Pyramid (1978)
The Alan Parsons Project stayed locked into their concept album streak with 1978’s Pyramid, this time swapping haunted houses and sentient machines for something older and dustier—Ancient Egypt.
The record loosely follows the death and afterlife of a Pharaoh, using that journey to explore themes of legacy, mortality, and the search for meaning beyond material power. It’s an ambitious setup, and while the story has potential, the execution doesn’t hit quite as hard as their first two albums.
That said, Pyramid isn’t a misfire—it’s just a lower peak. Musically, it’s still packed with lush arrangements, tight songwriting, and that signature Parsons polish. You get the expected mix of rock, orchestral flourishes, and synth textures, but this time around the hooks aren’t as sharp and the momentum doesn’t build quite as naturally.
The Eagle Will Rise Again is a clear standout— a soft, haunting ballad with layered harmonies and a reflective mood that genuinely sells the Pharaoh’s transcendence. One More River brings a bit more energy, with a steady groove and sense of forward motion that ties into the concept of crossing into the next world. And Can’t Take It With You gets points for biting commentary, wrapped in a moody atmosphere that still feels relevant.
The Egyptian theme isn’t just window dressing either. There’s a deliberate effort in the instrumentation and lyrical phrasing that gives the album a mythic feel. Even if the songs don’t all land, the vibe is consistent. If nothing else, it’s a strong example of how immersive a concept album can be, even when the songwriting doesn’t fully stick the landing.
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Highlight Songs:
One More River
The Eagle Will Rise Again
Can’t Take It With You
In The Lap of the Gods
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
I would suggest owning this one. Again, like the first two records this one works best playing from start to finish. It tells a story and is worth listening to more than once. It has also got a cool album cover that would look great hung up on any wall in any living space. I understand if this one doesn’t quite resonate with you enough, though, and in that case you should stream it, but don’t skip it.
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Overall Rating
3.5 Stars
