Styx

Loaded to the brim with pomp and power, the rock of Styx shakes the very foundations of any stadium or arena that dares to brave the weight of its amp stacks. Styx, of course, is the river that flows through hell in Greek mythology, but super-charged ballads like "Babe" and "Lady" are nothing short of heavenly.

From the mid '70s to the mid '80s, Styx ruled multiple domains of rock, from studio to arena. Five of their albums during these glory years fared no worse than platinum, and here's why: just listen to that convergence of keyboard wizardry and power chords on "Borrowed Time," from Cornerstone. Enough said.

Just before Styx hit the ultra-big time, their albums Equinox and Crystal Ball offered a full-blooded taste of what was to come. Here, they began to hone their knack for marrying rock grandiosity to hook-driven pop. "Light Up" showcases Dennis DeYoung's incredible vocal capabilities and "Shooz" rocks harder than diamonds.

So awesome were Styx at the height of their reign that they came to represent not just the sound of a city (Chicago) but the pride and benevolent bombast of an entire nation. Still, their power endures — "Show Me the Way" became a (first) Gulf War anthem, and several original band members continue to tour like troopers (Dennis DeYoung departed acrimoniously after he was sidelined with a rare viral illness). Time to salute Styx.