10 Essential 1990s Progressive Rock Music Albums

Pink Floyd's bassist-turned-longtime leading man took his prog rock sensibilities in one of the most bizarre conceptual directions the genre's ever seen back in 1992.

'Amused to Death' focuses on an ape flicking channels on the TV. Somehow, Waters manages to take this oddball concept and stretch it across a variety of wars over the years from World War I all the way to the Gulf War. Tunes such as 'Late Home Tonight, Part I' and 'Perfect Sense' weigh heavily on the death and destruction war can cause.

Later tracks such as 'What God Wants, Part II' and 'Too Much Rope' move away from military conflict to tackle theme of religious corruption and capitalism. The shift in theme does not, however, lead to a change in tone, with the album maintaining its colorful but sinister atmosphere throughout.

In typical Roger Waters fashion, the bleak, misanthropic lyrical vibes blend neatly with the prog and sometimes pop-rock compositions. At the time of release, 'Amused to Death' enjoyed a moderately positive reception from critics whilst failing to catch any real fire on the sales front. Despite its initially dismal commercial performance, the eccentric LP has since grown to enjoy a budding legacy as an underrated gem from one of prog rock's most acclaimed figures.

The album's grim looks at war, society, and entertainment are arguably even more relevant now than they were at the time of release, ensuring this cult favorite LP continues to age like fine wine.