One great thing about music, is that it is always growing, always changing. It is never the same, and for many, it’s versatility and liquidity is part of its draw. Just when you think music can’t get any different, or just when it seems nothing “new” can come around the corner, barriers are broken, and we are shown just how amazing music can be, all anew.
One of these new genres in the past few decades has been the “progressive” genre. There are many variations now, but they all share some common traits. They all involve mashing of different styles and sounds, and they all sound, in some way, unique. They mix rock, jazz, folk, orchestra, death metal… they use whatever they love.
When a band simply uses their influences to make something new, I appreciate that more than anyone just playing the same old, same old. Considering this, the progressive genre has caught my eye through these last few years.
There are hundreds of progressive bands today, but I’d just like to elaborate on 3 of my favorites. They all bring something different to the table around the “progressive metal” genre. All 3 bands are extremely talented, both in performance and composition. Many others deserve mention, but these three represent the genre in some of the best ways:
Dream Theater
If any band can get close to the inception of the progressive rock genre, Dream Theater basically takes the cake. Since the band was created in 1985 under its first name, Majesty, this pioneering band has paved the way for a new kind of heavy rock. Dream Theater has been consistently releasing new albums since, and though they don’t receive much large media attention, within progressive rock fans, they are definitely one of the kings. The band has never been much for the limelight, and their devotion to their dedicated following shows in their music.
Something can also be said for Dream Theater’s live performances. It isn’t often that you see great stage performers in the music industry now-a-days with such skill and showmanship. Dream Theater has always presented amazing live shows, and work harder than most bands simply in variety. The band has release literally over 100 songs since their inception. Quite a few of their songs pass the 20 minute mark, and yet they still play them out flawlessly on stage; something most bands wouldn’t even dare.
Even with their long and large amount of songs, the band is always dedicated to delivering a unique performance, and constantly switch up their playlist for each tour. Dream Theater shows many of the best qualities to an amazing musical group. Always surprising, and always consistent, they hold up the genre and still, after over 20 years, push it forward.
Opeth
Born in Sweden, Opeth just couldn’t keep themselves in any one genre. Though the band has roots and a passion for death metal, they have purposefully pushed the envelope of progressive metal into a realm that has not been duplicated. The band has now mixed more genres than thought possible, with influence from classical Swedish folk, classic rock, psychedelic rock, acoustic, and of course, death metal. Their style is compared to none, and each song reverberates an ominous and distinct melodic sound. 
Another pioneer of the genre, though often overlooked, Opeth stands as one of the most unique progressive bands, and they often draw attention of many different crowds of music lovers, appealing to everyone from metal heads to soft acoustic lovers.
Mastodon
What I like to label the mule of progressive metal, Mastodon has one of the most incredibly different sounds of any band I’ve listened to. They are so incredibly unconventional that they just have to be mentioned in this list. The band offers a mixture of heavy metal and interesting psychedelic sounds, with unique and powerful vocals that chill the spine.
Since their album, Blood Mountain the band has been considered one of the most interesting, if nothing else, bands of the modern rock music generation. If you hear a Mastodon song on the radio, even if you haven’t heard that particular song before, it’s sure to have that “sound” that some bands just pinpoint to make their own.
As with all form of art, music is subject to be picked apart and many have their own opinions. So I ask, what is your favorite or most interesting genre of music?
Scotty Smith
Guitarist Rock ©2008-2009
Great move putting DT on No. 1. I think when it comes to dynamism (which is the main element of progressive metal/rock) DT has no comparison, at least as far as I know.
I find Opeth not really progressive in terms of sound, chord progression and song exploration. Maybe I was hoping extremely hard-boiled song’s concept like DT’s when I first listened to Opeth.