20. Savatage - Streets (1991)Here is the definition of a perfect rock opera. Streets follows the rise and fall of a fallen rock star DT Jesus, what he has learnt in his life, and how he climbs back from the gutter on more than one occasion. After the amazing Gutter Ballet, Savtage steered away even more from their metal roots to produce a very pompous, melodic, and even broadway style concept at times, and the gamble paid off again. This is a perfectly put together album, lots of variety, which follows and reflects the story really well. Less heavier numbers this time but some of the most amazing ballads you will ever hear in your life. Criss' amazing guitar solos are still here and Jon is a raspy as ever. The mood of this album portrays the rise and falls of the main character perfectly, with songs really uplifting and then drowning in sorrow the next. The emotion also put into this album from everyone involved also makes it special. A perfect rock opera and concept, and all round amazing, deep, mature and memorable music. Criminally underrated.
Best tracks - Streets, Jesus Saves, Tonight He Grins Again, Sammy and Tex, Can You Hear Me Now, Ghost in the Ruins, If I Go Away, Believe
Streets -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGrlekZzogUBelieve -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGn8_g_fG1g19. Last Tribe - Witch Dance (2002)The second album from Magnus Karlsson's first real project here in my top 50. Like The Uncrowned, I have great memories with this album for nostalgia reasons. It just was discovered around the same time I met my current girlfriend, so everytime I listen to it, I have great memories, probably helping its ranking. Like the Uncrowned though, this is melodic power metal at its finest. Perfect songwriting, strong vocals, amazing, long guitar solos and excellent production. Every song here is a winner and just has so much crunch and power. It also drips in atmosphere as the whole sound of the record is incredible. It has small splashes of prog influence in the songs also which gives it an extra flair also. One of the most underrated bands in the genre, anyone interested in power metal should check this band out, this album is incredible and it still has never gotten old.
Best tracks - Messenger, Bring Out the Brave, Wash Your Sins Away, Wake Up the World, Dreamer
Wash Your Sins Away -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ykegiBnO8Wake Up the World -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TplNfOrbzmU