10 Best Instrumental Rock Albums Since 2000

Concocting a concept album within the instrumental rock bracket makes perfect sense. The elongated notes and riveting emotion synonymous with the musical style perfectly suit the thematic and cinematic aspects of the concept album.

This is where post-rock sonic explorers Explosions In The Sky excel. With this 2003 release, the band give their best shot at a love album and come up with the goods on every track.

Some gorgeous, clean tremolo picking on the angelic opener ‘First Breath After Coma’ give you an idea of where the record is heading while album peak 'Six Days At The Bottom Of The Ocean' is one of the most atmospheric pieces the group has ever produced.

It's not surprising either to learn that the band have been proficient in creating movie soundtracks, because their music seamlessly lends itself to the big screen. 'The Only Moment We Were Alone' is a rapturous, cinematic beauty while album closer 'Your Hand In Mine' is a sublimely delicate composition, both of which have actually been used in films.

It could have easily came off as pleasant but lacking depth, yet The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place overcomes these obstacles due to an incredibly expansive sound scheme and some very evident songwriting chops, making the record a standout in the band's back catalogue.