Records That Hold A Special Place In My Heart
These are albums that have helped me take a closer look at music, taken me to another place by simply listening, helped me grow as a musician, and, in retrospect, have changed me in some way, shape or form. |
| 1 |  | Between the Buried and Me
Alaska
This is the album that single-handedly got me into the most defining musical genre of my life: Progressive metal. Truly showed me what a group of people are capable of. |
| 2 |  | Catch 22
Keasbey Nights
A truly enjoyable album. Takes me back to a time not long ago with less to worry about. Maybe when I knew less things about myself that I am not totally comfortable with. A staple of my younger days. |
| 3 |  | Cloudkicker
A New Heavenly Body
Just an all around great musician, and truly noble for standing up for what he is interested in. |
| 4 |  | The Dillinger Escape Plan
Miss Machine
Introduced me to this "mathematical" form of progressive metal that everyone raves about. Really showed me how much beauty could be present amidst musical chaos. |
| 5 |  | Disturbed
Believe
Not necessarily something I will spin very often now, but this was just an astounding album. Every song offered catchy musical hooks, memorable lyrics. Really takes me back to my younger years. |
| 6 |  | Goldmund
Famous Places
Nothing but a man and his piano on this, and it works so well. Great thinking music. |
| 7 |  | Gonjasufi
A Sufi and a Killer
This was certainly my first step into this.. electronic, psychedelic, almost terrifying type of music. Some of this is just haunting, and whether or not you're into this type of thing, which I usually am not, you will remember this record. |
| 8 |  | He Is Legend
I Am Hollywood
Truly a memorable experience. A unique approach to alternative/Southern rock. Not progressive, how I would categorize most of my musical preferences, but definitely a gem. Wrecked my first vehicle to this album, actually on the same night I bought the album. This one cannot get old. |
| 9 |  | In Flames
Come Clarity
My first introduction to melodic death metal, and my first answer as to why Sweden is amazing. Really showed me, in my young, naive state of mind, that screaming didn't mean the lyrics couldn't speak to you. |
| 10 | | Intronaut
Prehistorcisms
A great dive into progressive "sludge", or "stoner rock", whatever the case may be with how one feels about the music. |
| 11 |  | King Crimson
Red
Gave me a real view as to where some of my favorite music was originated. |
| 12 |  | Korn
Korn
Either the first or second record I was ever obsessed with in my life. Sure, I suppose this could be the soundtrack to a darker, less aware stage, but it defines an era of my life, none the less. |
| 13 |  | Lamb of God
As the Palaces Burn
The record that got me past thinking this type of music was ridiculous and forced me to understand why I love it. One of metal's best vocalists, drummers, and all around groups. |
| 14 |  | The Mars Volta
Frances The Mute
I remember buying "De-Loused in the Comatorium" and wondering what the hell people found so satisfying about it, and I still ponder it. But after getting over my disappointment I purchased this record and it took me to another place. Surreal story telling, haunting ambient passages, insane musicianship. This album has it all. |
| 15 |  | Mastodon
Blood Mountain
Took me forever to understand, but a rewarding listen after it all came into sight. Again, great conceptual piece, awesome musicianship, etc. Made me understand what a "grower of an album" is. |
| 16 |  | Meshuggah
Chaosphere
Literally the most challenging band for me to enjoy that I have ever encountered. It wasn't until I gained a further understanding of what time signatures and polyrhythms are that I understood what these guys were truly accomplishing. |
| 17 |  | Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
A nostalgic feeling soars through my veins when this record is played. Really gives off the vibe that this is your soundtrack while trekking through an icy world. |
| 18 |  | Protest the Hero
Kezia
With the three records these guys have released I still love them all equally and for different reasons, but this one was the first for me, and the emotion showed in the lyrical style is just amazing. |
| 19 |  | Rosetta
Wake/Lift
The most dense and rewarding musical experience to ever come in the form of music.. in many cases. Just power beyond belief. Like listening to planets collide. |
| 20 |  | The Tallest Man on Earth
The WIld Hunt
Yet another escape from reality. Just takes me away with its simplicity and wondrous form of story telling. |
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