This might catch laughs but…
Hatebreeder by Children of Bodom
It was the first album that made me stop, and start to love metal. An old friend, the kind of person who’s a literary character in real life, and now is incredibly still alive after being hit by a goddamn train introduced me to a new world of music with that album. He’s obviously never been the same since the train, but he’s no longer an alcoholic, and always seems happy in spite of (or because of) the severe brain damage. I think of him especially when I go back to that album, and remember laughing at how ridiculous some of it is, when you really listen. It’s nice and baroque, with some amusing bits, and fun to listen through.
I’m not quite as well versed in metal as my spouse, but I’m glad to see these lists here, so I have more to check out!
Can I also recommend turning your post description into metal lyrics?