Dream Theater - When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
I know what people think of Dream Theater around here, but even some of you stalwarts should give their Labrie-less debut a try..because this bitch knows how to thrash without getting boring, and is definitely more interesting than much of the band's later material. Grainier too, which makes it a minor cult classic in my book!
Brother Ape - A Rare Moment Of Insight (2010)
My favorite drum n' bass/progressive rock hybrid band just upped the ante for AOTY contendees. What a sound! These guys just get better and better with every release it seems, and this particular record has knocked my goddamn block off.