Best Prog Metal Albums - please advise!!
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
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Topic: Best Prog Metal Albums - please advise!!
Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Subject: Best Prog Metal Albums - please advise!!
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 15:42
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I am really keen to explore the genre of prog metal, but am not really sure where to start. I like music that is challenging and intense (my favourite band at present is King Crimson), but I am also a sucker for lush melodies. There seems to be such a vast array of Prog metal bands out there that I would really appreciate some advice.
Could you please list what you consider to be your ten favourite prog metal albums - if you could add a couple of words saying why, for each one - that would be great.
Once a good number (hopefully) of people have responded, I will work out what, by common consensus, the top 10 recommendations are, and I will order all of them from Amazon.
I'm not too keen on peacock-macho-posturing or death metal devil-growling...but I'm sure there's far more to prog metal than that.
Thanks for you help. ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Replies:
Posted By: Evan
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 16:16
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Here's my list. Pretty good representation of styles & time periods. 1. Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory Metropolis Part II 2. Opeth - Still Life 3. Atheist - Elements 4. Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime 5. Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 6. Ayreon - The Human Equation 7. Devin Townsend - Terria 8. Tool - Lateralus 9. Dream Theater - Images and Words 10. Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element Part I |
Posted By: SergiUriah
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 16:17
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From my humble knowledge of actual Prog Metal scene, I promise to hang up here a list of at least 20 albums from diferent bands. But now is time to rest for me...here in Europe is late...hehehe. Tomorrow I´ll make a list. Cheers. Sergio. ------------- http://img229.imageshack.us/i/bonfirma.jpg/"> 
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Posted By: moreitsythanyou
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 16:22
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You seem like you would be a Sieges Even fan. Definitely try them. Also try Riverside, Pain of Salvation (Remedy Lane would be the best starter, BE is their best), Pelican and Russian Circles have great instrumental stuff. You'd probably also like Liquid Tension Experiment.
-------------  <font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR] |
Posted By: Single Coil
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 16:29
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In no partidular order:
Savatage - Wake of Magellan - Classic American prog metal, Intracate Story, Vocal variety.
Seiges Even - The Art of Navigating by the Stars - Unique, very tight band, clear strong vocals.
X Japan - Art of Life - Tasteful guitars, experimental piano, an epic and defining EP.
Anathema - Alternative 4 - The oppisate end of prog metal from Dream Theater.
Dream Theater - Metropolis Pt.2: Scenes From a Memory - sort of genre-defining, people either say "epic" or "excessive".
Symphony X - V: The New Mythology Suite - Well written and well recorded (IMO), old metal gone super-polished and progressive enough.
Nightwish - Century Child - Classical influences and metal guitars, interesting enough to keep you going.
Mastodon - Crack the Skye - Modern prog metal with vintage instruments, harsh and beautiful.
Kamelot - The Black Halo - Great clear vocals, more of an overall prog album than an album of individual prog tracks.
Enchant - Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 - If Dream Theater dropped the extended solos, strong songwriiting by really good musicians.
(I struggled not to mention Porcupine Tree and Riverside)
------------- If it's worth playing, it's worth playing loud! |
Posted By: the_binkster
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 16:56
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As the poster below me has done I will split this into multiple sub-genres, although I feel that there are more than just 3. "Classic" Prog Metal: These are albums which are from the progressive metal old guard, the bands which first helped to define the sub-genre in the mid to late 1980s. Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime For me this is the template for Progressive Metal, the album that kicked it all off (it may not have been the first or the most revolutionary but I think it's the best early record). Fates Warning - A Pleasant Shade of Gray FW's finest album, a progressive monstrosity which contains every element of their sound, harking back to their roots in traditional "heavy metal" but sounding fresh and new every time I listen to it. Dream Theater - Images and Words Their sophomore release is arguably one of their least progressive releases but it sums up the attitude and sound of the band perfectly. Dream Theater - Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory The ultimate "prog-metal" album, if you're after an album which describes prog-metal then this is it; fast, technical, experimental, conceptual, it's the complete package. Threshold - Critical Mass My favourite Threshold record; I don't think it's their strongest but it's enjoyable and gives a perfect flavour of them as a band. "Classic" Prog Metal (Revival): Yes, I've just defined an awkward sub-genre but these are albums whose sound is most similar to the original exponents of "prog-metal" and was directly influenced by them. Vanden Plas - Christ 0 There isn't much to say about this other than it's well worth a listen, not astounding, not mindblowing just a very good example of "prog-metal". It exploits every genre cliche imaginable. Shadow Galley - Tyranny Oft-compared to Dream Theater and for good reason. It shares the technicality and sweeping, grandiose themes; conceptually it is very similar to "Operation: Mindcrime" but sounds very different and the delivery is slightly less moody. Progressive Technical Death Metal: The precursor to death metal, most of the albums produced in this period were revolutionary but these are not all them, rather the best examples, in my opinion of the sub-genre. Cynic - Focus Absolutely brilliant, the use of the vocoder on the vocal parts adds a very robotic quality to the album. Heavily influenced like there contemporaries Atheist by jazz-fusion which results in a very laboured categorisation. Atheist - Unquestionable Presence The kings of jazz-fusion influenced technical death (see what I mean) released an absolute blinder of a debut which has never been bettered in the sub-genre. Very raw and very aggressive, but well worth a proper listen. Death - The Sound of Perseverence Insanely technical and far closer to straight death metal than the other two. The cover of "Painkiller" is incredible and the many time signature and mood changes make this a very rewarding album. Progressive Death Metal: I doubt anyone will argue with me if I said that Opeth are kings of this genre essentially creating a niche for themselves throughout the 1990s. It's characterised by the brutality of death metal but does not rely entirely on blast beats and downtuned guitars. Opeth - Blackwater Park Although there is much debate surrounding whether this album is Opeth's strongest release, it contains every element of their sound: piano solos, acoustic songs, extended metal monoliths and the contast contrasts between brutal death metal and the folk-influenced acoustic interludes, Amorphis - Silent Waters Although they aren't listed here, which I think is a shame, this album is undeniably a progressive metal release. Sounds very much like Opeth but the overall tone is less oppressive and the heavier are less brutal in their delivery. Gojira - The Way of All Flesh Vastly underrated as an album. Upon first listens it seems like a straight death metal record but repeat listens reveal subtleties which very few albums have. Brutal, heavy and fun to melt your face to. Progressive Black Metal: An extension of the raw, "grim" genre from the frostbitten pine forests of Norway and Finland. It retains all of black metal's qualities but without the need to be "true". There are less people in corpse paint dancing like pandas. Diabolical Masquerade - Death's Design Criminally underrated album. The 40 odd tracks take you on a musical journey through a strange world. Originally conceived as the soundtrack to an imaginary film, Katatonia's guitarist transports you to more genres in an hour than most bands touch in a lifetime. Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors The least "black metal" of their releases although it is still undeniably comfortable in that genre. It's just a very good album. Wintersun - S/T Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors Sigh - Imaginary Sonicscape Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness Devin Townsend - Terria Tool - Lateralus Disillusion - Back to Times of Splendour Sieges Even - The Art of Navigating by the Stars Mind's Eye - A Gentleman's Hurricane SikTh - Death of a Dead Day Spastic Ink - Ink Complete Riverside - Second Life Syndrome Anathema - Alternative 4 I'll finish soon |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 17:21
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^Enchant arent metal, just very heavy rock. I'm going to assume that when you say Prog Metal your reffering to all 3 sub genres rather than just the one, so that way I'll give you more recommendations! Prgressive Metal Pain of Salvation- The Perfect Element Dream Theater- Scenes From a Memory Threshold- Clone To-Mera- Delusions Sieges Even- The Art of Navigating by the Stars Queensryche- Operation:Mindcrime Suspyre- When Time Fades Epica- The Divine Conspiracy Vanden Plas- The God Thing Liquid Tension Experiment- LTE2 The next two genres will have bands that growl, give them a try as there is a wide veriaty and differing levels of extremes. Experimental/Post Metal In the Woods...- Omnio Indukti- SUSAR Intronaught- Prehistoricism maudlin of the Well- Part the Second: its free to download so get it! The Pax Cecilia- Blessed are the Bonds: Same as above Kayo Dot- Choirs of the Eye Tool- Lateralus Dark Suns- Grave Human Genuine Grayceon- This Grand Show Tech/Extreme Cynic- Traced in Air Burst- Lazarus Bird Opeth- Blackwater Park Madder Mortem- Desiderata Psycotic Waltz- Into the Everflow Canvas Solaris- Cortical Tectonics Mastodon- Crack the Skye UnExpect- In a Flesh Aquarium Watchtower- Controle and Resistence Arcturus- La Masquerade Infernal ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
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Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 19:01
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So you like melody with some intensity eh? PAIN OF SALVATION'S "Remedy Lane" has both as does DEADSOUL TRIBE's "Murder Of Crows" , INDUKTI's "SUSAR" , GREEN CARNATION's "Light of Day,Day Of Darkness". DREAM THEATER's "Train Of Thought" , IN THE WOODS... "Omnio" PSYCHOTIC WALT's "Mosquito" all of these are fairly heavy and dark for the most part. PAGAN'S MIND's "Celestial Entrance" is just a great metal album. GORDIAN KNOT's "Emergent" is impressive. Two favs are FATES WARNING's "Perfect Symmetry" and John Arch's "A Twist Of Fate". ZERO HOUR's "Specs Of Pictures Burnt Beyond" is heavy and complex with some melody too. OSADA VIDA's "Three Seats Behind The Traingle" is amazing.
Enjoy the journey, there's so much incredible metal out there.ANATHEMA is another fantasic band,try Judgment" or "Alternative IV". ------------- "The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN |
Posted By: King Crimson776
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 19:30
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You sound a bit like me, as far as taste in prog goes, so I'll throw down a list of ones I like, you'd probably like many of these: 1. Images and Words - Dream Theater (complex like all their albums but perhaps the most melodic) 2. Lateralus - Tool 3. Blackwater Park - Opeth 4. The Sound of Perseverance - Death 5. Panopticon - Isis 6. Operation: Mindcrime - Queensryche 7. Angular Perceptions - Thought Chamber (you may also like Enchant which was already mentioned) 8. The Odyssey - Symphony X 9. Colors - Between the Buried and Me 10. Focus - Cynic
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Posted By: Progosopher
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 20:15
While not really metal, and since you're a King Crimson fan, I'd suggest Zooma and The Thunderthief by John Paul Jones, especially Zooma. Neither are like Led Zeppelin, the music is lush, there is a Crimsonish quality to much of them, and Jones plays a lot of different instruments. Really good stuff that doesn't get a lot of attention.  Another band where the Crimson influence comes out is Gordian Knot.
I'm not big on the metal categories (not to dis them), but I do get into Dream Theater, Queensryche, and Shadow Gallery every now and then. ------------- The world of sound is certainly capable of infinite variety and, were our sense developed, of infinite extensions. -- George Santayana, "The Sense of Beauty" |
Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 20:16
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Seems everyone here is suggesting SFAM. I'd rather suggest Awake because it features the band at it's peak with Kevin Moore.
Ayreon 0010101010 is a tremendous record if you don't mind some cheese. Same goes with V: The new mythology suite by Symphony X.
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Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 20:20
Kudos to you for mentioning those two excellent albums  ! I added JPJ personally to the DB last year (he is in Heavy Prog), and it was definitely one of the best additions of the last couple of years. If you check the HP 'hidden gem' recommendations on the subgenre's home page, you'll find Zooma among them. |
Progosopher wrote:Posted By: topofsm
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 20:32
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This is more of a top 10 list of albums that are good introductions to progressive metal. I think I said more than a few words on the first few, but I bet you'll forgive me. 1. Lateralus - Tool: A lot of people don't consider Tool metal, and I don't really consider them metal either, but most people here do here and after all, they're in the Experimental/Post Metal category here. In any event, Lateralus is equal parts driving heavy guitar riffs, intricate compositions, haunting melodies, atmospherics, and deep lyrics that intertwine with the music, and definetely accessible. The more straightforward and grungy Ænima and more rhythmically complex 10,000 days are also excellent. If you get Lateralus make sure to look into the concept on the internet.2. Images & Words - Dream Theater: This prog metal album may be one of the best albums to get into the metal genre, because it is not heavy in the least and extremely melodic. There's lot's of energy to it too and there's lot's of insanely complex and virtuoistic parts, and IMO this album was the pinnacle of DT's career, even though I enjoy their other album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence as much (It contains considerably more heavy parts though, but all pretty listenable).
3. Watershed - Opeth: While this may not be Opeth's best album, it is still pretty fantastic, and it should work as an excellent introduction to some of the more extreme prog metal albums. There are lots of really heavy riffs on it, but it's probably Opeth's most melodic of their albums except for Damnation which I do not reccomend as an introduction to metal because it contains no metal elements and even though I like non-metal it gets pretty boring in the first place. If you get this one, try to listen to it all. There are growls which turn people off but really do work to enhance what the artist is trying to portray.
4. Colors - Between The Buried and Me: A lot of people that hear my music say I'm insane for listening to music with growls, and they criticize these kinds of artists for being uncreative and saying that they can't write good melodies. If I had the chance to have them listen to one album to prove them wrong this would be it. Colors, while containing really agressive and noisy brutal metal parts also has lot's of melodic parts thrown in, including quirky little bursts into different genres like jazz, traditional folk, and bluegrass. It also has some downright gorgeous parts.
5. Traced In Air - Cynic: If you're into jazz at all, this would probably be a good introduction, cause Traced in Air has a lot of jazzy really technical stuff with lots of melody. It also has some growls, but they're buried behind vocoder singing, so it would probably be a great one for people just getting into music with growls.
6. Crack The Skye - Mastodon: This actually sounds a lot like 70's hard rock like Black Sabbath with more atmosphere, but it's still decently heavy. There's only growling in one song, and the rest is just incredibly good. There's lot's of catchy hooks in this one too.
7. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater: See #2. It's a double disc, one that starts off really heavy and then continues in a more melodic metal vein, while the second disc is like a suite with a great creative overture and only two metal songs, one sort of catchy while the other is way more complex and dissonant.
8. Ænima - Tool: See #1. The last track on the album is insanely good too and there are a couple other ones that are really good too.
9. Powerslave - Iron Maiden: (Haven't really listened to other Maiden stuff though). Lots of prog metal is based off of this sound, and although it's not really prog metal it has a few progressive elements. Really accessible and no growling.
10. The Odyssey - Symphony X: It is kind of heavy, but lots of people who dislike most metal like power metal, and SX is what I'd call progressive power metal. Lot's of melody and virtuosity (and cheesiness, which more melodic prog fans seem to be immune to) and it has a great epic song at the end which is really worth listening to. ------------- 
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Posted By: Alitare
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 20:34
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Well, it depends. The most emotionally intense and jarring music I can think of would be Pain Of Salvation - The Perfect Element Pt.1 (Oh wow...) Pain Of Salvation - Remedy Lane (Again, this is something otherworldly.) Ayreon - The Human Equation (A thrill ride of music and emotions) Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime (Quite a special blend of melody and intensity) maudlin of the Well - Bath & Leaving Your Body Map (Two related albums that are quite psychedelic and jarring in approach. Very aggressive and mixed with powerful folk balladry.) Devin Townsend - Terria (Much less overtly metal than the rest, but very diverse and quite intense in the overwhelming production.) These are some other great progressive metal albums that highly affect me emotionally and musically Shadow Gallery - Tyranny and Room V (Both are superb and catchy progressive metal rock operas) Savatage - Streets, Dead Winter Dead, and Wake Of Magellan (Three classic progressive metal concept albums, with fine stories and top class playing.) Early Dream Theater is great progressive metal, but rarely intense. The biggest exception being Scenes From a Memory, which can be fairly jolting at times. I will add more, later. |
Posted By: lucas
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 22:00
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My list (no particular order) :
- fates warning : 'perfect symmetry' for their most complex album, or parallels for their most melodic album (Ray Alder-era) or for their first real prog metal album check out 'awaken the guardian', a progressive Iron Maiden (John Arch-era)
- dream theater : 'images and words' as it is their most melodic album and has Labrie at his best
- enchant : 'wounded', very dream theateresque album (previous album and following ones are more in the neo-prog vein). Elegant ambiances with the incredible voice of Ted Leonard
- queensryche : 'rage for order', o:m is often cited as their best but this one is a real gem as well. Actually all QR albums up to 'promised land' included are good.
- A.C.T. : 'imaginary friends', this is what could be called bubblegum prog metal, a blend of the melodic (and pop) side of ABBA, sparks, queen, saga, It bites and the more complex and intense side of Dream Theater.
- ARK : s/t, this is considered as one of the best prog metal albums ever, Jorn Lande has a voice reminding of David Coverdale's, and the music is cathartic and powerful, every musician shining on his own instrument.
- Altura : 'mercy', a cross between Enchant and Dream Theater
- Pain of Salvation : 'one hour by the concrete lake', the more close to old-school prog metal of all PoS albums
- watchtower : 'control and resistance', technical thrash at its best, a masterpiece of the genre but not very melodic
- seventh wonder : 'mercy falls' (see my sig). An excellent blend of power metal and prog metal. They are often described as a cross between Europe and Dream Theater (Images and Words-era). The vocalist sings in a very pleasant way.
Also worth mentioning : Explorers' club 'Age of Impact' (supergroup formed by Trent Gardner of Magellan with people like James Labrie, Derek Sherinian, Terry Bozzio, James Murphy...), Coroner's 'Mental vortex' (progressive thrash metal), Voivod's 'angel rat', King's X 'Gretchen goes to Nebraska' or the self-tiled one (think hard-rocking beatles with a bluesy touch), Platypus' 'when pus comes to shove' (King's X meets Dream Theater), Atrox' 'contentum' (very complex metal with Kate Bush-type vocals).
------------- "Magma was the very first gothic rock band" (Didier Lockwood) |
Posted By: Petrovsk Mizinski
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 22:02
Russian Circles is much more post rock than post metal though. Amazing band, but not one I'd suggest in a metal thread. ------------- 
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Posted By: Petrovsk Mizinski
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 22:19
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It's been mentioned already, but another one up for Colors. It's seriously one of the most inspired sounding albums I've heard in my life and I know this is committing blasphemy, but it's exceeded Images and Words for awesomeness for me now personally, it's that good IMO. Even if you're not big on growls, give this album a go because the sheer creativity and inspired sound of it is astounding. Traced in Air, strongly recommended. It was great to see a band doing melodic progressive death metal without resorting to done to death cliches like harmonized guitars every single song. Another plug for Watershed. Perhaps not the strongest Opeth release, but still excellent IMO. Stunning guitar playing and drumming and a great mix of both clean and growled vocals. I generally don't like power metal but V: The New mythology Suite by Symphony X pwns hard. Michael Romeo on guitars is absolutely stunning on this album, from technical metal riffing to nice acoustic stuff to tasty shred soloing. The vocal style divides many people, but I highly recommend Fortress by Protest The Hero. It's absolutely over the top without being over the top (if that makes sense). I always find this album hugely inspiring to listen to and is probably my favorite album of 2008. Not so much growls, but hardcore screaming at times, but unlike straight up hardcore there is a cool mix of melodic clean singing too. Kayo Dot's Choirs of the Eye is incredibly moving and unique, it absolutely must be heard. Obvious as ever, but again, praise for Images and Words as the best work in the traditional prog metal genre IMO. -------------
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Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: June 14 2009 at 22:21
| get the latest Maudlin of the Well release: Exellent and FREE , what more can you ask ?? |
Posted By: friso
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 00:41
| Just try Devin Townsend - Ziltoid the Omniscient. Great record. |
Posted By: toolis
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 02:21
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ok...... Sigh? Green Carnation? Anathema? Russian Circles? In The Woods? do you really think 'Energetic Dissassembly' is the way to go? Russian Circles? Burst? Iron Maiden???? Dream Theater, Pain of Salvation, Fates Warning, Queensryche, Shadow Gallery, Sieges Even, Soul Cages, Psychotic Waltz, Ayreon.... get into these bands for starters, lots of material in there and then, mind all the death, black, thrash, classic rock/metal, post, atmospheric, tech metal stuff... ------------- -music is like pornography... sometimes amateurs turn us on, even more... -sometimes you are the pigeon and sometimes you are the statue... |
Posted By: Synchestra
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 03:22
Pretty much this, except i personally would go for Devin Townsends 'Synchestra' over 'Terria' as the atmosphere is so positive and there are one or two songs that are more accesible (vampira, for one) and its more melodic imo. Also 'Still Life' is a masterpeice, but just get everything by Opeth  theyre just too awesome------------- 'Yeah, thats.. Whatever you're talking about for ya' - Zapp brannigan |
Posted By: UMUR
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 04:57
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I´m leaving out anything with aggressive or growling vocals:
Psychotic Waltz - their two first albums are mandatory listening for progressive metal fans IMO. Especially Into the Everflow. ( a kind of psychadelic take on the genre. A very original band)
Dream Theater - Images & Words and Awake. ( The masters of progressive metal)
Fates Warning - Perfect Symmetry, Parallels and Inside Out. ( beautiful, just beautiful)
Heaven´s Cry - Both of their albums are overlooked but very well crafted and original progressive metal.
Watchtower ( take a listen and bow to the Gods of technical progressive metal)
If we consider that Saviour Machine is progressive metal I would highly recommend that you take a listen to their first two albums. (A dark goth take on the genre).
I´ve run out of time but maybe I´ll post a few more later.
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Posted By: Mr ProgFreak
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 05:30
  ------------- https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike" rel="nofollow - https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike |
Posted By: mirco
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 07:11
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If you like operatic voices, try some Nightwish (the live album End of an era is very enjoyable, for me at least). I really dig two polish bands, Riverside and Indukty. Also Pain of salvation is a recomendable band. ------------- Please forgive me for my crappy english! |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 10:08
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I won't add the same bands that have already been mentioned as they will indeed be worthy purchases.
I will instead let you know of some lesser known or omitted bands/albums from above posts that you will ignore at your peril!
 Fragile Vastness - A Tribute To Life
Day Six - Eternal Dignity
Astarte Syriaca - Darkened Light
Beyond Twilight - For The Love Of Art And The Making
Communic - Payment Of Existence
Myrath - Hope
Suspyre - When Time Fades
Soul Secret - Flowing Portraits
Redemption - The Origins Of Ruin
Thessera - Fooled Eyes
Spheric Universe Experience - Unreal
Sun Caged - Artemisia
Hourglass - Oblivious To the Obvious
Pantommind - Lunasense
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA 
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Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 12:39
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This is all excellent - thank you so much.
I doubt whether I will be able to limit my initial exploration to 10 albums. From your recommendations, it looks like 100 albums would be needed to sample the best of the genre.
Please keep the recommendations coming.
I have already ordered 'Watershed' by Opeth (if I like it, I will buy 'Blackwater Park' and 'Still Life' very soon) and also 'Light of Day, Day of Darkness' by Green Carnation, based on opinions given in this thread.
I think Sieges Even, Pain of Salvation and Riverside will figure on my next Amazon order. I will start to read up on all of recommendations that have so far been given (band biographies, album reviews etc).
To me, this feels like a previously hidden door has just been opened to reveal a room full of priceless treasure! ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Posted By: the_binkster
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 13:04
Except it's not priceless, just overpriced. |
Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 13:47
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Oh my, where to start... I'll give you three to start you off, which are all a must have: Opeth - Still Life (Extreme Prog Metal) Isis - Panopticon (Post-Metal) Riverside - Second Life Syndrome (Prog Metal) They are my personal favourites. ------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 14:00
That chart has become from now on my prog metal guidebook
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Posted By: petrica
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 16:01
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For me the following ones are essential: Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element Part I Liquid Tension Experiment - Liquid Tension Experiment 2 There are a few other which you can try for sure. Probably a good idea would be to check Progressive Metal section of this site. |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 16:46
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Well pretty much anything from Dream Theater's or Pain of Salvation's discography should please you. Ayreon is very good, and if you're into more power metal type stuff, try Symphony X. If you can get yourself to try prog metal with growled vocals (not all the time), try Opeth. I'm mostly a symphonic prog fan (Genesis, Yes, etc.), and I could tolerate Mikael Akefeldt's incredible growl. If you try Opeth, get Still Life or Watershed first. ------------- 
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Eastvillage
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 16:56
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I think both Dream Theater - Images and Words and Riverside - Second Life Syndrome are great emotional and true progressive metal acts, but Im not that much into the genre. Avoid Ayreon who is too over pretentious and corny, if you ask me... but on the other hand, if you like high skilled guys who makes everything a little bit TOO perfect, you might like him ;)
it's not that much metal about him I think, however
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Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 17:09
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1- Liquid Tension Experiment (1) (for a progressive instrumental and experiment approach) 2- Magellan (Test of Wills) (really orginal soft and melodic prog metal) 3- Orenda (a Tale of A Tortured soul) (very close to Dream Theater and excellent) 4- Pain of Salvation (Remedy Lane) (the most original band difficult to put in a category) 5- Riverside (Rapid Eye Movement) (Best polish metal band) 6- Threshold (Wounderland) (Great singing by this great band) 7- MInd's Eye (A Gentlemen's Hurricane) (one of the best new concept prog metal) 8- Circus Maximus (1st Chapter) (very good new band) 9- Mindlfow (Just the tho of us) (a original and good complex prog metal) 10- Seventh Wonder (Mercy Falls) (another very good new prog metal) ------------- Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness. Emile M. Cioran |
Posted By: King Crimson776
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 20:23
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Oh crap I forgot a great band, Gordian Knot, their s/t debut especially but Emergent is great too. And Liquid Tension Experiment as people have mentioned.
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Posted By: keiser willhelm
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 23:12
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Another plug for Kayo dot, particularly if you are a larks tounge/starless era fan of King Crimson. choirs of the eye is my single favorite piece of recorded music. but its far from traditional prog metal so you're not really getting a taste for the genre as much as simply doing yourself a favor. . . ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/KeiserWillhelm" rel="nofollow - What im listening to |
Posted By: keiser willhelm
Date Posted: June 15 2009 at 23:28
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as far as "normal" prog metal i guess my list would look like this. 1. Maudlin of the Well - Leaving your Body Map / Bath 2. Pain of Salvation - Perfect Element 3. Opeth - Blackwater Park 4. Cynic - Traced in Air 5. devin Townsend - Terria / Ocean Machine 6. Meshuggah - Obzen / Catch 33 (heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy . . .) 7. Isis - Oceanic 8. Tool - Laturalus 9.something by mastodon 10. http://www.progarchives.com/subgenre.asp?style=44 - ANY OF THESE ALBUMS ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/KeiserWillhelm" rel="nofollow - What im listening to |
Posted By: topofsm
Date Posted: June 16 2009 at 02:00
Excellent choice, though the Green Carnation one is still on my 'to get' list. Be warned, Watershed does contain some growling, though try to look past it and see that it's for the use of texture. The 2nd track is possibly Opeth's heaviest track with no clean vocals, but try to get past the growls on the track. After that there's lots more melody (still growls, though not as much). Once you appreciate the growls, a whole new world to metal will be opened to you, and Opeth is good at that. -------------
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Posted By: Zargus
Date Posted: June 16 2009 at 08:05
allot of good lists, not gona make a list myself caus i havent heard enough prog metal yet, working on it. ------------- 
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Posted By: Isa
Date Posted: June 16 2009 at 13:42
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Not that my opinion will matter much in the plethora of other recommended albums, but to add to the recommendations: 1. Metropolis Pt. 2; Scenes from a Memory by Dream Theater (got me into prog metal!!!) 2. Isa by Enslaved (for black metal) 3. Blackwater Park by Opeth (for death metal) 4. V: The New Mythology Suite by Symphony X (for power metal) 5. The Black Halo by Kamelot (for symphonic metal) 6. I by Meshuggah (for tech metal) 7. In a Flesh Aquarium by Unexpect (for avant-garde metal) 8. Second Life Syndrome by Riverside (for psychedelic metal) 9. Lateralus by Tool (for post-metal) Those are my personal favs from the various styles of prog metal. Maybe I'm a conformist in my taste for metal after all, judging by the way those albums are rated.  |
Posted By: Mr ProgFreak
Date Posted: June 16 2009 at 13:57
You can always create your own chart ... ------------- https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike" rel="nofollow - https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike |
Posted By: paganinio
Date Posted: June 17 2009 at 10:15
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There is only one progressive metal album for beginners: Dream Theater - Score (20th Anniversary World Tour) And one more for the real MEN: Opeth - Still Life. |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: June 17 2009 at 12:54
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A decade later, Mastermind's Angels Of The Apocalypse and Eternity X's The Edge have really held up for me... ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: June 17 2009 at 14:43
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I just want to thank (sounds like an Oscar speech!) those of you who recommended the album 'Light of Day, Day of Darkness' by Green Carnation.
When I got home from work, I found that it had been delivered today. I immediately uploaded it to iTunes, then downloaded it to my iPod. I took my dog for his usual evening walk and listened to the album in its entirety.
If this album is characterisitic of prog metal, then I am a convert. What a fantastic album!
Skull crushingly powerful yet also extremely beautiful; aggressive yet tender; dark yet uplifting - I could go on with the oxymoronic juxtapositions.
I think it is a masterpiece. I am now fired with an enthusiasm to investigate (as far as my wallet will allow) the other recommendations that have been given. ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: June 17 2009 at 16:39
^You might get quite a kick out of In the Woods... they're sort of a previous incarnation of Green Carnation but, IMO, much better.
Oh christ no, thats one of their worst live albums, so souless and the mix, particularly on bass, is woefull. Some parts you cant here Myung, others he's overpowering. Live Scenes From New York is far better. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: June 30 2009 at 07:02
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Thanks to all those who recommended albums. So far I have bought (or have currently on order) 9 CDs. These are:
1. Opeth - Watershed
2. Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness
3. Dream Theater - Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory
4. Tool - Lateralus
5. Kayo Dot - Choirs of the Eye
6. Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element Part One
7. Devin Townshend - Terria
8. Cynic - Traced in Air
9. Isis - Wavering Radiant
I have been absolutely delighted with the albums I have listened to so far. Your recommendations have been inspired!
However, I would like to round up the collection to 10 CDs (for now). Can you recommend just one essential Prog Metal CD to add to the list above? Preferably it will be from a different artist (I will go on to investigate more albums by the above bands by myself in the near future).
Thanks for your guidance in risk-free CD buying! ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Posted By: Mr ProgFreak
Date Posted: June 30 2009 at 13:38
 Those are my favorite prog metal albums of all times ... I guess my recommendation is obvious. Listen to Symphony X via samples first though - Power Metal is not for everyone, some people find it too cheesy. The second one (Fantomas) is also an acquired taste ... only get it if you're ok with *really* experimental stuff. But my secret recommendation has got to be Heaven's Cry. They disbanded a couple of years ago, and you can download their two albums from their website for free: http://www.heavenscry.com/ - http://www.heavenscry.com/ Trust me - you won't be disappointed!  ------------- https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike" rel="nofollow - https://tagyourmusic.org/users/Mike |
Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 13:12
Queensryche: Operation mindcrime (Rage for order comes close) Fates Warning: A pleasant shade of gray (Parallels and Perfect symmetry come close) Shadow Gallery: Tyranny Dream Theater: Images and Words These four are absolutely essential and I am sure I can think of more |
Posted By: Negoba
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 13:17
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You have a virtual best of list there so Mindcrime is the obvious choice.
If you want to really branch out with something crazy:
Unexpect: In a Flesh Acquarium
This album is the finest example of avant metal ever made. It's not easy but it's worth it. ------------- You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all. |
Posted By: steve j
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 16:37
| Try Riverside - Second Life Syndrome. - just an amazing album from those Polish Metallers |
Posted By: superprog
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 22:10
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wow, i didnt see any mention of the mighty Enslaved. these Norwegians are seriously awesome progressive black metal mixed w epic Viking vibes, man. Gotta check out these cds of theirs:
Isa
Vertabrae
Below The Lights
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 22:25
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King Crimson's "The Power to Believe" has a pair of very heavy songs, almost metal, in case you haven't got that album. It's very good. Therion is also a very good band that nobody's mentioned. It's included in progarchives, though they don't have so many elements of progressive; yet there's lots of melody, orchestrations, chorus, soprano, etc. I personally love the album "Secret of the Runes".
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Posted By: Jake Kobrin
Date Posted: July 01 2009 at 22:54
Recommend some "Prog Metal" is such a broad question. As to what kind of prog metal would you like me to recommend?  That's a little like asking to recommend a place in Europe... well, there are so many countries in Europe to fit what you're specifically looking for!
------------- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Neil-Kobrin/244687105562746" rel="nofollow - SUPPORT MY FATHER AND BECOME A FAN Jacob Kobrin Illustration |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: July 02 2009 at 03:51
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I'd say Sieges Even- The Art of Navigating by the Stars should be the next one to get then.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: July 02 2009 at 10:18
Thank you Sleeper - I have decided that this is the one to get. I noticed earlier in the thread that this album was mentioned a few times. Also, I have agreed with a number of recommendations that you have made in other threads - so I trust your opinion.
So that completes the ten!! ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: July 02 2009 at 13:15
Andy's recommendations are great indeed, no doubt about this |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: July 02 2009 at 13:16
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Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater It rocks.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Plankowner
Date Posted: July 02 2009 at 18:20
Nice list of albums, a good representation of all three genres here.. I so incredibly want to add Riverside to it... and if you like Riverside, add Indukti.
With that being said, I feel I need to mention this (because I don't think I've seen it listed in the recommendations), one of my favorite albums has to be:
Baroness' "The Red Album." The more I've played this album the more I've fallen in love with it. And I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on a new album by them.
If you have any questions about any band, I've listened to most of the metal on PA, just send me a PM. Enjoy!
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: July 03 2009 at 12:09
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^Yikes David, thats nearly 1000 bands!
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: July 03 2009 at 12:27
| No Iron Maiden? I know they're not Prog Metal per se but they're one of the founders as far as I'm concerned. If you would like to check them out there most Prog-oriented efforts would be Seventh Son of a Seventh Son and Brave New World. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: July 03 2009 at 12:28
Thanks, and enjoy it, Oliver Holzwarth's bass playing is stunning. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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