not be aware of it, but your guitars are probably out of tune.
   
   Evertune bridges are the best solution to this problem and they revolutionized the recording industry. Pro engineers and producers swear by them and all I can say is: Get one.
   
   Either upgrade your guitars or buy a new one with an Evertune on it.
   
   Get an Evertune Bridge
   
   
4. Any small interface
   
   Yes, there are too many options out there to give you a clear recommendation. Look for stability, the number of ins and outs you need, low noise preamps (read reviews) and a strong enough headphone output. Most current options from trusted audio brands are fine.
   
   
5. Any good large diaphragm dynamic microphone
   
   Yes, that's right. Get a large diaphragm dynamic mic, such as the Sure SM7B, the Electro-Voice RE-20, The Aston Stealth, The Røde Procaster, etc.
   
   These will be the better option for most rooms, compared to condenser mics. They will pick up less of the room and give you a more direct, upfront, in-your-face sound.
   
   They'll probably also sound better than most cheap condensers in the same price range. If you want a condenser mic, pick something more expensive and make sure your room sounds really good (or is not really audible at all).
   
   
6. Ollo Audio S4X headphones
   
   Again, full disclosure: I am an Ollo Audio Endorser. Because I really love their headphones. Especially the S4X.
   
   They sound super detailed and not too hyped, have an accurate frequency response and don't require you to use calibration software.
   
   They also have a super clean, distortion-free low end (which is really remarkable at that price point) and they are super comfortable.
   
   Hand built from mostly wood and metal parts, they can be fixed easily as all the important parts are accessible and can be swapped out using a small screwdriver.
   
   The S4X look and feel absolutely gorgeous, are affordable and punch way above their weight if you consider the price.
   
   Get Ollo Audio S4X headphones
   
   
7. Neural DSP Parallax
   
   The all-in-one solution for heavy bass tones.
   
   Split the signal into low end, midrange and top end.  Compress the clean low end to make it consistent and huge. Distort the midrange and top end separately to add the grit, clarity and definition you need to make the bass cut through your tracks.
   
   Then fine-tune it with some EQ, choose the right microphone and adjust the mic-position until it's perfect.
   
   That's all you need in one plugin.
   
   Get Neural DSP Parallax
   
   
8. Akai MPK-II mini MK3
   
   Don't forget the power of post production elements like synths, sub bass lines and other FX to add size, depth, width and impact to your songs or individual parts.
   
   This little affordable controller let's you do that easily and quickly. Much better than playing anything with a mouse.
   
   Get an Akai MPK-II mini MK3

-Benedikt

PS: If you're looking for an amazing community to get feedback from and provide your own expertise for, check out The Self-Recording Band Community. It's 100% free and can be the growth accelerator you've been missing all the time.

PPS: Downloading one of our free guides and joining our email list is also a great way to connect with your peers, as we will invite you to events and keep you in the loop about what's going on in our community. We just had an amazing video meetup last weekend and together we helped 5 people improve their recordings, arrangements and mixes by listening and giving collective feedback live on the call. Join us now!