10 Greatest Hard Rock Concept Albums

When Trent Reznor started gaining traction with Nine Inch Nails in the early 90's, industrial music was still a relatively new word. The idea of mixing electronic noise and harsh sound collages was certainly unique, but was it going to have any lasting impact? To show just how vicious his brand of rock could be, Reznor hid himself away and came out with one of the darkest records ever conceived.

Recorded in the same house that Sharon Tate was murdered in, The Downward Spiral is a pure distillation of hate from Reznor, as he spews his venom across every single track. The story of the album follows a man known as Mr. Self Destruct, whose behavior makes him look utterly reprehensible. From the sexually apathetic "Closer" to the pure ball of spite known as "Heresy," the album never lets off the gas of pure unbridled pain.

The beauty from the story also comes from its many different interpretations. By the time we get to the final track "Hurt," we're not given a clear answer as to whether our anti-hero redeems himself or not. The Downward Spiral is definitely a spellbinding feat of musicianship, but be prepared to be pummeled if you're willing to take the plunge.