Hello and welcome to the first edition of Progscars!

Fifteen imaginary awards to give out to the most interesting progressive rock and metal music to come out in 2017. I decided to do this for fun but also to build awareness of bands and artists.

We’ve reached the end, the grande finale! As promised, along with the list, I would explain what I like a lot in the album while also indicating what I felt it missed from winning the top accolade.

Disclaimer:

Everyone has different definitions about which band, album and song is progressive and which isn’t. For simplicity, I have stuck to bands classified as progressive rock or metal either on rateyourmusic.com or sputnikmusic.com and occasionally based on what I think. Albums in December 2017 haven’t been considered! So no Diablo Swing Orchestra. Mainly because I was too busy exploring earlier albums that I might have missed out. I’ll include them in the next edition. If you spot errors anywhere (mostly in the technical side of things), let me know. I’m always open to criticism – constructive or destructive. EPs or Live Albums not considered for any of these lists. Will start an EP award from the next edition.

Criteria for Judgement:

This shouldn’t be hard to figure out, how would you judge an album? It should be consistent lyrically, in instrumentation and in production. Multiple memorable tracks are a must. In addition, I award albums which are more innovative and bring about something new with a higher position in the list. Finally REPLAY VALUE is my highest priority : The albums that grew “old” over time took a hit in my ratings.

Now that that’s over with let’s get down to business! There are one ‘Just Missed’, nineteen nominations and, of course, one winner.

JUST MISSED

The Source by Ayreon

Genre? Power Progressive metal (Clean Vocals), Symphonic elements, Ensemble Musicians (mostly vocalists)

What did I like? It features in my eyes, the best vocalist ensemble (ever?) in an album and they sing off each other well about the concept sci-fi story. Some of my favourite vocalists such as Russell Allen and Tommy Karevik sing their hearts out. The instrumentation is stellar on the first half of the album, with several fun songs such as “The Day that the World Breaks Down”, “Sea of Machines” and “Star of Sirrah”.

Why didn’t it win? The second half doesn’t keep up instrumentally with the first half – I fail to recall any ‘exceptional’ track in it.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#20

E by Enslaved

Genre? Progressive Metal, Mixed Vocals

What did I like? It has two of the best tracks I’ve heard all year – “Storm Son” and “Sacred Horse”. They perfectly represent Enslaved‘s style – excellent riffage, notable intros and outros, excellent vocal delivery and memorable guitar and keys solos. The folk atmosphere created in the album transports you.

Why didn’t it win? As mentioned in my review, it gets too indulgent in a few songs and I particularly didn’t like “The River’s Mouth”, which is too much like Mastodon.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#19

Vagabond by Subterranean Masquerade

Genre? Progressive Metal with multiple middle-eastern and Indian influences, Mixed Vocals

What did I like? This is my first experience with this sort of progressive music, so I was very impressed. The sitar and tabla sound fluid with the usual rock or metal instruments. Popular middle-eastern and Indian tunes are incorporated in the intros and outros, particularly on the tracks “Kippur” and “Hymn of the Vagabond”, which make them a joy to listen over and again.

Why didn’t it win? The disjointed instrumentation of the songs is deliberate but heavily jars my experience even if it is slightly unified lyrically.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#18

Land Animal by Bent Knee

Genre? Art Rock, Experimental (elements of Jazz)

What did I like? Courtney Swain. Topping my clean vocals list, she is phenomenal in every track, experimenting with vocal ranges and styles. Each song has a unique feel to it and that contribute heavily to relistenability.

Why didn’t it win? For an album to top my prog list, it should have way more memorable moments from the other instrumentalists than just supporting ones.

Link: Spotify

#17

Phantom Anthem by August Burns Red

Genre? Metalcore with very slight progressive elements, Harsh Vocals

What did I like? Excellent writing – each song has a catchy riff – and the members play them to perfection, adding enough frills and breakdowns to keep you going. “The Frost” and “Invisible Enemy”, both pre-releases, are some of the best shorter tracks I’ve heard this year.

Why didn’t it win? It’s too safe. While it’s fun to listen to, nothing really blew my mind away, except perhaps the ‘country music’ adaptation at the end of “Generations”. It is also not “prog” enough (This is a valid argument as this a prog list after all).

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#16

In Contact by Caligula’s Horse

Genre? Progressive Rock and Metal, Clean Vocals

What did I like? I like the ambition Caligula’s Horse shows with the new effort. The brilliant vocals are ever present, accompanied by memorable guitar performances. But they’ve dived deep with the album’s concept of “lost reality” and attempted more expansive songwriting, including lengthier tracks than they usually do.

Why didn’t it win? As mentioned in my review, the spoken word track is a bit too much for me and I’m not a huge fan of “Graves” either, as much as I admire their attempt at an ‘epic’ track. Also the drums and bass (except on a few tracks) are largely unremarkable.

Link: Spotify

#15

Melancholia Hymns by Arcane Roots

Genre? Alternative Rock, Experimental, Clean Vocals

What did I like? I like the heavier tracks and sections a lot – on “Off the Floor”, “Curtains and “Matter”, which, in particular, has crushing riffs and powerful vocals. It is also very well produced, and the electronic elements are used in the right moments.

Why didn’t it win? Some sections within tracks can get really repetitive – Looking at “Indigo” especially. Some of the nasal singing can get annoying too, but it’s a stylistic preference that the band has, so this is entirely on me. The second half of the album isn’t as strong as the first either.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#14

Polygondwanaland by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Genre? Psychedelic Rock with progressive elements such as odd time signatures, Clean Vocals, Experimental

What did I enjoy? Just a few weeks back, this was in my top ten and possibly my top five – The experimental songwriting is exquisite: Tracks such as “Inner Cell” and “The Fourth Colour” balance psychedelic and progressive elements perfectly. The album is also brilliantly produced, considering the band has put out five records this year. The 80s synthpop effects are perfectly placed throughout.

Why didn’t it win? Why this has dropped in my rankings is because the relistenability is relatively poor. The vocal delivery is too monotonous on multiple listens. I also might be the only one out there who doesn’t like “Crumbling Castle”.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#13

Emperor of Sand by Mastodon

Genre? Progressive Metal with elements of sludge in vocals (clean)

What did I enjoy? The concept is sweet and I’m very impressed by the vocal performance of the band members – Each one has a great track as lead vocalist, a USP rarely found in the metal scene. It has tracks that rewind the clock to the Blood Mountain and Crack the Skye era in terms of song-writing – sure to please long-time fans (such as me). Brann Dailor‘s drum fills are delicious, as always.

Why didn’t it win? I’m among the few who actually liked some of the psychedelic efforts in the past albums – “Asleep in the Deep” for example – and I didn’t find such an equivalent here. Also, the lesser said of “Show Yourself” the better, a track that a band of the standards and already-existing popularity of Mastodon had no reason at all to attempt.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#12

In the Passing Light of Day by Pain of Salvation

Genre? Progressive Rock and Metal, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? Daniel Gildenlöw is probably the best lyricist in the progressive community and the concept dealing with personal tragedy is very well explored and sung. The title track is fifteen minutes of a roller coaster ride, using emotional narration hardly seen in music today. The album is very balanced in it’s heavy and slow approach – the slow track “Silent Gold” is beautiful. I also like Ragnar’s vocal parts, in “Meaningless” especially.

Why didn’t it win? Even taking into consideration Pain of Salvation standards, it is way too long. The riffs are fun, but other than them the instrumentation (the bass in particular, which isn’t even very audible) didn’t blow me away.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#11

From Silence to Somewhere by Wobbler

Genre? Old-school Progressive Rock, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? Just because the music sounds very similar to the 70s era doesn’t imply that the album is a straight-up tribute – The album is packed with interesting riffs and licks on the bass, keys and guitar. The use of the glockenspiel provides some interesting variation. The production is old school but good – Everything is audible and crisp.

Why didn’t it win? I think the drums pales in comparison to the other elements and it shows. Also, “Foxlight” is the one track that feels a bit too much of a 70s tribute.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

NOTE

From #10 it gets extremely competitive, with each album getting a 9/10 in my eyes and the winner a 9.5.

#10

Lykaia by Soen

Genre? Progressive Metal, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? Soen today is considered a Tool and Opeth hybrid, which sounds like high praise, but isn’t really that far from accuracy. Lopez’s groovy beats, Joel’s vocals, Stenberg (bass) and Jidell’s (guitar) riff delivery are all album highlights. In terms of something ‘new’, “Lucidity” is a slower track that Soen has never tried before and it’s fantastic.

Why didn’t it win? I feel the only thing letting down Soen time and time again is the production.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#9

Fractured by Lunatic Soul

Genre? Progressive Rock, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? The use of electronica never seen before in progressive rock – Duda is a marvelous songwriter who always has a surprise up his sleeve. The album is very dynamic – The beats set the pace while the singing is powerful and lyrics are vivid. A few tracks also employ songwriting evident on the previous album in terms of the elaborate and striking bass riffs. The album is extremely well produced, as always for Duda efforts.

Why didn’t it win? A problem more pronounced in previous albums yet still present here – some of the repetitive sections grow old on multiple listens. Also, as mentioned in the review, I didn’t like the track “Moving On”.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#8

Malina by Leprous

Genre? Progressive Rock, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? Since when I wrote my review, the tracks that I ‘liked’ then – “Mirage”, “The Weight of Disaster” and “The Last Milestone” I’ve grown to absolutely adore now, so much so that the entire album has risen in ranking in my eyes. Einar (vocals) and Baard (drums) are outstanding throughout the album and Simen Børven is the surprise package for me on the bass. Leprous has done slower tracks before but “The Last Milestone” shows unquestioned ambition, employing Raphael Weinroth-Browne as a guest cellist in an immersive experience.

Why didn’t it win? I still think the section of “Captive”, “Leashes” and “Illuminate”; is too ‘safe’, even though I do enjoy them (Except “Illuminate”)

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#7

In Forgotten Sleep by Lör

Genre? Power Metal with elements of folk and progressive, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? The album is one of the freshest I’ve heard all year! For a debut effort, the band shows maturity in songwriting and instrumentation beyond it’s relative age. The longer tracks are not just tracks, they are experiences and each one features extraordinary performances by the instrumentalists. For example, on “Dusk” the piano, on “Spectrum” the drums and bass and on “Eidolon” the guitar. The USP is the inherent folk influences in each song, which keep reminding me of RPG video game soundtracks.

Why didn’t it win? Only issue I have is that the production is uneven – the drums and bass could sound more polished.

Link: Spotify

#6

Savage Sinusoid by Igorrr

Genre? Everything you can think of. But seriously, I would say Avant-garde and Experimental Metal with Trip Hop elements

What did I enjoy? The world needs more Igorrr. Savage Sinusoid is non-stop experimentation with electronica, blast beats, accordian tunes, 8 bit ‘video game’ sound, screams, ‘arias’ opera singing,.. need I say more? And the best part is it never seems to go out of control, controlled chaos if I dare say.

Why didn’t it win? This might sound like a stupid reason, but the more I listen to it, the more I realize this is a bit too much to top a “Best-of Prog” list as it’s way more avant-garde and experimental in genre. I couldn’t of course omit the album from the list altogether, that would be criminal!

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#5

Relentless Mutation by Archspire

Genre? Technical death metal, Harsh Vocals

What did I enjoy? If you thought tech death metal as a genre is just a lot of fast shredding, wait till you get a load of this album by Archspire. It is of course NOT just that, is it? There’s a clear neoclassical feel to the album and the ‘vocalist’ Oli Peters is fantastic at keeping pace with his band members, who play some of the most technical stuff of the year with ease.

Why didn’t it win? It is a short album (30 min in length) which makes sense as it’s the perfect length to listen to this non-stop carnage without going mad, but that’s as ‘unprog’ as you can get, don’t you think? Which popular prog album is this short?

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#4

Aathma by Persefone

Genre? Progressive melodeath metal, Mixed Vocals

What did I enjoy? Aathma feels almost like the final step of Persefone’s efforts to move into ‘spiritual’ prog. It is filled with gorgeous melodies, balanced by equally jaw dropping technical instrumentation, especially from the guitar and synth. The tracks “Prison Skin”, “Stillness and Timeless” and “Aathma” are all incredible in their own way. The lyrics are interesting and unique to the genre and there’s even Paul Masvidal with Cynic vocals to scratch an itch of the latter band’s fans.

Why didn’t it win? The production is decent otherwise, but the bass is almost inaudible during the entire album, it is too low in the mix.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#3

Reflections of a Floating World by Elder

Genre? Stoner Rock with sprinkles of prog and psychedelic, Clean but Sparse Vocals

What did I enjoy? Each song is a journey that takes you through a range of emotions. The guitar licks, melodies and riffs are exquisite and really provide a foundation for the album, adequately supported by the bass and drums. “Blind” in particular is a downright progressive effort – time signatures shift time and again and the sound effect at the start vaguely reminds me of the outro of “Burden” by Opeth. Elder was already top of the game in the above aspects with their previous release, Lore, but “Blind” and the unique experimental instrumental “Sonntag” means that the band has progressed and ultimately succeeded with the new effort.

It topped my mid-year list and ultimately takes the third spot.

Why didn’t it win? The drums are only that – a support, would love to hear some more variety and influence.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

#2

Urn by Ne Obliviscaris

Genre? Progressive extreme metal, Mixed Vocals

What did I enjoy? The question for fans is always going to be is Urn better than or at least equal to Citadel or Portal of I? After giving it some thought and understanding the underlying vision for the album, I would say it equals the previous releases. Both “Liberia” and “Urn” are a natural progression from Citadel while “Intra Venus”, with it’s bass heavy instrumentation, is meant to satisfy the Portal fans. “Eyrie” is where Ne Obliviscaris reveals its true ambition of producing an “extreme metal opera” and it works with aplomb. Each and every instrumentalist and vocalist has a section in the album that gets you off your seat, brilliant.

Why didn’t it win? Citadel had decent production so I don’t really know what went wrong here. I’ve elaborated in my review, but in one track the bass is extremely audible in the mix and the next it is almost absent. The drums don’t sound great as well. Such a shame when brilliant instrumentation is marred by production issues.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

WINNER!

Clairvoyant by The Contortionist

Genre? Progressive Metal, Clean Vocals

What did I enjoy? Clairvoyant has comfortably the best replay value of any album I’ve heard this year. I’ve spent hours and most probably days listening to it and keep coming back to it. The album explores tragedies caused by drugs but itself leaves you deeply addicted. The album is incredibly consistent and arguably the only section that could even bore you is a (much needed) ‘respite’ at the end of the trip of a track that is “The Center”. The production and songwriting are great and markedly different each track. It also features the beautiful album closers, “Return to Earth”, my song of the year and Monochrome (Pensive) – ones where Lessard shines as a vocalist.

The progression to only cleans is ultimately the right one, I don’t see at all where harsh vocals fit in the lyrical or musical theme of the album. Long-time fans seem very quick to jump the gun whereas new ones very easily realize there’s much to love here. Show it some love initially, and the reward is a long-lasting, immersive one.

Is it perfect? Nope, it is no Vektor‘s Terminal Redux or Steven Wilson‘s Hands.Cannot.Erase (from recent years). The only real concern is the slightly monotonous tone of Lessard’s vocals (Most evident at “Absolve” and “Relapse”, mentioned in review) which I know have already had some fans label the album as “boring”.

Link: YouTube, Spotify

Thanks for joining me in this edition of Progscars, hope you enjoyed it!

Would love to hear your favourite albums and any feedback in the comments here, on Facebook (Preferably) or on Instagram. You can also follow me on Spotify and check out all the older playlists.

Here’s the Spotify playlist of all the above albums (Almost 20 hours!):

All the awards:

Best Bass Performance in a Song here.

Best Debut Album here.

Best Outro of a Song here.

Best Production on an Album here.

Best Intro to a Song here.

Best Use of Electronica in a Song here.

Best Use of an Unconventional Instrument in a Song here.

Best Instrumental Song here.

Best Collaboration or Guest Appearance on a Song here.

Best Keyboard Performance in a Song here.

Best Vocal (Harsh) Performance in a Song here.

Best Vocal (Clean) Performance in a Song here.

Best Guitar Performance in a Song here.

Best Drums Performance in a Song here.

Best Song here.