After reading through all of the responses, listening and re-listening to many albums, I have determined the top ten concept albums in metal. A few notes on this list. First, I have included a few albums that may not be considered metal. I did this because, for example, if there Pink Floyd had never released Dark Side of the Moon, I highly doubt that Queensrÿche or Dream Theater would exists as we know them. Second, while I took into account the responses of my followers and fellow metal enthusiasts, the final list was ultimately my choice. Finally, with most lists, this was compiled to not be the final word on the topic, but to provide a platform for a friendly, yet passionate discussion. I truly hope that whether you agree with the list or not, you take the time to comment and provide me with your thoughts.
Without further ado, the list with a few random thoughts:
10. Rush, 2112 (1976)
While Rush 2112 is not metal, it definitely serves as inspiration for many progressive metal bands like Dream Theater. This album is Rush's most famous, and without a doubt, their best effort. The album tells the story of a society in 2112 where Priests of the Temples of Syrinx have control over every aspect of human life from music to imagery. A man discovers a guitar, thus inspiring society to rise up against the evils of censorship. If Rush had been a metal band, this album could have been ranked higher, but there is no doubt that Rush was one of the greats.
9. Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral (1994)
The Downward Spiral is the finest effort by the industrial rock giant Nine Inch Nails. The overall theme of this album is nihilistic in nature and questions religion, sex, violence, and suicide. It is a powerfully dark glance at an individual going through drastic inner conflicts in their life. It is one of my personal favorite albums.
8. Coheed and Cambria, Good Apollo, I'm Burning, Volume 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness (2005)
While I had not listened to this album until recommended for this list by several individuals, I was incredibly impressed by the wondrous imagery and sounds. If you haven't listened to this album, I would highly recommend it.
7. Marilyn Manson, Antichrist Superstar (1996)
Marilyn Manson's second studio album introduces the world to the first of three connected concept albums. The other two being Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood. The concept of the album relates to the metaphorical rise of "The Worm" from the bowels of society to one of the elite. Without a doubt, this has been Manson's best effort to date . . . and heaviest. The gems on this album include The Beautiful People, Tourniquet, Angel with the Scabbed Wings, and 1996.
6. Pink Floyd, The Wall (1979)
The Wall was Pink Floyd's 1979 rock opera that followed Pink, a character based on Roger Waters who was tormented by not only schoolmates and teachers, but by his mother and the premature loss of his father. With each emotionally scarring event, Pink adds another brick to the growing wall. Not surprising, he eventually becomes a rock star who continues to build onto the wall which eventually removes him from society. The album includes many classic tracks like Comfortably Numb, Hey You, and Run Like Hell.
5. Judas Priest, Nostradamus (2008)
Judas Priest's Nostradamus was a departure from the band's trademark style for sure, but one of their best albums. The sound is the main reason for the difference. For the first time in their career, Priest incorporated symphonic orchestrations using keyboards, backup singers, and full choirs. In this ambitious effort, Priest follows the life of the famed prophet Nostradamus. It is unfortunate that the album sales were poor because this was perhaps the bands most interesting album they have released.
4. Iron Maiden, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
Iron Maiden's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son was their first effort in experimenting with aspects of progressive metal, and it was also their first concept album. The story is about the mythical seventh son who had mystical powers. It also happened to be Maiden's seventh album which makes the concept that much more interesting. The album was a departure for the band due to the introduction of keyboards and more stylized lyrics. Without a doubt, this album was a turning point in the careers of the band.
3. Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
While not a metal band, there has not been a more influential album to bands that have released concept albums. The album is famous for having the longest duration on the Billboard top albums for 741 weeks (1973-1988). The concept of the album details the different stages of a person's life. The album further explores themes such as greed, madness, death, and fear. This is one of the true great albums regardless of genre, plus it includes some of the greatest songs ever composed such as Time, Money, and Us and Them.
2. Dream Theater, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)
1. Queensrÿche, Operation Mindcrime (1988)
Operation Mindcrime is progressive metal band Queensrÿche's third album which is a rock opera that follows a young man named Nikki who becomes involved with a revolutionary group of assassins. The reason that I chose this album as opposed to Dream Theater's Metropolis Pt. 2 was because of my personal biases. I simply love this album. The vocals of Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate were as great as they ever were while the guitar work of Chris DeGarmo were some of the most brilliant riffs I have ever heard. From the beginning to the end, there aren't many albums that hold up as well as Mindcrime.
What are your thoughts on the list?
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As always,
Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin
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