This metal music known as Progressive Metal has also been called “prog” metal. This is just another subgenre of heavy metal. Progressive metal has features from rock, jazz, classical and metal. The different elements combine into one genre is some new metal news. Most progressive metal bands were from a jazz or classical background. Progressive metal has taken these musical genres and used them as their backbones. Progressive metal is a small metal genre, but with bands becoming more mainstream so will the popularity of the music.
Where Progressive Metal Came From
This metal genre traces back to the 1960’s and 1970’s. High Tide was one of the first metal bands to start mixing some of these other elements into their metal music. Bands started to experiment with their music, King Crimson and Rush were some early bands to develop into progressive metal. But with these bands starting the new wave, there were three bands that took it to the next level. Dream Theater, Queensryche and Fates Warning were the three bands that really got progressive metal offs its feet. Most of these bands had some rock influences and jazz that gave them a push to become something great.
Progressive Metal into the Community
The start of the 1990’s was a good breakout year for progressive metal. Queensryche, Silent Lucidity was the first huge progressive metal song that hit all radio stations and MTV countdowns. This song really helped other progressive metal bands get noticed and out to the public. With the road paved now bands like Threshold, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation, Tool, Ayreon and Opeth now were getting more publicity. Each had their own distinct sounds and elements to keep progressive metal evolving.
More and more bands started to go with this trend. This metal genre needs some new leaders and new styles of music. For the present time we have Disillusion, Conscience and Dark Suns. The new ages of progressive music were all influenced by Pain of Salvation, Green Carnation, Opeth, Anathema and Tool.
Rock, Metal, Jazz and Classical Needs some Progressive
Having some elements from metal, jazz, classical and rock will give you a starting point of progressive metal music. You can even take this subgenre of metal music and break it down even further. Opeth and King’s X could be the most popular bands in progressive metal, but also can be considered under the genre progressive death metal. Symphony X, Devin Townsend and Shadown Gallery are some bands that can fit in traditional progressive metal. Meshuggah, Between the Buried and Me and Pestilence are known as jazz/fusion death metal.
What Does the Future hold for Progressive Metal?
Progressive metal will continue to grow and become more advanced. New bands will continue to be featured, bring something new to the table for progressive metal. With time going forward this genre of music will continue to change with all the different music genres that started the music genre. Progressive metal will also have a strong future as long as the bands continue to emerge and bring something new and exciting to the community.
Additional References
New Metal Music
Black Metal Music
Jazz + Classical + Metal = Progressive Metal
