Progressive rock/metal, characterized by advanced musicianship, lengthy songs, and the blending of different musical styles, certainly seeks to innovate heavymusicin new ways. As countless progressive artists push the boundaries of musical creativity, truly original pieces have emerged that distinguish themselves from traditional mainstream genres.
This musically adventurous and intellectually stimulating style appeals to many who appreciate the depth of the musical craft. The advanced technical skills, nontraditional songwriting approaches, and tasteful artistry straight from the heart are very deserving of praise and admiration.
Fans of progressive rock will know bands such as Tool and Dream Theater, and those incredible groups are certainly worthy of the fandom they get. However, there are also numerous talented artists within the genre who are largely unknown and deserving of more support than they receive, especially the following 10 songs.
10"Empires Never Last"
Galahad
This nine-minute song commences witha groovy bassline lead that acts as the central stabilizing element of the song. Other instruments start to come in and garnish the bassline as the song builds up and creates intrigue. Before you know it, the musical dynamics are shifting frequently, and you’re in an epic world of diverse artistry.
This timeless tune has much to be appreciated, from heavy post-choruses that connect with listeners rhythmically to smooth vocals over softer verses. Prolonged instrumental sections andinteresting lyrical statementsalso contribute.
The apparent quality of this song makes me question why Galahad has been so unknown in its 40 years of existence. “Empires Never Last” is tasteful, rhythmically dynamic, original, and would likely have broad appeal if more people knew about it.
9"Siege"
Psychework
Imaginea powerful rock anthem combined with a child’s haunting nursery rhyme. Following an orchestral intro supported by distorted guitar chords, the listener is launched into a beautifully dynamic composition that cycles through soft haunting parts and heavy, energizing hooks.
Such adrenaline is fitting for the lyrical themes detailing the horrors of war and its personal tolls.
This Finnish group utilizes powerful, high-range vocals to envelop listeners in heavy yet soulful choruses. The pre-choruses flawlessly contrast this energy with soft synthesized piano sounds while a child’s voice recites dark-themed poetry. These shifting dynamics balance the song ingeniously, maintaining listener interest and intrigue through contrasting moods and seamless transitions between them.
The drums steal the show during the bridge, showcasing speed and bringing the song’s heaviness to a peak. Such adrenaline is fitting for the lyrical themes detailing the horrors of war and its personal tolls. This song is very enjoyable to listen to and demonstrates incredible artistic depth and nuance.
8"Look But Don’t Touch"
Polyphia
This very unorthodox tune showcases guitar technicians Tim Hensen and Scott LePage as they both yieldeight-string guitars. Each employs techniques, such as tapping and hybrid picking, across all eight strings to craft bizarre but appealing musical ideas that are so distinctively Polyphia. At times, they harmonize, and at other times, they play distinct phrases that complement each other well.
Of course, drummer Clay Aeschliman and bassist Clay Gober also deserve credit for their excellent rhythmic foundation and groove. The speedy drum fills and percussive accents are quite impressive, and the bass riffs really enhance the song’s strange riffs and melodies.
Following a series of instrumental verses and choruses,vocals finally arrive when there is barely a minute left in the song. Guest singer Lewis Grant sings soft and pleasant vocal melodies as the song abruptly calms down and begins to conclude. Utilizing the vocal lines solely as a musical conclusion is quite rare and thus truly original.
7"Ghost Horses"
Tides From Nebula
Thisglobal groupfrom Warsaw, Poland, also deserves way more attention than they receive, as exemplified in this unique piece. After a gradual electronic build-up, the song leaps intoa huge,cinematicsoundscape that sounds like the musical score of an action/adventure movie.
Despite being dominated by synthesizers, heavy rock guitars underlie the musical score, solidifying the instrumental tune as progressive rock. The song continues to cycle through different ideas but remains cinematic and upbeat for its remainder.Cinema combined with heavy rockis not something you hear every day.
6"A Martian Winter"
Angel Vivaldi
Angel Vivaldi shreds his way through the entirety of this heavy instrumental song. As one of the most advanced guitar soloists alive,this tune showcases Angel’s various shred techniques,including tapping and left-handed legato playing.
Such face-melting musicianship solidifies this song as progressive metal. During the choruses, however, Angel slows his playing to create a more expressive melody. The best way to fully appreciate this song is to watch Angel play it (live or on video). His musical skill must be witnessed to be believed.
Angel Vivaldi is the name of both the band and its lead guitar player.
These spectacular leads lay atop an adrenaline-filled metal foundationthat metal heads are sure to be moved by. Distorted guitar riffs and phenomenal double-kick drumming make such an epic sound possible. The band may be named after Angel, but his bandmates certainly deserve immense credit, too.
5"Petals"
Retrosphere
Contrary to the “in-your-face” heaviness of much progressive rock music, this entirely instrumental piece is beautiful and soothing while still rocking. Starting with clean, arpeggiated chords, the song relaxes the listener with gorgeous tones. A tasty and melodic guitar lead comes in that isundeniably expressed from the heart.
After a dramatic pause, distorted guitar riffs and drums up the heavy energy and tempo while the song still remains pretty. The tasty guitar leads return shortly after and remain the focal point for most of the song’s remainder. Pay attention to the drums starting around the 2:20 mark, as the percussionist really shines here.
This song could easily appeal to a broad audience beyond the metal community.The drums and guitar take center stage, making for a truly admirable piece by another very talented but tragically overlooked band.
4"Outcry"
Dream Theater
Almost any Dream Theater song could have made it here. However, “Outcry” especiallyshowcases the band’s stylistic variability with its frequent changes between heavy and light music, exceptional instrumental skill, and unique Dream Theater charm, blending an epic and cerebral atmosphere with heavy guitar riffs. Additionally, the 11-minute epic captures some of James LaBrie’s most entrancing operatic vocal melodies.
The keys really set the atmosphere, using large choir synth pads and unique melodic accents. One especially impressive aspect of “Outcry” is guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Ruddess’s harmonized solos. Playing a technically demanding solo is impressive on its own, but for two musicians to do so consecutively and in sync with each other at superhuman speeds is unbelievable.
John Myung’s bass lines also lock in with the guitars and keys but are not always as audibly noticeable. However, his bass work really stands out during the softer parts of the song, where he provides a nice mood and groove. This beautiful song isexceptionally complex and tastefully musicalat the same time.
3"Exist"
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold wasn’t originally a progressive metal band, but that certainly changed with the release of their 2016 albumThe Stage. “Exist,“the longest song the band has ever released, especially proves this evolution.
The first five minutes of this 15-minute epic are a heavy shred fest. Lead guitarist Synyster Gates sweeps his way through prolonged solos and metal riffage to the fast and punchy beats of drummer Brooks Wackerman.
The vocals don’t even arrive until seven and a half minutes into the song. By this point, the song is much softer, diverting the emphasis from the instruments to the lyrical themes. Thesethemes explore profound ideas of science and philosophyregarding humanity’s place within the universe.
Additionally, much of the song’s musical style mimics a cosmic feel. This is a creative and musically sophisticated way of unifying the music and lyrics to deliver a coherent message.
The final five minutes of the song becomeespecially experimental. The music rises in tempo again in a fun and grand manner. An excerpt from a monologue by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discussing existential topics is sampled atop this musical backdrop for the remaining minutes of the song.
This creative touch tied the song’s musical creativity and scientific themes together for a brilliant conclusion to the song and album.
2"Downhill”
Rishloo
Rishloo has countless exceptional songs, but"Downhill” especially showcases progressive experimentation. One of the most unknown and underappreciated bands in music conveys some Tool-inspired, high-range vocals, a unique, somewhatshoegaze guitar style, and intelligently written, thought-provoking lyrics, especially in “Downhill.”
This song particularly stands out for its"Bohemian Rhapsody"-type structure that radicallychanges genresabout five timesover its eight-minute runtime. With that said, Downhill sounds nothing like Queen.
The song transitions from a soft ballad to a heavy rock song, to a haunting gothic piano stand-alone part, to a doomy trance that gradually rises in heaviness and intensity before concluding with powerful vocal melodies and wahhed-up guitar leads. This songshowcases multiple musical styles while remaining unmistakably Rishloo, thanks to its brilliant lyrics, musical artistry, and distinct mood.
1"Pneuma"
Tool
This 12-minute masterpiece is, in my opinion, the most perfect song ever written. Howa song built atop a complex and confusing rhythmic structure can put the listener into such a deep tranceis beyond me, but Tool pulls this off flawlessly. Through creative nuance and an upbeat but deep feel, this song fosters a mesmerizing charm that can’t be described by words.
Each of the four band members has their time to shineindividually and in unison. Drumming virtuoso Danny Carey showcases his impossible polyrhythms and tribal percussion playing, yet he speaks very musically with his drumming rather than simply being robotically technical. Justin Chancellor plays his bass with a pick, allowing for his riffs, leads, and perfect tone to stand out audibly in the mix.
A polyrhythm is a musical technique where a drummer performs two or more unrelated musical rhythms consecutively, essentially layering disharmonious time structures. It is not an easy task.
Adam Jones' main guitar riff and solo provide the feel that keeps the listener entranced even as the song becomes heavier. Singer Maynard James Keenan’s distinctively angelic vocal melodies soothe the soul whilelyrically detailing the boundless creative spirit within us. This is a masterful work of art by some of the most brilliant minds in music.
