Coheed and Cambria

Now here's something you don't hear everyday: a punk rock concept album. Some might argue that Refused's landmark Shape of Punk to Come disc was a concept record, but if it was, it was only in the broadest sense. This disc on the other hand is a collection of ten songs that combine a 2112-inspired science fiction storyline — involving the two characters of the band's name — with complex prog-metal musicianship and tortured, youthful emo angst. Think Saves the Day jamming on Rush after reading Aldous Huxley. Who says there's no room for pretension and grand concepts in punk? As long as they're handled as well as this, not me.