Alright, I'm going to out myself as a bit of a nerd on this one, but I submit for your enjoyment: the first and self-titled album (aka "Act 1") by the band "The Protomen" from 2005. Both the band name and this concept album are loosely based on the "Mega Man" video game series from 1987.
Maybe I'm weird but this music hits me in such a special way that I find difficult to put into words and I struggle to think of anything quite like it. The execution and originality of these compositions is mind blowing to me even after all these years and is so obviously a labor of love.
I particularly enjoy the very unique style and blend of analog "video game" sound elements with the somewhat raw and unpolished guitars and intense vocals. The songs are crammed with so many wonderful elements; epic themes of good vs. evil, light vs dark, brother against brother, a father grieving over losing his son, fallen humanity.
There is also the dichotomy between the archetypes of savior/hero/martyr/villain, the heroes journey, and the desire to do the right thing (but ultimately being forced to make an impossible choice at the end). This is also one of those rare secular works that I am still able to enjoy relatively guilt-free as an Orthodox Christian, which makes it even more special to me these days. A lot of the music I used to listen to is no longer something I can enjoy in good conscience.
I don't use the word masterpiece lightly, but for me this is definitely a masterpiece. 10/10
To properly enjoy you will want to find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed, with excellent sound fidelity; crank up the volume, forget your earthly cares, sit back, relax, and experience the epic story from beginning to end in one sitting.
Please note
the lyrics on Genius include all the story notes which are
essential for understanding and fully appreciating this amazing work of art. You really need to read along as you listen, as many of the songs have several pages of dialogue to explain the story, so if you decide to listen please have it ready so you can follow along.
"The shadow, it covers your face; but your eyes shine, just like mine-
Step forward, step into the light if you're ready, and you're willing, and you're prepared to fight!"
As we rush towards the future with AI, robots, and evil technocratic overlords with their control grids, I often wonder if we aren't headed for a dystopian future like this. I hope and pray God won't allow that to happen and it will remain only a bad dream but it often seems inevitable. Before long we will probably see something like "I, Robot" meets "The Terminator". We all need to do whatever we can to resist the darkness and to fight on the side of
light.
Anyway, I hope someone enjoys this. Have fun & God bless!
The Protomen is the self-titled debut album release for the band The Protomen. Retrospectively referred to by fans as Act I, The Protomen is a the first of a planned trilogy of
genius.com
PS - This playlist also includes "Act 2", which is a separate album. It will begin playing automatically after Act 1. It's okay, and is definitely well-written with high production values, but I somehow don't like it quite as much as Act 1. YMMV, but the lyrics for it are also on Genius if you want to listen.