The Prog-Metal controversy

Many people will probably be surprised seeing me start a thread by this title. Indeed, it is well known here than I am no big fan of Prog-Metal, and that I have a reputation for making fun of Dream Theater. However, I think that very often the best arguments in favour of something are put forward by people who have an impartial attitude, as it is my case.

Reading through many posts in the forums, I've been able to notice a very hostile attitude towards Prog-Metal on the part of many members. As it happens with Prog-Related, many seem to ignore the 'prog'  part and only see the 'metal' one - and this sparks off a very prejudiced attitude. In fact, anything to do with 'metal' is often seen as the preserve of rough, uneducated, overall unpleasant people who are only interested in loud noises and unintelligible vocals. Alternatively, some seem to think Prog-Metal only means DT clones noodling away for hours on their instruments and sporting very cheesy album titles and covers. In neither case is the view of the phenomenon a positive, constructive one.

I am a novice to the world of PM. However, being curious by nature, I've often listened to the MP3s provided on this site, and have been surprised by the variety and depth of the music on offer. While symphonic power metal in the Nightwish or Blind Guardian mould doesn't interest me too much, I've found myself attracted by bands such as Mastodon or Opeth (though I'd be lying if I said I'm too keen on growling vocals), or even by some of the more obscure acts I've happened to listen to.

Therefore, even if I will probably never be a devotee, I see the validity of the whole genre, as well as its undeniably progressive nature. Though I understand the doom'n'gloom that too often characterises the lyrical content of these bands can be offputting to many, I also think PM doesn't deserve the constant attacks it receives on this forum and elsewhere, or the fear that it is in some ways 'taking over' the site. The members of the PM team deserve kudos for the work they've been doing so far, swimming against the tide and unearthing bands that, while they may not be to everyone's taste, give new meaning to the word 'prog'.

Thanks, Raffaella, great post!

Trickster F. wrote: Thanks, Raffaella, great post!   I've always been surprised why you and Micky like Mastodon so much, as they don't seem to be a particularly pleasant band. Perhaps you should try Isis and Neurosis.

We saw them live in Rome in June, and were quite positively impressed. When in the US, we bought Blood Mountain, and listened to it often. As to Isis and Neurosis, I've seen their CDs in Rome, and I think I'll give them a try, as I've heard very positive things about them.

Hopefully this thread of mine won't go the same way of the 'progressive vs prog' one...

I think a good portion of that prejudice comes from the fact that many people, willfully or not, regard all metal, as GhostRider said, as lound, unintelligent and w**kerous, if you will.

Prog metal is just like any other genre. There's some good and even more crap (cynical I know.) I think the thing that puts people off is  the fanb0ism that some prog metal enthusiasts seem to display. It's not so much a thing I've seen on this site, but mainly in just in general, across the net.

I don't listen to much prog-metal it's too harsh for an old man like me, but I am very impressed with the often high level of musicality and dicipline these bands have. Some of it is very creative and metal lyrics have improved a lot over the years.

Atavachron wrote: I've seen people say that Progmetal 'doesn't really exist'...  that's news to me, as I've been watching it grow since Maiden and Ozzy's first couple records and I agree the best stuff is the Extreme Tech end of PM.. Blotted Science, Collapsar, Counter-World Experience, BtA, Sleep Terror, F***ing Champs

Prog metal rawks!

Some of todays best... ah, what the hell, some of the best bands ever come out of that genre: Opeth, Tool, Pain of Salvation...

Lately Im really into the more extreme avant garde metal bands like Unexpect. A very varied genre... in fact, if it wasnt for Art rock (now eclectic) it very well could be the most varied genre in the site!

Ghost Rider wrote: Many people will probably be surprised seeing me start a thread by this title. Indeed, it is well known here than I am no big fan of Prog-Metal, and that I have a reputation for making fun of Dream Theater. However, I think that very often the best arguments in favour of something are put forward by people who have an impartial attitude, as it is my case. DB throws what little weight he has here behind this person's opinion. You go girl ! Reading through many posts in the forums, I've been able to notice a very hostile attitude towards Prog-Metal on the part of many members. As it happens with Prog-Related, many seem to ignore the 'prog'  part and only see the 'metal' one - and this sparks off a very prejudiced attitude. In fact, anything to do with 'metal' is often seen as the preserve of rough, uneducated, overall unpleasant people who are only interested in loud noises and unintelligible vocals. Alternatively, some seem to think Prog-Metal only means DT clones noodling away for hours on their instruments and sporting very cheesy album titles and covers. In neither case is the view of the phenomenon a positive, constructive one. DB piggyback's - Funny how some people frown upon needless notes & overwhelming technique in Prog Metal, but see no problem in worshipping jazz fusion groups. I am a novice to the world of PM. However, being curious by nature, I've often listened to the MP3s provided on this site, and have been surprised by the variety and depth of the music on offer. While symphonic power metal in the Nightwish or Blind Guardian mould doesn't interest me too much, I've found myself attracted by bands such as Mastodon or Opeth (though I'd be lying if I said I'm too keen on growling vocals), or even by some of the more obscure acts I've happened to listen to. DB says - curiosity is what often leads to for great discoveries, especially when stepping out of one's preferred genres. You are a "proggie" that I try to emulate. Example - I don't care for Zeuhl. Finally got Dun's album this week. Love it. Went back to read up on their PA page. THEY'RE ZEUHL ??? What else am I missing ? Therefore, even if I will probably never be a devotee, I see the validity of the whole genre, as well as its undeniably progressive nature. Though I understand the doom'n'gloom that too often characterises the lyrical content of these bands can be offputting to many, I also think PM doesn't deserve the constant attacks it receives on this forum and elsewhere, or the fear that it is in some ways 'taking over' the site. The members of the PM team deserve kudos for the work they've been doing so far, swimming against the tide and unearthing bands that, while they may not be to everyone's taste, give new meaning to the word 'prog'.

DB - I say you're more than O.K. . You've hit the nail on the head. Some here at PA fear that one genre they dislike might get a bit more attention than theirs. Yet, they fail to take into consideration that enthusiasm for a prog genre, any genre, is good. Some prog-metal bands have been influenced by prog acts outside of PM. And many other of the prog sub-genres have their share of newer bands that take some things from PM acts.
But, as a general rule or observation ... some old folks (& I don't mean that age-wise) simply cannot tolerate LOUD guitars. The song Musical Box was heavy, but dominated by Banks' Organ (no, not his penis, but his instrument; I mean his keyboard) . So that was O.K.  Crimson's sound revolves around Fripp's tricks. But that's O.K. , cause he mixes in jazz & avant-garde influences, even if they sometimes sound a bit noisier coming from his amplifier. Porcupine Tree is a step too far, because they've moved on in their progress & rely too much on the guitars now. To the point that some will claim they are prog metal (???)
So for you who dislike PM, here's an exercise for your ears & your Mind - when listening to a PM group, imagine the guitar parts, whether chords, leads or solos, being played by organ, mellotron, or moog. Then ask yourself if maybe the choice of instruments explains your dislike of the genre.

P.S. I tried that with Iron Maiden's debut. Man, I swear I was reminded of Triumvirat, Heep, some heavier Genesis & Gentle Giant, and most particularly Heldon (???) .