Progressive metal is a sub-genre in which we can listen to powerful riffs characteristic of rock and metal combined with complex musical structures that require a great technical level from the musicians. It is not one of the most popular genres in the world of rock, but it does have a good influx of fans among which I include myself, of course, I do not consider myself an expert. The mentioned genre may not be friendly with most people as they may consider it pretentious, tiresome and even boring as the songs can last many minutes, with long instrumentals in which the musicians highlight their great skills, and well, the truth is that not many people like it.
Today I will present 3 exponents of progressive metal, these are very clear examples of how this musical genre sounds, but taken to another level from my point of view. It should be noted that there are variants that combine rock, power metal, heavy metal and even death metal with progressive metal, that obviously will depend on the band and its musical proposal.
Symphony X is an American band that adds symphonic and neoclassical elements to their progressive metal base, also elements of power metal can be detected in several of their albums. One of the most striking things about this band are the powerful and characteristic voice of Russen Allen and the incomparable guitar of Michael Romeo, this one is characterized by his powerful and complex guitar solos that are totally distinguishable, it is easy to know it's him when you listen to him. The song “Set the world on fire” is a clear example of the band's sound, the keyboard is always present to add the ideal atmosphere and the complex guitar riffs are in charge of making us understand that the matter is quite serious.
Symphony X - Set The World On Fire
The next band comes from Norway, Circus Maximus uses a slower style compared to the previous band, but still powerful. One of the “problems”, so to speak, is that this band has been mutating in sound and style over the years, the first two albums have more power metal inclinations, but little by little they were slowing down to become something that I do not like very much, in fact, the last album I did not like at all. In the song “Namaste” we can listen to good progressive metal, with counter-tempos and structures that maybe are not so complex (compared to other bands), but still of a great technical level. I loved the album “Nine”, I can listen to it all without problems.
Circus Maximus - Namaste
Last and most important, at least for me, Dream Theater, a band that from my point of view is everything that is right in music, they have more than 30 years of uninterrupted musical career creating musical jewels left and right, each album is a box of surprises in which we can listen to powerful songs, as well as other quieter, but beautiful ones. The technical level of their musicians is recognized in the industry and they are right now the most important band of the genre. DT is my favorite band of all time, they are at a level that few will ever reach, and although tastes are subjective, I have no doubt that they are the best. Next, you will listen to “Constant motion”, one of the band's many hits.
Dream Theater - Constant Motion
So you saw 3 progressive metal bands that I love, there are still others, but I will introduce them to you later. If you give yourself the opportunity to delve deeper into this musical genre you will discover that it is a fascinating world, with bands that vary a lot in style and that depending on that opens the range of possibilities that you may like some of them. It was a pleasure to share, see you!
