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.

Here we are guys, the last two awards left! First up, the best song! This list is basically a culmination or summary of all the previous lists where the sum is equal if not greater than all its parts. Of course some instrumentalists have been nominated for songs others than the ones present here. Have saved lengthy explanations for the Best Album award. This list also isn’t very lengthy (the usual eleven). Check out why I’ve restricted the number to eleven in the criteria of judgement below.

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. When it is says Song in the title, it specifically means a song belonging to an album by a band classified as progressive based on point 1. I’m also sure there are a few songs on this list (and the ones to come) that are 4/4 and hardly classify as a ‘Prog Song’ but I’ve included them nevertheless. 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.

Criteria for Judgement:

I’ve mentioned earlier how great individual performances would help but so would lyrical elements and the overall package. In addition, I’ve given slight preference (mostly in selection but sometimes in ordering) to songs which particularly STAND OUT in the album, at least in my eyes. Naturally only one song per album.

Now that that’s over with let’s get down to business! There are one ‘Just Missed’, nine nominations and, of course, one winner. The number of nominations would change depending on category.

JUST MISSED

“The Day that the World Breaks Down”

(from The Source by Ayreon)

Lists Appeared On: #2 Best Vocals (Clean), #1 Best Collaboration or Guest Appearance

#10

“Mirage”

(from Malina by Leprous)

Lists Appeared On: #10 Best Intro, #5 Best Bass

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #4 Best Vocals (Clean), #2 Best Drums

#9

“Fermented Hours”

(from From Silence to Somewhere by Wobbler)

Note – The title track has actually appeared on more lists than this, but I think this one is shorter and equally awesome.

Lists Appeared On: #6 Best Bass, Just Missed Unconventional Instrument

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #3 Best Keys

#8

“Sacred Horse”

(from E by Enslaved)

Lists Appeared On: #8 Best Keys, #5 Best Guitar, #3 Best Outro

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #1 Best Vocals (Harsh)

#7

“Blood on the Tightrope”

(from Fractured by Lunatic Soul)

Lists Appeared On: #5 Best Keys, #1 Best Electronica

Other Lists Instrumentalist Appeared on: #3 Best Bass

#6

“Stillness is Timeless”

(from Aathma by Persefone)

Lists Appeared On: #7 Best Guitar, #2 Best Keys

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #6 Best Drums

#5

“Involuntary Doppelgänger”

(from Relentless Mutation by Archspire)

Lists Appeared On: #4 Best Guitar

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #7 Best Drums, #2 Best Vocals (Harsh)

#4

“Eyrie”

(from Urn by Ne Obliviscaris)

Note – This was a tough pick over “Urn” but I believe “Eyrie” is more succinct and has a clearer vision throughout. And the violin is beyond this world.

Lists Appeared On: #4 Best Outro, #1 Best Unconventional Instrument

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #8 Best Guitar, #5 Best Vocals (Harsh), #1 Best Drums, #1 Best Bass

#3

“Blind”

(from Reflections of a Floating World by Elder)

Lists Appeared On: #3 Best Guitar, #5 Best Outro

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #7 Best Bass

#2

“Preserved in Ash”

(from Diaspora by Cormorant)

Lists Appeared On: #5 Best Vocals (Harsh), #5 Best Drums, #2 Best Guitar, #1 Best Outro

WINNER!

“Return to Earth”

(from Clairvoyant by The Contortionist)

Note – Monochrome (Pensive) also has a strong case of being on the list, but lyrically “Return to Earth” is slightly similar and Lessard‘s vocal performance is dynamic here. It is also the track I’ve listened to the most number of times this year (It NEVER gets old), so rather fitting that this wins!

Lists Appeared On: Just Missed Best Guitar, #4 Best Drums

Other Lists Instrumentalists Appeared on: #7 Best Keys, #6 Best Vocals (Clean)

So which are your favourite tracks from 2017?

Would love to hear from you! Let me know either in the comments here, on Facebook (Preferably) or on Instagram. You can follow me on Spotify (You might get a sneak peak of the awards a day in advance!)

Here’s the Spotify playlist of all the above tracks:

FOURTEEN awards are already out, ONE more to go!

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.