Top 10 Favourite Albums of All Time
This is a list of my favourite albums. It isn't an objective list, it's based on my own personal preferences. |
| 1 |  | Haken
Aquarius
It's a rather unpopular opinion that Aquarius is even Haken's best album. However, I believe it is, despite how bombastic the music is and how ridiculous the concept may be, I admire it's eclecticism as well as the overall feeling and the musicianship. My favourite album by my favourite band. |
| 2 |  | Subterranean Masquerade
Suspended Animation Dreams
SubMasq perfectly satisfies my musical taste and offers everything I want from what I deem a "perfect" album. It's very different, a little weird and full of unusual and challenging ideas. Thinking about it, this album is very similar to my personality! |
| 3 |  | Obsidian Kingdom
Mantiis
Sticking to music that's eclectic and difficult to define/compare. This album keeps me gripped every minute with it's intense feel, it's dynamic and the sheer amount that's going on. A true masterpiece! |
| 4 |  | King Crimson
In the Court of the Crimson King
As a fan of progressive music, I had to include this album. It really is the holy grail of prog. To be honest, though, even if it didn't have the status that it does, it would still be on this list. I enjoy listening to it hugely. |
| 5 |  | Yes
Close to the Edge
Another iconic prog rock album. Close to the Edge is a gripping and highly interesting album. It delivers buckets of feeling while being technically masterful and highly interesting and intricate. |
| 6 |  | Rush
Hemispheres
This album triggers something inside me that no other album really does. I can't quite put my finger on it. I think it might be something to do with Geddy's incredible voice and the fantastic guitar work. |
| 7 |  | Distorted Harmony
Utopia
Distorted Harmony is a very under-appreciated band hailing from Israel, of all places. Along with Haken, Distorted Harmony have proved that modern prog metal can take you on an emotional journey while still being unique and technically brilliant. Bands like this have taken clear influences from Dream Theater, but in my opinion they've improved on the sound DT pioneered. |
| 8 |  | Ne Obliviscaris
Citadel
The most extreme album on this list. NeO impresses me hugely with this album with it's compositional expertise and the guitars that can only be described as an onslaught. Phyrric's dual-harmony riff is one of the most exciting pieces of guitar work I've heard. The wailing violin and the clean vocals provided by Tim Charles give the band a unique and memorable sound that makes it the best full-on extreme metal album I've ever heard. |
| 9 |  | Symphony X
The Odyssey
There are only two other albums I can think of where every song is incredible as a stand-alone, but then they come together to create something even more incredible. They are both on this list (Aquarius and In The Court...). Michael Romeo's composition and guitar work along with Allen's superb vocals give this album a fantastic feel from start to finish. The title track is also my favourite "epic" song of all time. |
| 10 |  | Haken
The Mountain
Yeah, I know, I've included two albums by the same band. But how could I not when both are absolutely incredible? The Mountain is more focused and mature than Aquarius, getting rid of the growled vocals and shortening the average song length. It shows that Haken can be incredible whilst also being more accessible and restrained. Cockroach King is one of my favourite songs ever and it pushed this album into the top 10. |
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