Lots of metal bands have attempted rock operas, and while Operation: Mindcrime‘s storyline hits a lot of mid-20th century dystopian SF beats (narcotic mind control! Political assassinations! Gold-hearted prostitute nuns!), what makes the Seattle prog-metal institution’s Styx move so enduring is the same thing that separates The Wall from Music from ‘The Elder’ — the songs, obviously. There’s lots of plot and orchestration from future Metallica collaborator Michael Kamen, but character-focused tunes like “Spreading the Disease” and “Eyes of a Stranger” anchor everything in relatable emotions. No belief in love required.