Best prog metal band

A PIEDI NUDI, the most symphonic of all prog metal bands.

ALTURA is good too.

QUEENSRYCHE were the best at their beginnings.

Note that Spastic Ink and LTE are not prog metal but fusion-metal.

I wouldn't consider Opeth as Prog Metal

They started out as Black Metal,then Symphonic Black Metal.I would consider 'Damnation' as Progressive Folk - mainly due to the influence of Steven Wilson(band member,who is vertially Porcupine Tree).

I would consider Porcupine Tree to be Neo Prog or New Neo Prog now.

My favourite - prog end - of Symphonic Black Metal album would be 'How to measure a planet' by The Gathering.This album is certainly more progressive than any Opeth album.Their latest studio offering has gone more in the Trip Hop direction though,similar to some of Radiohead's offering's/ or Mezzanine by Massive Attack.

I'm far from an expert in the metal end of Prog, but am currently really enjoying the album "Gaia" by Spanish band MAGO DE OZ. It's a concept album, and has some excellent heavy guitar work.

ProgArchives lists them as Folk Prog because they also use violins and flute, and parts of the songs have a Gaelic feel. But, believe me, this is heavy with lots of metal. The mixture of heavy axe work with the Gaelic influences in places is very pleasing.

The band has eight members, so the sound is very full and layered. And they have a couple of guest guitarists too on some tracks (so three or four guitarists on some tracks, plus bass). These guys are extremely proficient musicians and really rock. I recommend this album to anyone who likes music with plenty of guitar work. I don't know their earlier albums, but "Gaia" is a very good album in my opinion. If you can, check them out and see what you think.

Voivod.

Surprised?

1) cynic - really an prog MUST have!! this album (their only: focus) is a gem, for the ones who are fighting with the length.. there is an 2004 rerelease with bonus songs.. take it and listen, you're not worthy voting.. before listening to this album really!

2) novembre - ITS A SHAME THAT THIS BAND ISN'T ON THE ARCHIVES YET! this is also an great band, a bit simmalar to opeth.. but then.. ITALIAN.. Haha.. it was the first thing I mentioned about this band.. there's something italian about it.. Really.. please just take a listen, most recomendable for opeth fans.. I personally prefer it more then opeth itself! (note: novembre is NOT an clone!)

3) agalloch - also one band way unknown for what they really have done!.. I keep on bugging everyone here untill someone has an opinion about this band.. If youre searching for an album to buy I would reccoment pale folklore!

4) in the woods - really 3rd WITH agalloch.. this is one of the most original bands I know of.. when expecting to know what happens.. they always take their twists and turns.. the end of "heart of the ages" (the song) is really something I've never heard before..
Same thing  about :

5) Drawn - With members of in the woods and trail of tears.. a great band.. only the singing sometimes let me a bit down..

6) green carnation - Tchort managed after LODDOD to build something great yet again!..

7) Opeth - ok.. you know that already..

8) Disillusion - Back to times of splendor, wow! extremely recommended to fans of older metal.. and prog.. They've toured with arcturus.. wich is already on the archives.. certainly a lot heavyer then most of the bands here.. but definatly worth a try!

9) ved buens ende - yeah I know I have to owe it to this site  but still.. it isn't there!.. do something about it

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I would like to say that it's really too bad that there isn't watched any further than dream theatre.. Maybe the name "show-off theatre" is a better name? JUST TAKE AN LITTLE STEP FURTHER!!!!.. and if you really like turkey and dream theatre.. listen to orphaned land..  I sence more than just influences of both of these!

Really.. download/buy/steal WHATEVER.. cynic - focus.. and re-do your vote  

Best Prog Metal Band = Oxymoron