Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name of "Majesty", only to change its name to Dream Theater later. ...read more. True masters of their craft and innovators when it comes to their instruments. When hearing the phrase "progressive metal", DT is the only pure form of it that I can think of. With a great focus on progressive form and intricate musical composition, no other band creates the familiar sounds of a relatively obscure genre that requires a deep understanding of music and instrumental work, as well as mix in new sounds without ruining either the "progressive" nor "metal" aspects of their field. There is no limit as to what the band can release, from extremely difficult-to-follow solos, to 20+ minute songs, to even beautiful compositions that are film score worthy. Although not the first to make such a splash in the genre, they have nonetheless extracted the essence of it and have continuously worked on it with every record they release. Ambitious, stylistic, and creative. Worthy of taking the number 1 spot. All these bands are great!, That said, DT has the technical, creativeness and sensibility that really makes them number 1. Opeth is great BUT the growling really is an embarrassment, Mike's talent, voice and inner beauty.. Listen to Bleak from 3:09 on.. The magic of his voice and the balance and beauty of the music really brings you too a special place. Of course, Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Trans-Atlantic and of course, Tool, are all great Prog bands I only have a problem with Symphony X.. It's too power metal to me.. It lacks the darker more serious feel of real Prog. A great list though and I am very glad to see Nevermore get put up there! DT is unmatched in musicianship. Not only are they extremely technical in the way they approach their instruments, but they also know how to inspire the listener. Notice I said "listener. " People who are brainwashed by the music industry just merely hear DT and don't understand the whole scope of the band. DT presents the classic struggle of swimming against mainstream pop culture. Of course they should have beat Foo Fighters for the Grammy, but at least they got a well deserved nomination. I have been listening to Dream Theater for just over 20 years. I have made the conclusion that there is no one else out there with enough guts to defy the odds like these guys have. Sure there are/were bands like Led Zeppelin, Rush, Van Halen, Metallica, Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and the like. However, for all the reasons as previously posted DT stands in a class/category all their own. If you have never listened to them before don't look for a 3 minute fast food, quick fix. Their music is heavily ...more Although a lot of hardcore Rush fans might strongly disagree, but DT has to be the best prog metal band of all time! Sure Rush inspired this band and that Rush basically created the genre, DT has something that Rush doesn't, unmatched musicianship, beauty, and level of awe they inspire. With every record that they release, DT never ceases to amaze! Also, these guys also can stratle prog rock and metal so easily, that they can be so beautiful one song, and brutal the next. And of course, songs like Pull Me Under and Panic Attack, with albums like Octavarium and Scenes From A Memory, there's no doubt they are the kings of prog metal!

Opeth Opeth is a Swedish progressive death metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1990 by David Isberg, who invited Mikael Akerfeldt into the band as a bassist. Isberg ended up leaving the band, which lead to Mikael becoming the band's vocalist, guitarist, principal songwriter, and driving force. Along with ...read more. Opeth are just magnificent. Especially their heavier stuff thought the new ones are great too. By the way, Michael akerfeld is probably the greatest musician ever: opeth, edge of sanity, katatonia and porcupine tree. What else can you ask for. Best band of all time in my opinion! One of the few bands, who after 13 albums still have not made one single bad album! Basically all of their albums are perfect, from their newer prog rock/metal, to their insanely heavy prog death metal years. Mikael Åkerfeldt is the best vicalist of all time and all the musicians whi have either been or are in this band are absolute masters at their dedicated instruments! If you haven’t listened to opeth before, just listen to their whole discography right now! Recommend starting at still life or blackwater park for an easy entry! Then just start at the start and work your way until their newest masterpiece! Tool fans are retarded and delusional. Tool's supposedly complex songwriting declines into silliness as you work your way through their discography. Almost everything sounds the same and the guitar player just keeps playing the same riff.

Tool might be technicians but Opeth are artists. Their music is not complex but artful, tasteful and soulful in a way Tool can only dream of.

Do me a favor and listen to "To Bid You Farewell" and "Blackwater Park"

That's called music, as opposed to random robotic noises. True masters of their craft. Combining soft rock and death metal. Polar opposite genres, but ones that go oh so well together. Opeth are true innovators of music and pushed their sound to the absolute limit. No metal band has been this consistently creative. Opeth have, as of late, unfortunately stripped away the death metal sound in favor of worshipping 70s progressive rock groups like King Crimson and Yes. As a result they've lost their own sound and spend time imitating rather than innovating. However this doesn't scar their legacy and the true perfection of their vast discography.

Tool Tool is an American progressive/alternative/post-metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more. Okay so I've tried listening to opeth their pretty good. But Dream theater how are they number one. The voice of the vocalist is Also an instrument, but they don't even have a singer what! I think tool is best because their bass is amazing, Maynard James Keenan has to be one of the best vocalists in the world. Maynard has a way of making any song sound good. I mean I have not heard one song by tool that I disliked. All of tool's songs are smart, have lots of meaning, and make you think. Now I will say this they only have about six albums out, but in my opinion that is smart because that will make people crave them more. Tool's sound can also vary, so they can twist and turn with their music about. TOOL is the definition of talent and are superior all bands. I will say Korn is also another band worth checking out, but they are nu metal. Tool... Completely changed my music taste, I used to hear crap dupstep and other electronic, but then I stumbled on tool. I heard it the first time on gth, but for some reason I didn't like it, not until for years later, and I heard them again, still it wasn't great, but there was something, and I just keeps listening, and just got better each time. Tool got me into, Metallica, dream theater, black sabbath, pain of salvation, porcupine tree, iron maiden, circus maximus, or anything with prog and metal.



Something I find interesting, not just tool, but most prog metal band, the first time you hear a song, you don't love it, but slowly liking it more and more, the more you hear it. 1993 was the year my music taste changed. Well layered intelligent music. No one is declaring love. No one is backing up there ass. Just music. Long songs with a buildup of sound until the explosive climax when the drumming is at It's best. You can appreciate every sound since it was introduced indivivdually. You can feel the tension as every plAyer is holding back like the superego. Inner conflict that finds resolve. Helps me deal with the same conflicts that I face. The philosophies that we all have but don't realize it. Positive messages in songs like parabola, personal stuff like 46&2. Crazy rage we all feel when we endure daily living like in the song ticks and leaches. And the drums. Tribal. Wild. I don't know what it was, I hated Tool and thought slipknot was the greatest in the world. But suddenly something clicked, I loved Tool and just couldn't stand how boring slipknot was. The math involved in Tools music and the chemistry between all the instruments and sounds that seem to make an eternal dance of evolution. Tool changed my taste in music forever, they changed the way I view the world, made me stop listening to crap just because other people are listening to it, They opened my eyes. If you hate Tool, your just not ready for them, go listen to dream theater, they're simpler.

Symphony X Symphony X is an American progressive metal band from Middletown, New Jersey. Founded in 1994, the band consists of guitarist Michael Romeo, keyboardist Michael Pinnella, drummer Jason Rullo, lead vocalist Russell Allen and bassist Michael Lepond. Music is purely subjective. I respect other peoples likes. Symphony X is my ultimate favorite though. I like how the vocals have as strong melody composition as the rest of the music. I like how the lyrics are often negative but aren't too real or anything that you can strongly relate to so they don't bring your down. For a contrasting example, I love Dream Theater, but their lyrics are very powerful and very real and too much listening makes me start to feel miserable. Symphony X doesn't do that despite also having a lot of negative lyrics. Symphony X should be first! Michael Romeo is the master on lead guitar, Russell Allen has a voice like no other, Michael Pinnella is magical on the keyboard, Jason Rullo tears it up on drums, and Michael LePond commands a thundering bass!



My absolute favorite part of Symphony X is the bass playing. Michael LePond gives his all, his passion for music and dedication shines. On their latest album Underworld, Michael LePond also did some of the co-writing, showcasing his pure talent for the musical world...To feel his bass bouncing off the wall is awesome!



In my opinion, Michael LePond and the talented guys from Symphony X should be #1, they are in my book! For me the guitarist skills or vocal not the point to be a best prog metal band... Creativity is the important.. I think Progressive Metal is just for Dream Theater.. No other band playing true progressive metal like Dream Theater did... For now. You have great skill in guitar, great vocal, drum or whatever, but you don't have a creativity to improvise your music genre, you can't be a great. We talk about the band, not the individual skill. Michael Romeo is the best composer, period. Second in guitar to Petrucci. Russell Allen has no equal. Can sing you a lullaby, then scare you to death. So much range, and theatrics in his voice. These guys personify Progressive metal. #1 in my book, followed closely by DT.

Mastodon Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in early 2000 and composed of bassist Troy Sanders, guitarists Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor. Mastodon are one of the best bands ever. They have had many sound changes that all worked out well. They have only excellent albums with my favourite being leviathan. Also I love the fact that they have three different voices. Tool clearly sets the standard for modern progressive metal. Progressive metal is not all out heavy metal, full-on, all the time. It is peaks and valleys, like Tool. No other band fits in this category altogether, in my opinion. Mastodon has progressive in their music and there sound has changed many of but remained the same as it is amazing. This band will be a favorite for years to come to all prog lovers. Mastodon is better than meshuggah and it should be in the top 5s. They don't sound like prog-metal but they are and they are amazing.

Gojira Gojira is a progressive metal band from Bayonne, France. The band was known as Godzilla until 2001. Gojira is composed of Joe Duplantier on vocals and rhythm guitar, his brother Mario Duplantier on drums, Christian Andreu on lead guitar, and Jean-Michel Labadie on bass. They are considered a progressive metal band but are also a technical death metal and groove metal band as well. And masters of work like flying whales and stranded really set the standard for them. Plus I love how there are two members of the band that are actually brothers. Beautifully criticized society, a journey to save the world through flying across the space to find another planet to live on since our planet got destroyed by, presumably, global warming and a soul crushing goodbye to Joe and Mario Duplantier's mother. Underrated band. I have been listening the metal music for years, I've knew a lot of band. and I can honestly say that gojira is the most special and the most interested band in this music genre. Reasons are that intellectual band, different themes,lyrics and effective technical song I mean progressive being.

So it should be high in metal listes. not just this list. Some of the most astonishing albums and live performance from this days created by musical virtuosity (not to confond with instrument masturbation, who said Steve Vai? ) great lyrics and georgeous atmospheres.

Between the Buried and Me Between the Buried and Me is an American progressive metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Formed in 2000, the band consists of Tommy Giles Rogers, Jr. It is impossible for these guys to disappoint. Each album takes a new step but still retains a certain quality of technicality and insanity. Colors is their magnum opus and arguably one of the best achievements in prog in the 21st century, The Great Misdirect has their best song in Swim to the Moon, The Parallax 1 and 2 show their expert storytelling but are also technical marvels, Coma Ecliptic took a more proggy turn with less harsh vocals on "focus on melody" (haha), and now Automata has a very dark undertone that kind of mashes all of their past stuff. Truly a great band. Just listen to any of their 3 album closers from '07 to '12 and you'll hear why they're so respected. Fantastic musicians that incorporate many musical influences like blue grass, or even circus music into metal. They have long epic songs which will have you head banging, or just sitting in awe. The album "Colors" is a one hour long song broken into smaller songs. It is truly a master piece of complex musical theory, and emotions the whole way through. if you like metal at all you have to give it a listen. My two favorite songs on colors are the epic finale "White Walls", and my favorite son of all time, "Ants of the Sky". Colors is likely the best metal album of the 21st century. BTBAM hasn't looked back since. The Great Misdirect and both Parallax albums show amazing growth and variety, and Coma Ecliptic is proof that they can do concept albums, too. Some of the best overall musicians I've ever heard, incorporating the most interesting parts of music in their songs. I opened for BTBAM on their first tour with The Red Chord. I was super pumped to see The Red Chord, then this little guy got out on the stage and burned away my soul. Tommy's lyrics are amazing and I quickly became a fan. When they added in Blake Richardson, I thought I had found my new messiah (I play drums). From the start of BTBAM they have always been on top for me!

Queensryche Queensrÿche is an American progressive heavy metal band formed in 1982 in Bellevue, Washington, out of the local band the Mob. They released their self titled EP in 1984, but didn’t gain notoriety until the release of their critically acclaimed album Operation: Mindcrime in 1988. As of now, they ...read more. Why is Queensryche progressive metal? They sounds neither progressive NOR metal in my opinion. They actually sound the closest to glam metal as I see.



I hear more Bon Jovi in an average Queensryche song, especially outside Operation: Mindcrime, than resemblance to any other progressive metal band (except Crimson Glory which also sounds oike glam metal). Where are the implementations of other genres? Where are the unorthodox song structures? Where is the prog rock influence at all? It's funny I saw Wikipedia mentioned them as a progressive metal band and wondered whether they actually were and this was the first comment I saw about them. For me Queensryche is the best progressive metal and of all time, they were the beginers of this kind of music, the combination of the lyrics and music make them the best band! Operation Mindcrime, Promised land, Empire are the best albums of this band and G. Tate is one of the greatest singers in metal history Easily my favorite Prog band. And I would argue that Operation: Mindcrime is the best progmetal album ever, as well as one of the best rock-operas ever written. Queensryche ws dream theater before dream theater even existed! This is the first real progressive metal band and thanks to them we now have awesome bands like tool and dream theater. Operation mindcrime is an essential album to any prog or metal fan

Meshuggah Meshuggah is a Swedish progressive metal band from Umeå, formed in 1987. They are often considered the fathers or founders of the djent metal sub genre due to their use of downtuned guitars. They are also known for their song “Bleed”, which is known for its extremely complicated instrumentation, ...read more. What an awesome band. Thomas hakee is probably my favourite drummer of all time alongside George kolias (Nile). Frederick thandernal is a guitar god and Kidman’s vocals match the whole atmosphere perfectly. Every album thy have made is glorious. Well maybe except from contradictions collapse which is still a solid album. People often view this band as more extreme metal, which is understandable, but they do everything that makes Progressive Metal Progressive, just in their own way. Their compositions will never be as long as maybe Dream Theater or Opeth (Except for I and Catch 33), but each individual riff progresses, as the polymetric guitar floats over the drums, before snapping back into 4/4 for a single bar before blasting off into another bout of syncopated madness. Very underrated among mainstream metal listeners Metal that uses Atheist's free jazz arrangements combined with the influence of Metallica. And then there's the koan-structured lyricism and advanced terminology such as Chaoshpere, Catch 33 and Obzen. This band goes beyond music and deep into the realm of subjective and universal philosophy. There guys are Gods! If you haven't heard of them, I suggest you YouTube there stuff. They should easily be in the top 10.

Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree were an English rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. The band began essentially as a solo project for Wilson, who created all of the band's music. The most underrated band of all time, each member of the band plays to perfection their live songs are almost greater than their studio version, people just listen to this band porcupine tree should be at 2 after dream theater and then opeth, even mikael of opeth adores and praises porcupine tree specially steven wilson.

Top 3 bands my personnel favorite (progressive)

1.Porcupine Tree

2.Dream theater

3.opeth Band's underrated. These guys are well respected among the prog rock community but they fail to get mainstream attention unlike, say, Tool for example, which is another band that I personally love. Porcupine Tree can be dreamy, psychedelic, really complex and proggy, heavy or just really emotional.



Also Gavin Harrison's drumming is incredible. Porcupine is an atmospheric, often times melancholic progrock band that don't spend their time noodling around. In Absentia is probably their most popular album, Deadwing is just flat out nostalgic, and Fear of a Blank Planet is probably the greatest album I've ever owned musically and lyrically speaking. Be prepared for some depressing rock anthems. Steven wilson and the crew are underdogs and underrated of course.. Steven wilson is one of the gods of prog/psych rock, gavin harrison is a technical drumming god, richard needs no appreciation and colin carries of a toughest of a bass line with just a simple smile :D and pt is at no. 13? Seriously? ? And from when did gojira and tool become progressive?

The Contenders

Fates Warning Fates Warning is an American progressive metal band, formed in 1982 by vocalist John Arch, guitarists Jim Matheos and Victor Arduini, bassist Joe DiBiase, and drummer Steve Zimmerman in Hartford, Connecticut. I would argue that this was the first progressive metal band. Sure, Queensryche was around first but they were making heavy/power metal with a few slightly odd time signatures. Crimson Glory had yet to write any original material. The moment where progressive metal truly started was when Fates Warning released their second album, The Spectre Within. But they perfected it with their third album, Awaken The Guardian, which was where they shed their Iron Maiden roots in favor of a progressive/power metal sound. Perfect Symmetry is arguably the first progressive metal album that couldn't be placed under any other sub-genre (Crimson Glory was prog/power, Dream Theater's debut had power metal influences as well). Awaken The Guardian is my all time favorite album. Fates Waring are the Godfathers of Prog Metal. One of the greatest bands ever. It really wasn't until their 3rd album "Awaken the Guardian" that they became prog but they only got better. No Exit and Perfect Symmetry are 2 of the greatest Prog metal CDs ever. And their latest 2, Darkness in a Different Light and Theories of Flight are both amazing works taking Prog Metal to a higher level. The Big 3 Prog Metal bands have always been, Fates Warning, Queensryche and Dream Theater. Some of the other bands mentioned are not Prog here.. There is no other band who have the same style like Fates Warning. They are too progressive that their style keep on progressing with each album. All

their albums have unique style. Though other bands like Dream Theatre are very good, they have the same style in all their albums. Fates Warning is my favourite and they will always remain my favourite throughout my entire life. I hope they keep on releasing more albums. May they live long. While I agree with Fates Warning I don't agree with your selection of "Awaken the Guardian" selection. Their first two albums with original singer John Arch were more "heavy metal" than progressive. "No Exit" is definitely their best work followed by "Parallels" you can't go wrong with either of these. My top 3 progressive bands in order..1. Rush,2. Queensryche; 3. Fates Warning.

Nevermore Nevermore is an American progressive metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from various styles such as power metal, modern hard rock, classic heavy metal and technical thrash metal. The band has been on hiatus since 2011, due to personal issues between ...read more. Nevermore is fronted by Warrel Dane--one of the most amazing singers in the progressive metal genre with plenty of formal training. Jeff Loomis, the bands lead guitar player can barely be matched by many. They mix elements of complex time signatures, classical arrangements, and execute such synthesis with amazing precision.



While quite a bit harder than some other progressive metal bands, Nevermore also has a brilliant clarity both live and in studio. This is what metal should sound like. No words necessary..

Pain of Salvation Pain of Salvation is a Swedish progressive rock band led by Daniel Gildenlöw, who is the band's main songwriter, lyricist, guitarist, and vocalist. Every album is conceptual and dramatically different. Masters of their craft. One of the few bands where the musicians could play whatever music style they wanted, and still make it their own.

Daniel is sure a genius and an amazing songwriter. Easily one of the best prog bands to ever rise during the 90's. Never feel something similar listening to an album like when I listeno to pain of salvation.

Daniel is a terrific perfomer. The songs are always full of inspiration, excellent tecnique and intense musicality Just recently discovered PoS, and absolutely fell in love with them. Truly progressive metal, they do crazy things that most bands wouldn't dream of attempting. My vote put them on 12th, leaving Fates Warning behind. I think they should be at least on the 10th though...

Ayreon Ayreon is a musical project by Dutch songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist musician and record producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Ayreon's music is described as progressive rock, progressive metal and power metal sometimes combined with genres such as folk, electronica, experimental and classical ...read more. Take some of the biggest and best vocalists & musicians to grace the world of prog rock, and many various forms of metal... Put them in a great big melting pot. Stir with care, and you get Ayreon.



Heck, the current top 2 on this list (DT and Opeth) both had their respective vocalists taking huge roles on the SAME Ayreon album.



Ayreon is a concept that has been masterfully carried out by Arjen Lucassen in order to present some of the world's greatest album line-ups presenting some of the world's greatest music.



You have your prog, folk, metal, neo-classical, symphonic, and god knows what else when you listen to Ayreon. Each album is a concept album, some of which have the best stories and characterisation to ever grace the world of music.



As you can tell from my endless raving, there is a lot to be said about why Ayreon is as special as it is. It is an awe-inspiring musical project that deserves every bit of attention it gets. With the recent release of "The Theory of Everything", Ayreon is quickly solidifying Its' identity amongst the top bands and musicians. The project is simply outstanding in every conceivable way.



It's not only the musicianship and vocals that will blow you away; It is the entire way the arrangements fit their titles.



Ayreon will make you believe the unfathomable! This is the band where members from all over the music world come and exchange cookie recipes. And I don't mean that in a bad way at all. I own the Human Equation: and although it may be one of their darker works It features James LaBrie >cough< number one >cough<. This band deserves that place! Arjen got me started in the genre. The best thing about these albums is that you can listen and listen and still not hear every good song. I have been listening to him for 10 years now, and I just found an incredible song on the human equation the other day that I missed on the first listen through.

Mr. Bungle Mr. Bungle was an American experimental rock band from Northern California. Known for a highly eclectic style, the band often cycled through several musical genres within the course of a single song, including heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, ska, disco as well as funk. Super cool and weird, where every album sounds unbelievably different from one another, yet always maintains an extremely high level of quality. Another non prog metal band

Liquid Tension Experiment Liquid Tension Experiment was an instrumental progressive metal band founded by Mike Portnoy, then Dream Theater's drummer, in 1997. The band has released two albums through Magna Carta Records. A side project by the members of Dream Theater except the bassist and the vocalist. Check out "Acid Rain", "Universal Mind", "Paradigm Shift" from the Liquid Tension Experiment albums among the prominent ones and say "I hate Dream Theater". A great side project from Dream Theater altough is not as good as the band its self, it give us an inside look of the heavy tecnical side of Dream Theater. Dream Theater without a singer is a dream come true. Dream theater without a singer? Yes please

Haken Haken are an English progressive metal band formed in 2007 by multi-instrumentalist Richard Henshall, guitarist Matthew Marshall, and vocalist Ross Jennings. Despite being one of my favourite bands of all time, Dream Theater has been going downhill for awhile now. Someone has to say it - The Astonishing wasn't the best thing ever, putting it lightly.



Now, Affinity from Haken has already earned a permanent place on my most played albums, and easily reached my top ten favourite albums. Haken has been making a much better track record when it comes to making every track unique interesting while still providing a flow in a full album listen (something I definitely recommend). Even before Affinity, there was The Mountain, Visions, and the EP known as Restoration, all of which provide staggeringly beautiful performances in all categories - musicianship, technicality, songwriting, all but a very few tracks earn their place in the albums.



If you haven't listened to Haken before, /definitely/ do so when you find yourself bored and wanting something new. Just kick back, get a drink and put on Affinity. You'll thank me for it. Stumbling across Haken via randomly pouring through a list of new progressive bands, I thought, "They've got an interesting name, let's hear one of their songs." First one that came up, "Celestial Elixir." I thought, "My god, this is by far one of the greatest current bands ever." And I hadn't even listened to their newer albums yet.

Visions sucked me in immediately, prompting me to begin composing again.I awaited the release of "The Mountain" with a hunger unparalleled by any other anticipation I've felt before. To think I believed "Visions" couldn't be topped -- "The Mountain" has become my #1 favorite album ever.

Haken consistently puts out greatness after greatness, album in album out. It's no stretch of the imagination to see them climb into the Top 10 in time. Listen to the album "The Astonishing" by Dream Theater. That's the most recent album by the current #1s on this list. It's pretty good, but there are only a handful of memorable moments on the album. ("Three Days" is the only track I can list off the top of my head without much thought).



Now listen to the album "Affinity" by Haken. That's the most recent album by the rising #1s on this list. The whole album is memorable, from that 80s synth brass break on "1985" to the solo section on "The Endless Knot." Not to mention their previous EP, "Restoration," has my current favorite track, period ("Crystallized"), and "The Mountain" is a hell of an album.



If you're talking about technical skill, DT has Haken beat. Petrucci is a god, and Rudess is the best prog keyboardist out there, but if you're talking about musicality and just the overall sound of the band, which I consider the most important, Haken wins. For every prog philosopher out there, Haken fits the bill on every aspect of musical brilliance. They will be, with out a doubt, the next king in the prog universe. Take a moment and embark on the epic journeys Haken has brought to the ear, it is a moment of breathtaking excellence.



Recommendations for heavier posed listeners: Darkest Light, Insomnia



Recommendations for melodically posed listeners: Crystallized, Visions, Celestial Elixir

Periphery Periphery is an American progressive metal band based in Washington, D.C., formed in 2005. They are known for their heavy, progressive sound which employs poly-rhythmic patterns and soaring melodies. They are credited with popularizing the modern djent scene. Over time they have progressed from djent ...read more. These guys are quite unique... they should definitely be higher up. I love bands like Symphony X, but in some cases they just sound like Dream Theater but with a better vocalist. Periphery has very interesting and awesome guitar, bass and vocals, and their drummer is just something else. Usually with metal bands, the drummer just hits a ton of double bass and uses basic rudiments, though Halpern just takes creativity to another level for a metal band. He may not be as fast as Mangini, but at least he doesn't sound like a robot half the time. They have been popularizing the genre even more among metal fans. While Dream Theater definitely deserves number one, these guys should be at number 2. Not many bands are able to put the amount of work into their music that theses guys are doing. And only a year after Alpha Omega they are making new music. That is what I call dedication to the fans. I very recently started listening to Periphery and I instantly fell in love with them. The amazing guitars and the vocals are just EPIC. Can't get enough these guys Periphery is actually quite important to the Modern Progressive Metal Scene. Maybe people choose to classify them as Djent more, but they do deserve to be higher in this list.

Ne Obliviscaris Ne Obliviscaris (Latin for "forget not") are an extreme progressive metal band from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 2003. I wish I could fathom the hype surrounding this band, they're undoubtedly proficient in their instruments but I don't think they've put out anything extraordinary or influential that justifies them being ranked among the greatest artists. Speaking from a general perspective, incorporating violin doesn't add value to music when the focus is predominantly directed towards skill exhibition than on complementing the soundscape. Introducing a lot of musical elements isn't important than structuring them cohesively to give the music a more purposeful air. I'd honestly suggest you listen to some early My Dying Bride's albums if you have a little itch for violin work in metal. Check out the track 'For My Fallen Angel' from their album Like Gods of the Sun. They're not extravagant in their approach but the utilisation is enough to move you. Ne Obliviscaris just blew my mind from the very first time I heard about them. Mesmerizing Prog Metal with amazing violin... And they only have one album out. These guys deserve a top ten spot on the list, and I'm sure they'll get there within the next few years. Definitely the best Metal band to come out in the last few years. This band is incredible. They have produced some of the most beautiful and well written music imaginable. Portal if I is one of the best albums you will ever hear Excellent newer band, unique sound that includes violins, very good balance between clean vox and harsh vox. Tim falsetto is amazing, their 2017 album Urn is one of the best in metal this year.

Seventh Wonder Seventh Wonder is a progressive metal band from Stockholm, Sweden formed in 2000. They are currently working on their 5th studio album, which is planned for a 2017 release. Seventh Wonder has one of thw most amazing singers ever. I was afraid that Tommy Karevik would leave aside this band after joining Kamelot (which I think deserves 2nd place) but it wasnt the case. Mind blowing musicianship and heart touching stories. Break the silence and Tears for a father are just unbeliavely heart breaking, every time I listen them I end up crying. And Amazing in every way, and Mercy Falls second best concept album ever! And plus, they aren't just another attempt to copy Dream Theater. Vote for them! Best progressive metal. All five members are talented. All albums are beautiful art. The great escape is one of the best metal album. Hope they will release more masterpiece albums. Kamelot deserve the second place. Kamelot isn't progressive metal, but one of the best symphonic bands The best progressive metal band in my opinion. The vocals are impressive, as well as the rest of the group. They got beautiful touching songs, as well as energetic songs. Their last albums are two masterpieces. Vocalist is phenomenal, nothing in the music is overpowered, and one of the best prog metal bands out there. Tommy the vocalist has the most amazing control I've ever heard I think.

Rush Rush was a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. Even though the only founding member still in the band is Alex Lifeson (Guitar), the band is most well-known for their current members Neil Peart (Drums) and Geddy Lee (Bass, Vocals). ...read more. These guys can't be compared on any other band. Its tantamount to putting a man up against a boy. NO band can compare to these guys. Every single band you Bozos so proudly defend were influenced by RUSH. You spout off about technical playing and musicianship, Rush is the epitome of technical and still able to make music people want to listen to. Anyone can get a bunch of Berkley educated musicians or back woods hillbillies to put together the hardest notes to play and call it a song. But if nobody wants to hear it, well except for the basement dwellers who also enjoy marching around nude tweaking their nipples. Well, that's just not true. Sure, lots of bands are Rush-influenced, doesn't mean they're talentless. Not even sure how the fact that they're Rush influenced makes them "untalented". But people who go to Berkley don't come out being able to think of harder notes, they learn how music works and how progressions of these complex riffs can create masterpieces, and a lot of them do a great job of executing that. Listen to Dream Theater and you'll see. I like metal in its various forms...



But metal is metal, and its all good, but RUSH is way up there and beyond in a separate ethereal place where any of the bands in this list could not even hope to touch let alone reach... RUSH too cool to be metal...!



Do not disservice this band by including them in this list. It would be a lack of respect to even rank them as #1. They do not deserve to be included here... They made history. Their place is in lair for better and greater things.



Yours truly,



ROD At 44? Whoever put them down this low should be ashamed Rush is one of the best bands ever to grace the planet they were innovators, they are legends and will forever be amazing and timeless they proved that intellectual music can connect and resonate with people plus even Kirk Hammett calls them the high priests of conceptual metal I wouldn't call them metal, although they are one of the best prog rock bands of all time No doubt the best band on the planet and an influence for almost everyone on this list. Not to mention the most down to earth decent guys in the industry. They also have the most variety in albums - where many stick with the same formula, rush has consistently developed, changed, took chances, and succeeded.

Crimson Glory Crimson Glory is an American progressive metal band that formed in 1979 under the name Pierced Arrow. I lived through this era. It was insane. There was a before CG and after. They made all metal at the time seem obselete. Then Grunge *really* made metal obsolete, and CG self-destructed. Worth a listen today, it's retro enough to sound fresh again, unlike some of their contemporaries. Crimson Glory's first two albums are the two albums ALL Progressive Metal bands claim to have been inspired by. Period. The originator with one of the most amazing haunting voices ever. Midnight is The greatest vocalist period.

Psychotic Waltz Extremely underrated, but nothing less than genius - this is Psychotic waltz. "A social grace", "Mosquito" and "Bleeding" are excellent albums, but "Into the everflow" is one of the greatest pieces of music ever created. This are a very origibnail band, but very underrated. I don´t know why.

Riverside Riverside is a progressive rock/metal band from Warsaw, Poland. It was founded in 2001 by friends Mariusz Duda, Piotr Grudziński, Piotr Kozieradzki and Jacek Melnicki, who shared a love for progressive rock and heavy metal. Of course Dream Theater is #1. No argument. But this band belongs in the top 5. Best modern sounding Progressive Rock/Metal band. And their last 3 albums that many complain about happen to be favorites of mine. Sure they abandoned most their heavy sound but they have matured and make flawless recordings. I enjoy listening to them as much as Dream Theater and as much as any classic 70's Progressive Rock band. I prefer them over Porcupine Tree any day. This band is truly special and unique ever since their debut. I feel like I am listening to Pink Floyd and The Cure at the same time with Porcupine Tree elements. More a band with Metal elements than being generally Metal. They are frequently pretty mellow. Love Fear and the Time Machine is one of the better albums I have heard in the last 30+ years. While Big Big Train is my favorite Progressive Rock band Riverside is my favorite in Prog-Metal. Great, but underrated band. Riverside sounds like an awesome misture of Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and Opeth leaded by a very nice vocal, but mantaining their very own and introspective identity. Maybe the best way of describing their genre would be, simply, introspective prog/metal. Amazing in every way. These guys are one of the best bands ever that very few even know about. They are definitely my favorite band.