ENERGETIC DISASSEMBLY

This album marked the beginning of prog metral. The movement is usually credited to Queensryche, but that wonderful band became prog metal becasue of this album as well as Fates Warning. Personally, I believe the first concrete prog metal album is FW's Awaken the Guardian, but Energetic Disassembly is the roots of prog metal, much like the Stooges are the roots of punk. Ron Jarzombeck, despite popular belief, does not appear on this album, though Billy White is no slouch. This album oozes with technical precision, so much so that you'll be pining for the feel and groove of DT's Train of Thought ;). However, any fan of prog metal would do well to own this slice of history, as the songs are strong and it helped jump start a movement.