20 Most Important Hard Rock Albums Of All Time

After 3 albums of powerful hard rock, it seemed that Rush were coming to the end of the line. While the group kept expanding upon their sound with more progressive elements, their lack of ticket and album sales put them in hot water with their label. Rather than cower and deliver a more commercial record, the band threw caution to the wind with the sprawling epic 2112.

The title track's 20+ minute journey is one of the most enthralling beasts in hard rock music, while the rest of the record showcases even more of their musical chops. Across every track, each member proves to be a master at their instrument, with Neil Peart showcasing how to create a sonic landscape with drums. Right by his side is Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, whose instrumental parts give each song a sense of controlled chaos that hadn't been heard before. It may have felt like anarchy, but you start to realize just how musically complex it is once you sit down to play it.

At a time when bands like Genesis and Yes set the standard for prog, 2112 showed that progressive music could be much heavier than anything else. With their Pink Floyd-via-Sabbath intensity, Rush laid the blueprint for bands as diverse as Dream Theater and Mastodon later down the line.