EPT![[image loading]](http://www.labourlist.org/uploads/74f7c47d-cc48-0ee4-69b4-46c6dcc45917.jpg)
Hi everyone, I know that we have a lot of metal fans around the place as well as quite a few fellow prog-nerds. As an introduction for this blog I'll just start by saying I got into prog metal a little over a year ago. I had the discographies of Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, DragonForce and a few indie/alternative bands and Australian artists (The Whitlams for example, if you haven't heard them go check them out!). The bands just mentioned made up 90% of the music collection. I had very little and my musical taste was very narrow. One day I was introduced to, and got into Dream Theater.
![[image loading]](http://sigurdborge.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/dream-theater.jpg)
After I devoured their albums (and was hungry for more prog), I found the scene was larger than I initially thought (although it is still rather obscure). I thoroughly recommend you listen to each song I post here in its entirety if you have the time, because you cannot judge a progressive song simply by a section.
For those people new to Progressive music, or those who are interested, ill just be extremely lazy and leave the wiki definition here (so if the description of the music turns you off, you know what you are in for if you continue further).
Progressive metal (sometimes shortened to prog metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal, which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock. Many progressive metal bands are also influenced by jazz fusion and classical music. Like progressive rock songs, progressive metal songs are typically much longer than standard metal songs, and are often thematically linked in concept albums.
The following artists are not all my favourites by any means. I am writing this blog and linking the songs to introduce them to new listeners or fans of the genre that haven't heard them yet. A lot of Progressive metal bands in particular are very obscure and unknown, which is a damn shame because in general they tend to write some of the most intelligent songs (none of this vapid, light, air-headed GaGa bullshit developed societies are buying into).
Progressive songs tend to be quite long compared to most other genre's, so if you are willing to stay and listen/read to the end, I'd grab a coffee/snack. Progressive songs also combine just about every single genre of music in existence, so if you dislike one song, don't give up on the rest!
So, that being said, lets begin! In reverse order, please make sure you listen at the highest quality setting possible!
#5 -
Fates Warning - Another Perfect Day - (FWX)
![[image loading]](http://www.metal-archives.com/images/8/0/3/1/8031_photo.jpg)
(ignore the shitty video, it was the best quality youtube i could find
)A little info about the band, Fates Warning is an American Progressive Metal band thats been active since the 80's. Although Dream Theater is often credited with pioneering the genre, Mike Portnoy (DT's drummer) noted that
very often fans and critics credit Dream Theater for creating a whole new genre of progressive metal music in the late '80s/early '90s, . . . but the truth is Fates Warning were doing it years before us.
Fates' is probably best known for its' incredibly complex percussion, and for the lead singer, Ray Alder.
#4 -
Ayreon - Day Three: Pain - (The Human Equation)
![[image loading]](http://www.kindamuzik.net/gfx/ayreon-cvr-0804.JPG)
Ayreon is the musical child of Dutchman Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Often focusing on a Sci-Fi storyline, particularly on the most recent 01011001, Ayreon delivers some of the most lengthy, packed, emotionally driven progressive metal albums that are an absolute joy to listen to. The last few releases have clocked in at 90 minutes! The music itself often drifts between heavy metal, folk, metal, jazz, blues and electronic music. Every album is a concept album worthy of praise.
#3 -
Pain of Salvation - Fandango - (Remedy Lane)
![[image loading]](http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_band/284.jpg)
Pain of Salvation is a swedish progressive rock/metal band with Daniel Gildenlöw, their lead singer and songwriter. Their music tends to be darker, grittier and focusing on many emotionally powerful topics including war, family issues, miscarriages, depression and sexuality. They trade between heavy and calm musical passages more often than I blink on occasions, with some of the most beautiful vocal ranges and harmonies I have ever heard. If you like this, be sure to check out their album "The Perfect Element". They also have a new album coming out on the 17th of may, the first part of their "Road Salt".
#2 -
Devin Townsend - Supercrush! - (Addicted)
![[image loading]](http://events.liveguide.com.au/651631_thumbnail_280_Devin_Townsend_Project_Devin_Townsend_Project_Australian_Tour.v1.jpg)
One of my personal favourite artists, Devin Townsend is a Canadian and is probably most famous for his band "Strapping Young Lad". After leaving the band and checking himself into hospital for Bipolar disorder (and effectively beating it before it beat him), he has gone on to record more solo albums. His current series of 4 solo albums are part of the 'Devin Townsend Project' featuring last year's "Ki" and "Addicted", with the next two albums released next year.
He has a few distinct styles, but draws on aspects from all genres of music. 'Ki' was a very blues centric album where he gathered some top blues artists to help him record. 'Addicted' and this song are part of his dance, energetic style, which he played extremely well on his Australian tour earlier this year. His vocals are absolutely phenomenal in my opinion!
#1 -
Redemption - Black and White World - (Snowfall on Judgement Day)
![[image loading]](http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss97/ytsejamcom/redemption_2.jpg)
The little-known band fathered by Progressive genius Nick Van Dyk, Redemption, is an American Progressive metal band founded in the 2000's. Having released their first album, while recording the second Ray Alder of Fates Warning joined the band and helped shape the musical direction. This song is from their 2009 release "Snowfall on Judgement Day", released in a period where Van Dyk was undergoing a severe battle with a nasty disease, multiple Myeloma. (for further info on his inspirational battle with the disease, see here .
Redemption combine medodic, Dream Theater style keyboards with thrash riffs and Alder's powerful vocals. Thoroughly recommend this album, one of the finest albums of 2009!
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Well, it took longer to write that up than I thought. I hope at least some of you took the time to listen and broaden your musical horizons. If you like what you have heard, or have some critical discussions to make, feel free to comment!
Thanks.
![[image loading]](http://i36.tinypic.com/2115f2p.jpg)
