1976

While the mainstream world bopped to stuff like ABBA and KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND, the almighty PRIEST was putting the finishing touches on a dark, heavy rock masterpiece. Tracks like "Island of Domination" and "Tyrant" set a new standard for hard rock excellence that would become a blueprint of inspiration for hundreds of metal bands. Of course, the album received some decent reviews at the time, but received no major commercial sales at all. Particularly impressive are some of the unusual arrangements on "Sad Wings..." like the piano and vocal interlude of "Epitaph." Sadly, these types of creative elements would be phased out over the next few PRIEST albums.

Meanwhile, across the pond, RUSH's "2112" hit the streets, chock full of fiery, progressive rock licks like "The Temples of Syrinx" and " Something for Nothing". In many ways a strange, half-concept album based loosely on a book "Anthem" by Ayn Rand, "2112" is thought by many to be RUSH's finest moment. Peart's drumming and Lifeson's guitarwork lock in together, merging virtuoso musicianship with metal muscle like none before them. Check out the last minute of "Grand Finale" from the the "2112 Overture" for evidence of how far this band had progressed in a few short years.

Picks of the litter, 1976: