16. WASP - The Crimson Idol (1992)WASP are a very misunderstood band that have always been unfairly written off. To most, they are cheesy hair/glam shock rock, but many are completely unaware of what Blackie has done post late 80's. Like Painkiller, my guitar teacher taped me a copy of this album when I was just starting to play and get into metal. I didn't take to it straight away, and was confused why he would give me this record. As time went by, I listened to this to a point where I absolutely fell in love with it, and I still love it to this day. This is simply one of the greatest concept albums of all time, and very overlooked. This story looks at Jonothan, a boy who was never valued by his father leaving home, and making it as the biggest rock star in the world, taken over by drugs. The story goes through Jonothan's emotions and turmoil and attempted reconciliation with his parents and ends up to the point where suicide was his only way out. The moral and execution of this story is incredible. Blackie's revisited themes and lyrics makes this record feel like a whole and a true rock opera. Great vocals, excellent guitar solos from Bob Kulick and insane drumming. The ballads here are amazing and the harder songs are heavy yet catchy and powerful as hell. A perfect concept album. Check it out, you won't regret it.
Best tracks - The Invisible Boy, Arena of Pleasure. Chainsaw Charlie, The Idol, The Great Misconceptions of Me
Chainsaw Chalie -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ1-tSsq9xkThe Idol -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh-OJdAkKVI15. Edge of Sanity - Crimson (1996)Coming in at number 15 is the genius of Dan Swano and Edge of Sanity. I only discovered this album/song about 3 years ago, but I'm glad I did. This is my favourite piece of death metal ever, IMO, it's perfect. For those of you unaware with this, Crimson is simply one song clocking in at 40 minutes. The concept is baffling and very few artists have done such a thing successfully, Dan Swano however nailed it, and did it again with Crimson II some years later. The original is still by far the best which twists and turns through a science fiction type storyline of epic proportions in a world where people cannot reproduce bar the king and queen of the land. The child grows up but endless wars over her happen through the years, where people believe she is the key to reproduce. She eventually inhibits evil powers and takes over the earth and slays the people. A clan of rebels eventually take her out and keep her in a tank filled with crimson fluid forever. Epic! The music is incredible with many recurring themes, great melodies, amazing atmosphere and lots of variety in the music as the story twists and turns. It just captivates me and takes me away everytime I listen to it, it still gives me chills. Mikael Arkefeldt lends his vocals in a few places and also some lead guitars. This whole songs requires your attention for 40 minutes, but when the ending draws near, you realise this is simply a piece of art. Something unique, amazing and incredible. Death metal fans should own this, perfect.
Best tracks - Crimson
Crimson -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6lJaiHYIc