10 Progressive Metal Albums a Newbie Needs to Own!

Summary

The video script introduces a starter pack series for new listeners to explore different music genres. Focusing on progressive metal, the host selects 10 essential albums from various bands, emphasizing their importance in the genre's development. The selection includes classics from Rush, Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, and others, offering a mix of heavy riffs, intricate arrangements, and diverse styles to ease newcomers into the world of progressive metal.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The video discusses a starter pack series for Progressive Metal albums, aimed at newcomers to the genre.
• 🕺 The list includes 10 albums per genre that are essential for a beginner in the journey of discovering Progressive Metal.
• 🤔 The selected albums are not necessarily the speaker's personal favorites or the most classic, but are chosen for their accessibility to new listeners.
• 🚀 The first album mentioned is '2112' from Rush (1976), highlighting its importance in the formation of Progressive Metal.
• 🎵 The video emphasizes the influence of bands like Rush, Queensryche, and Dream Theater in shaping the genre over the years.
• 🌟 'Operation: Mindcrime' by Queensryche is highlighted as arguably the greatest Heavy Metal or Progressive Metal concept album.
• 🔥 'Images and Words' by Dream Theater is considered a must-listen for anyone new to Progressive Metal, with its soaring vocals and intricate arrangements.
• 💿 The list continues with albums from bands like Symphony X, Spiral Architect, and Opeth, showcasing the diversity within Progressive Metal.
• 🎧 The video also mentions Mastodon's 'Crack the Skye' and Haken's 'The Mountain', demonstrating the genre's evolution and modern contributions.
• 📚 The script concludes with a call to action for viewers to explore the recommended albums and dive deeper into Progressive Metal.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the starter pack series discussed in the transcript?

The purpose of the starter pack series is to recommend 10 albums per genre that are essential for someone new to that particular genre of music. These albums are meant to help newcomers ease into the genre and discover a whole world of other related music.

Why was the band Rush included in the progressive metal episode despite their diverse genre affiliations?

Rush was included in the progressive metal episode because their importance to the genre is considered too significant to overlook. Their album '2112' from 1976 is particularly highlighted for its influence on the formation of progressive metal.

What makes Queensrÿche's 'Operation: Mindcrime' a standout album in the progressive metal genre?

Queensrÿche's 'Operation: Mindcrime' is considered a standout album due to its conceptual storylines, multiple characters, intricate arrangements, outstanding vocals, anthemic choruses, and dramatic elements. It is often regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal or progressive metal concept albums of all time.

Why is Dream Theater's 'Images and Words' considered a must-listen for anyone new to progressive metal?

Dream Theater's 'Images and Words' is considered essential for newcomers because it embodies many hallmarks of progressive metal, including soaring melodic vocals, catchy choruses, big riffs, and impressive guitar and keyboard solos. The album greatly influenced the genre and is seen as a starting point for exploring progressive metal.

What are some notable tracks on Symphony X's 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy'?

Notable tracks on Symphony X's 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy' include the opening track 'Sins and Shadows', 'Sea of Lies', 'Crushing Out the Ashes', 'The Accolade', 'The Pharaoh', 'The Eyes of Medusa', 'The Witching Hour', and the nearly 21-minute title track.

How does the album 'Lateralus' by Tool differ from other progressive metal albums mentioned in the transcript?

Tool's 'Lateralus' differs from other progressive metal albums in that it combines elements of alternative rock and metal with complex and intricate music. The album features unique vocals, looping guitars, and arrangements that are both psychedelic and metal, setting it apart from more traditional progressive metal bands.

What is the significance of Opeth's 'Ghost Reveries' in their discography?

Opeth's 'Ghost Reveries' is significant as it represents a middle ground in their discography between their earlier, more extreme music and their later, less metal-oriented sound. The album still contains complex and heavy music with elements of progressive metal, making it a suitable introduction for newcomers to the band.

How does Mastodon's 'Crack the Skye' contribute to the progressive metal genre?

Mastodon's 'Crack the Skye' contributes to the progressive metal genre by offering a unique American perspective that differs from the European and Scandinavian bands typically associated with the genre. The album features complex arrangements, heavy riffs, and highly skilled musicianship, marking a significant statement in progressive metal.

What are some honorable mentions mentioned in the transcript for those looking to explore progressive metal further?

Some honorable mentions for further exploration in progressive metal include albums like 'Nothingface' by Voivod, 'Remedy Lane' by Pain of Salvation, 'The Electric Castle' by Arion, 'Animals' by Animals as Leaders, 'Focus' by Cynic, and 'The Mountain' by Haken.

What advice does the speaker give to someone who is a fan of progressive rock but has not ventured much into metal?

The speaker advises that if someone is a fan of progressive rock but has not ventured much into metal, they can't go wrong with diving into the recommended albums. These albums are designed to ease listeners into the more metal aspects of progressive music.

How does the speaker describe Vanden Plas, the German band mentioned towards the end of the transcript?

The speaker describes Vanden Plas as an amazing band from Germany that has forged their own path, taking elements from what Dream Theater started and developing a unique sound. They are known for great lead vocals, concept albums, bright guitars, and pleasing albums overall.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Introduction to Progressive Metal Starter Pack

The speaker introduces the video as a guide for newcomers to Progressive Metal, outlining a list of 10 essential albums per genre to start with. The albums chosen are not necessarily the speaker's favorites or the most classic, but are meant to ease newcomers into the genre. The focus of this episode is on Progressive Metal, and the speaker emphasizes the importance of selecting albums that are accessible to first-time listeners.

05:00

🎵 The Significance of Rush's '2112'

The speaker discusses the importance of Rush's album '2112' in the context of Progressive Metal. Despite debates on whether Rush fits into Progressive Rock or Metal, the speaker argues that Rush's influence on the genre is undeniable. '2112' is highlighted for its intricate musicianship, heavy riffs, and high-pitched vocals. The speaker believes that this album is a crucial stepping stone for anyone getting into Progressive Metal.

10:02

🎼皇后乐队的《Operation: Mindcrime》

The speaker praises Queensrÿche's 'Operation: Mindcrime' as a seminal Progressive Metal concept album. The album is lauded for its storytelling, intricate arrangements, and powerful vocals. The speaker notes that this album, along with others from the 80s, helped shape the genre and is a must-listen for anyone new to Progressive Metal.

15:03

🎧 Fate's Warning 'Parallels' - A Balanced Introduction

The speaker selects 'Parallels' by Fate's Warning as an album that maintains the complexity and darkness of Progressive Metal while being more accessible for newcomers. The album is noted for its classic tracks, memorable choruses, and the impressive vocals of Ray Alder. The speaker believes this album is an excellent starting point for those looking to explore the music of Fate's Warning.

20:04

🎷 Dream Theater's 'Images and Words'

The speaker highlights Dream Theater's 'Images and Words' as a cornerstone of Progressive Metal. The album is celebrated for its soaring vocals, catchy choruses, and impressive musicianship. The speaker emphasizes that this album should be one of the first listened to when getting into Progressive Metal, as it has greatly influenced the genre and has become a classic.

25:05

🎹 Symphony X's 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy'

The speaker recommends Symphony X's 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy' as a blend of Progressive Metal with neoclassical, power, and symphonic elements. The album is commended for its diverse styles, impressive guitar work, and powerful vocals. The speaker believes this album is a must-hear for those diving into Progressive Metal.

🎸 Spiral Architect's 'The Kindred Dynasty'

The speaker discusses Spiral Architect's 'The Kindred Dynasty' as an intricate and meticulously crafted Progressive Metal album. Despite the band's obscurity, the album is praised for its fresh sound, even after two decades. The speaker encourages listeners to explore this classic of the genre.

🥁 Tool's 'Lateralus' - A Unique Entry

The speaker selects Tool's 'Lateralus' as a distinctive album for the genre, blending alternative rock and metal with complex and psychedelic elements. The album is noted for its innovative drumming, unique vocals, and intricate arrangements. The speaker believes this album is a great choice for those new to Progressive Metal looking for something different.

🎤 Opeth's 'Ghost Reveries' - A Balanced Opeth Experience

The speaker recommends Opeth's 'Ghost Reveries' as a starting point for those new to the band's Progressive Metal, as it strikes a balance between the extreme elements of their earlier work and the more toned-down sound of their later albums. The album is praised for its mix of death growls and clean vocals, complex music, and diverse influences.

🏙️ Mastodon's 'Crack the Skye' - An American Progressive Metal Gem

The speaker highlights Mastodon's 'Crack the Skye' as a standout American Progressive Metal album that differentiates itself from European and Scandinavian bands. The album is celebrated for its unique sound, complex guitar work, and powerful vocals. The speaker encourages new listeners to experience the band's distinct take on Progressive Metal.

🌄 Haken's 'The Mountain' - A Modern Progressive Metal Classic

The speaker praises Haken's 'The Mountain' as a modern classic of Progressive Metal, known for its powerful vocals, memorable choruses, and impressive musicianship. The album is noted for its beautiful melodies and unique path, differentiating it from earlier influences like Dream Theater. The speaker believes this album is an essential listen for anyone starting their journey into Progressive Metal.

🚀 Honorable Mentions and Closing Remarks

The speaker concludes the video by acknowledging that the list provided is by no means exhaustive and that there are many other essential albums for newcomers to explore in Progressive Metal. They mention a few honorable mentions, including bands like Vood, Pain of Salvation, and Between the Buried and Me, and encourage viewers to continue their exploration of the genre. The speaker also provides information on where to find more content and thanks the audience for their support.

Keywords

💡Progressive Metal

Progressive Metal is a subgenre of alternative metal that combines elements of heavy metal and progressive rock. It is known for its complex compositions, intricate instrumentals, and often conceptual themes. In the video, the host discusses this genre as the focus, recommending albums that are essential for newcomers to understand and appreciate progressive metal.

💡 Starter Pack

A Starter Pack refers to a curated selection of items or, in this context, albums that are considered fundamental for someone new to a particular subject or interest. The video presents a 'starter pack' of 10 progressive metal albums, which are essential for anyone beginning to explore this genre of music.

💡Rush

Rush is a Canadian rock band known for their musicianship, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs. In the video, the album '2112' by Rush is highlighted as a must-own for anyone getting into progressive metal, emphasizing the band's significant influence on the genre.

💡Queensryche

Queensryche is an American progressive metal band recognized for their conceptual albums and powerful storytelling through music. The video mentions their album 'Operation: Mindcrime' as a classic example of progressive metal, noting its importance and impact on the genre.

💡Fate's Warning

Fate's Warning is an American progressive metal band noted for their dark themes and complex song structures. In the context of the video, their album 'Parallels' is recommended as it provides a more accessible entry point into the band's music and the progressive metal genre as a whole.

💡Dream Theater

Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band known for their technical proficiency and incorporation of various musical styles. The video emphasizes their album 'Images and Words' as a crucial starting point for anyone new to progressive metal, highlighting its influence and accessibility.

💡Symphony X

Symphony X is an American progressive metal band that combines elements of neoclassical metal, power metal, and progressive rock. The video recommends their album 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy' for its mix of styles and its significance within the progressive metal genre.

💡Spiral Architect

Spiral Architect is a Norwegian progressive metal band noted for their intricate arrangements and technical skill. The video mentions their album 'A Skeptic's Universe' as an example of the genre's complexity and musicianship, which is a must-hear for those diving into progressive metal.

💡Tool

Tool is an American rock band that incorporates progressive metal elements into their music, known for their unique sound and deep philosophical lyrics. In the video, their album 'Lateralus' is recommended for its blend of alternative rock and metal with progressive elements, making it a great introduction to the genre for new listeners.

💡Opeth

Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band that has experimented with various styles, including death metal and psychedelic rock. The video suggests their album 'Ghost Reveries' as a starting point for new listeners, as it balances the band's extreme aspects with more accessible progressive metal elements.

💡Mastodon

Mastodon is an American progressive metal band known for their heavy and complex sound, which evolved from sludge and hardcore influences. The video highlights their album 'Crack the Skye' as a significant progressive metal statement, showcasing the band's unique approach and musicianship.

💡Haken

Haken is a British progressive metal band recognized for their melodic compositions and powerful vocals. In the video, their album 'The Mountain' is recommended for its beauty, power, and musicianship, making it an excellent choice for those new to progressive metal.

Highlights

The episode focuses on a starter pack of 10 progressive metal albums for newcomers to the genre.

The albums selected are not necessarily the best or most classic from each band, but are chosen for their accessibility to new listeners.

Rush's 2112 from 1976 is highlighted as an essential starting point for understanding progressive metal's formation.

Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime is discussed as a seminal progressive metal concept album.

Fate's Warning's 1991 album, Parallels, is recommended for its balance of complexity and accessibility.

Dream Theater's Images and Words from 1992 is considered a key album for new listeners to progressive metal.

Symphony X's 1997 album, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, is praised for its mix of progressive metal with neoclassical, power, and symphonic elements.

Spiral Architect's A Skeptic's Universe from 2000 is noted for its intricate arrangements and classic progressive metal sound.

Tool's 2001 album, Lateralus, is selected for its unique blend of alternative rock and metal with complex musical structures.

Opeth's 2005 album, Ghost Reveries, is chosen for its toned-down extreme metal elements, making it suitable for newcomers.

Mastodon's 2009 album, Crack the Skye, is recognized as a standout progressive metal statement from an American band.

Haken's 2013 album, The Mountain, is highlighted for its powerful vocals, great musicianship, and strong melodic elements.

The list includes a mix of classic and modern progressive metal bands, showcasing the genre's evolution and diversity.

Honorable mentions are given to bands like Vood, Pain of Salvation, Aron, Animals as Leaders, and Vanden Plas for their contributions to the genre.

The episode encourages exploration of the recommended albums as a starting point for discovering progressive metal's rich musical landscape.

Transcripts

greetings everyone pearo here from SE

Tranquility welcome to another episode

of our kind of starter pack kit series

these are the 10 albums per genre that a

newbie needs to own so again these

aren't necessarily going to all be my

absolute favorite albums from these

bands these aren't necessarily even the

best most classic albums from these

bands but we are taking into

consideration someone who has never

taken the dive into any of these genres

in genres before these are the 10 albums

to kind of get your feet wet right if

you like this then there's a whole world

of other stuff right maybe more classic

stuff maybe the best and the legendary

albums might come to follow not that

some of these aren't but this is your

your best first steps to take into

discovering a genre of music that's kind

of what these are all about so if some

of your absolute favorites aren't on

this list that's okay these are meant

for someone who is a first time listener

to Progressive Metal that's what we're

doing today so we did Prague about a

week ago all sorts of debate on what's

Prague and what's not and well but that

band has better albums and why didn't

you include this band and there's you

know there's so many choices right we're

just picking 10 that for someone to dive

into a style of music so today for

progressive metal and I always go back

to the beginning right so we're going to

go start back to uh go chronologically

so the first album I'm going to talk

about today that I think is a must own

for anybody getting into progressive

metal now I didn't include this band on

the progressive rock episode for a

reason because a I'm trying not to

double up on bands because there's some

bands that kind of like float between

genres that you can include in multiple

episodes trying very hard not to do that

there's so many bands and albums to

choose from right we don't need to keep

repeating bands over and over and over

again but this particular band they have

their

feat firmly in Prague Rock Hard Rock and

Prague metal to my ears and the more I

thought about it I know they have to

included somewhere but to me I think

their importance to this genre we're

talking about today which is prag metal

progressive metal I think is just too

important to overlook so I saved them

for this episode for all the people who

are upset that they weren't including on

the Prague episode I thought about it I

wanted to but I think they're more

important to talk about today and that

is Rush and the album is 2112 from

1976 now some may say oh but Pete Rush

art

metal maybe some of their stuff is there

were you know in various other episodes

over the last couple years on in the

prag seat and whatnot when we talk about

rush there's many people who are like

Rush is in Prague right they're not

really anything right they're Rush yeah

their stuff is hard rocking their stuff

is pggy their stuff has elements of

metal in it but they don't sit firmly in

any of these categories but they

Encompass all of it but the reason why

I'm including them and specifically this

album I could have picked hemispheres

too could have picked fairw of Kings

permanent waves right the reason I

picked this

one could have picked caressa steel as a

matter of fact but 201112 to me has

always been one of the most important

albums in the formation of everything

that we're going to talk about

next so many prag metal bands over the

years I've read tons of interviews I've

talked to a lot of them they talk about

the importance of this album and the

couple albums that come after it the

band Rush in the 70s helped to formulate

what we now know as Prague metal those

big heavy metallic riffs right with lots

of volume intricate

drumming virtuoso guitar solos and how

about that high pitched vocal whale of

Getty Lee see for me I'm not going to to

a firsttime person to Prague Rock I'm

not going to give him something like

this cuz it's really heavy that

shrieking vocal right you want to ease

people in right but to someone who

already maybe listens to a little bit of

heavy music but never has gotten into

the more complex prag metal stuff man

you got to have rush I mean you know the

title track the the 2112 epic how heavy

is that right that killer riffing from

Alex right the the banshe whaling from

from Getty that great drumming

right a passage to Bangkok the heavy

something for nothing then you got the

cool Twilight Zone and lessons and tears

right there's all sorts of flavors on

this album but so much of what you hear

here spurred bands that we're going to

talk about to go and create their own

style of music so I think the importance

of Rush and this album on progressive

metal cannot be understated that's why

I'm talking about them here on this

episode today that's why I saved them

for this particular one all right let's

move ahead to

1988 so this is a band that probably has

a couple of albums that qualify here but

I'm going to go with the one that I

think a it Embraces everything we're

going to talk about

today here we have like conceptual

storylines multiple

characters right intricate

Arrangements outstanding vocals anthemic

choruses right Darkness drama everything

and that's Operation M crime by Queens

Reich could have picked warning right

easily could have pick really any of

their 80s

records but this is this is the this is

the one this is the one arguably the

greatest heavy metal or progressive

metal concept album of all

time right this takes what you know

Tommy and the lamb and the wall and

brings it into the late

80s bigger

more bombastic right so many Classics on

here revolution calling Anarchy Anarchy

next the needle lies right eyes of a

stranger I don't believe in love I mean

there's so many Classics on here Jeff

Tate in the band obviously and arguably

at the height of their powers right

operation mind crime such an important

now it's a progressive metal all right

let's move ahead couple years another

band where you can I really had a hard

time picking the album from this band

but remember this is a starter kit right

this is these albums are meant to ease

someone into a genre for the first

time and this band has a handful of

potential picks I went with this album

because I

think while it's still complex and dark

and has all the attributes that we love

so much about them uh this is probably

their first album where the choruses and

some of the vocal Melodies are a little

bit more accessible right not as heavy

and crushing or not as of vocal

shrieking and big dense arrangements and

heavy monolithic riffs and all that

stuff is great we love all that about

this band brooding and all that but I

think this album is carries all those

things but it's a little bit more

accessible for someone looking to dive

into the music of Fate's warning for the

first time and that's

parallels from 1991

classic track classic album I should say

uh but classic tracks like leave the

past behind life in Still Waters

terrific we only say goodbye is great

the 11th Hour H that has everything that

makes Fate's warning so good the amazing

vocals of Ray Alder right now a couple

albums into his young career with the

band Jim Matos and Frank ares's drumming

right Mark

Xander J biasi Mark's druming so good on

this um yeah the road goes on forever

eye to eye what a great catchy

progressive metal song this is how you

make progressive metal

accessible right but still give you all

that intricacy and complexity that you

really love and what you crave and once

you become familiar with this genre

that's what you're going to want right

Fate's warning we're never a band about

all these million solos and fast Delight

playing it was more about mood and

atmosphere and complex Arrangements the

intricacies of the riffs and things like

that right awesome awesome album

parallels from Fate's warning can't have

that without this next album to me this

next album probably the most important

album to everything that came

afterwards because these guys took the

influence of all three bands that we

just talked about and created something

a little bit different and in turn

really made progressive metal

uh one of the fastest rising little sub

genres uh during the 9s and going

forwards after this album came out bands

popping up everywhere wanting to do

something similar and that is 1992's

images and words by Dream Theater they

have lots of great albums but this is

always where you need to start and this

arguably should be the first album you

listen to when you're new to Prague

metal these great soaring melodic vocals

these um absolutely catchy earworm

choruses big riffs blazing blazing

shredding guitar and keyboard solos and

an unbelievable Rhythm

Section Kevin Moore James lebre John

patatuchi John mayang and Mike poro all

of them so important to the early years

of Dream Theater of course Kevin Moore

would stand for One More album before he

would be would leave in come D Derek

sherinian eventually he would leave

Jordan rudes would come in right but the

rest of the lineup would stay intact for

a good many years before Mike pornoy

left he's now back again after about a

decade or so right but yeah this is pull

me

under learning to live Metropolis part

one under a glass Moon god guitar St

that is just killer take the time

surround it another day Wait for Sleep

everything on here is great whether it's

the softer morality stuff or the big

crushing progressive metal epics

right crazy stuff and the musicality the

intricate nature of all the arrangements

just jaw-droppingly great for a bunch of

young guys from Long Island right

amazing stuff you got to have images and

words all right so we're going to go

from 1992 we're going to go all the way

up to 1997 in between these two albums

all sorts of stuff by all sorts of bands

right many would be easy recommendations

but I'm I'm going with the ones that you

got to hear first then you can explore

everything else so this is a

1997 this is the third album from this

band this is the one that kind of really

really got them noticed this is the one

that I heard first and even though I

have other albums in their catalog that

I like more I still

fully

realize and have a fondness for this

album because of how important it was to

me as someone who's you know looking to

explore more prag metal stuff during the

90s and from 1997 we have from New

Jersey Symphony X the Divine wings of

tragedy killer album it's it's

progressive metal but it's also part uh

neoclassical metal it's part power metal

symphonic metal and Prague rock all

mixed up together right how about the

crazy kickoff track of sins and shadows

just amazing Michael Romeo's guitar

riffing and soloing just off the charts

he's such a great guitar player and a

composer he writes all the music to this

man Russell Allen's vocals rest of the

band amazing sea of Lies crushing out of

the ashes the Accolade great example of

how you can make a big heavy symphonic

metal epic with

amazing amazing memorable almost pop

likee choruses and vocal harmonies

unbelievable the Pharaoh the eyes of

Medusa the witching hour

and how about the near 21 minute the

vine wings of

tragedy title track just absolutely

crushing in all its movements man

Russell Allen doing all those different

vocal styles throughout so good

Candlelite Fantasia a dynamite album I

would argue probably a near-perfect

album if it isn't already perfect like I

said they've come out with other albums

and I like even more but this is still

this is where you start you have to have

Symphony X all right let's go uh just a

couple years right this is probably out

of everything on my list this is easily

the most

obscure uh this was never a mainstream

success this was a band that released an

album and then broke up and we never

heard from them again guys in the band

going off and doing all sorts of other

things but they never took what they

created on this album and made a career

out of it sadly but it still remains one

of the great progressive metal albums of

all time from 2000 Spiral Architect a

skeptic

universe so

intricate

so meticulously put together uh the

arrangements are just jaw-droppingly

incredible you got the great vocals the

guitars the drumming the bass playing

just everything just weaving around each

other but yet it's just so intoxicating

to listen to I mean aam's razor Cloud

Constructor Conjuring

collapse spinning excessive Fountain

Head all sorts of really really really

killer arrangements and songs on here

and it's one of those albums that it's

already now what 24 25 years old it

still sounds fresh today and it's just

such a shame that this band never went

on and did anything else together but

it's an absolute classic of the genre

and one you must hear when you're diving

into this style of music all right next

up going to go ahead of year to 2001

another band that's kind of got their

start in music that maybe not so proggy

but still kind of really advanced for

what they were doing lots of albums to

choose from I would argue the one the

first one you should hear if you're new

to this genre and new to this band is

2001's lateralis from

tulle got to have some tulle on here

tulle is a great example for this genre

because it's like they you know are they

part of the alternative rock and metal

genre but yet their music is way more

complex and out there in strange

compared to a lot of their other uh

fellow bands who were popping up all

over the place in the 90s but yet very

very very different style of band um you

had the crazy drumming of Danny Carrey

and the really interesting different

vocals and the looping guitars and this

Herky jerky um arrangements and things

like that just and the music is almost

as psychedelic as it is metal right very

very cool stuff all sorts of great

tracks on here you know you got Schism

is amazing and uh Parabola another one

is The Grudge is good you know

disposition so many and all the the

tunes just kind of like morph and twist

and and and segue into each other so so

well they have other albums that some

are a little bit more accessible some

are a little bit more impenetrable but I

think the one that does it all the best

is laterales from tulle and that's a

great album for a newbie to this to this

genre all right we're going to go to

2005 so this is a band that I absolutely

had to have on this list but here's the

issue this is a list for newbies and

some of this band stuff while highly

highly Progressive and absolutely is

progressive metal and lots of Classics

of progressive metal is an extreme

nature to a lot of the early part of

their catalog that maybe isn't best for

someone just looking to get into prag

mdle for the first time I don't want to

scare people off right so and then but

then some of the latter part of the

catalog where they dropped a lot of the

extreme nature of their music it's not

so much metal anymore so I went I tried

to go somewhere in

between where there's still some extreme

nature of the music but it's toned down

a bit because they're just ready almost

ready to say goodbye to it um but

there's it's still metal it's still

highly complicated and crushing music so

I went with 2005's ghost Ries from opth

from Sweden this is of course the deluxe

edition you people know that's not what

my cover looks like there there's the

actual cover of the regular album uh so

of course Sweden's opth you know

everybody's probably saying well but

Pete but Blackwater Park that's their

classic album it is but you got to start

somewhere first if you've never listened

to prag metal before and if you've never

listened to extreme metal before would I

say Blackwater Park is the first place

to go maybe not

quite I'm going to ease you in a little

bit first but then you got to listen to

that that's why I like ghost Ries

because I think this album well it still

does have death growls on the album it's

not the main vocal presence on the album

there's more clean vocals on this album

than death growls but you've got like

but so much of the complex and the big

bombastic nature of this band is here

the little folky bits the pggy bits the

crushing metal bits ghost to predition

is so good the bang of the hounds is

kind of like a runaway extreme version

of Uriah Heap or deep purple you got the

lovely beyond the Meer atonement Ry

Harlequin Forest the hours of wealth

right the grand ceration so complex get

the growls and the clean vocals

combating isolation years wonderful

wonderful stuff yeah there's still

growls here but I think you get get more

of the other side of opth on this album

and then Watershed the next album even

more so and then of course they do away

with all the Death Metal elements all

together and just become a uh

progressive rock psychedelic Rock Hard

Rock Band going forwards but I think uh

ghost Ries is a great place to start

with

opth and I would say if you start with

this and you really like what you hear

on this one well then you absolutely

need to go to Blackwater Park next still

life as well it's another great one a

Blackwater Park an amazing album most

people claim is their best album I don't

know if I'd argue that all too much and

uh but maybe start here first either way

doesn't really matter either way got to

have open in this discussion all right

so we're going to go up to 2009 uh a

band here from the US who their first

couple of albums big heavy kind of post

hardcore type metal stuff and then all

of a sudden starting to get more and

more complex with their Arrangements

they guitar playing is just going off

the charts doing all these complex

weaving type things big budgeting riffs

and all these fills and things like that

the drummer man he's awesome too two

vocalists just great stuff but I think

to me their big Prague metal statement

uh above any of the other ones has got

to be 2009's crack the sky from

Mastadon got to have this absolutely got

to have it the Zar is amazing just go

out and listen to that right now stop

what you're doing stop watching here put

me on pause go listen to the Zar killer

killer stuff quintessence so

good crack the sky the title track is

amazing the last Baron Oblivion I mean

not a bad song on here it's just this

big amazing ride that they take take you

through with and it's just along the way

it's just absolutely unbelievable great

production on here as well and it's just

cool to hear you know a lot of Prague

metal bands that we've seen over the

last like 25 30 years so many coming

from like Europe and Scandinavia and

whatnot and here we've got an American

band doing something a little bit

different they don't sound like they

don't sound like Dream Theater don't

sound like any of the other bands we've

talked about so far they're definitely

something different because of course

they're coming from a different place

they're coming from sludge and hardcore

right and things like that here they do

their own thing let's take that

framework and let's make it highly

Progressive and up the

musicality couple hundred notches right

amazing album crack the sky from

Mastadon got to have it last but not

least we're going to go to the UK 2013

you can pick any one of this band's

albums anyone uh they're all a great

place to start here I'm I'm I'm going to

go my favorite just because to me I

think it's their strongest record and I

think that it's just it's just

absolutely beautiful it's so powerful

got amazing vocals great choruses and

just drop dead incredible musicianship

amazing guitar and keyboard solos the

arrangements just suck you right in it's

the mountain from the band haken of

course one of the great Prague metal

bands of the last decade and a half

right so good this album is already 11

years old right uh anything on here is

amazing Atlas Stone cockroach King is

one of their Classics so good falling

back to Earth paradia I mean just the

path whatever it's all good great

vocals and again they early on basically

took their influence from like Dream

Theater but they really went off and did

their own path and they've they've

managed to keep their music fresh from

album to album which I think is really

good and change little bits along the

ways to keep the whole catalog sounding

different from each other no no two

albums sound identical but you

definitely have like errors in their

their discography I think but this to me

is them absolutely peing as a band like

I said there's no bad albums in their

catalog but to me for a first time

listen to Progressive Metal you got to

go with hen the mountain and it's so

melodic so melodic everything about them

is always so melodic the guitar playing

is melodic the keyboards the vocals the

whole thing everything amazing stuff

amazing stuff so those are your

10 10 Progressive albums a newbie needs

to own this is your starter kit if you

like what you're hear and

here there's a lot other stuff to dive

into I do have some honor mentions so it

would this was actually really tough I

think out of all the ones I've done so

far this was the toughest because there

was there's a whole bunch of other

albums that are almost just as essential

to listen to to get into this genre I

think but I picked those as a first stab

other ones you want to check out you

know vood from Canada nothing face from

1989 another really great album that

you'll want to check out again vood I

kind of left them out because vood just

had this short period where they were

doing kind of proggy metal stuff because

early on they were kind of like a thrash

band and then they went to this kind of

sci-fi metal a little bit of prag metal

and then back to doing the normal vood

stuff but nothing faces a terrific

terrific album that I would recommend to

anybody new to Prague medal uh pain of

salvations Remedy lane from 2002

terrific Swedish band very original they

decided not to do the kind of Dream

Theater thing they forged their own path

they probably little bits of Faith No

More uh maybe some other stuff but

they're totally their own Sound Remedy

Lane is a great concept record I would

recommend that uh Aron into the electric

Castle from 1998 another great you know

example of how to take prag Rock and

Prague metal and make it big and

sprawling and bring in lots of guest

stars to this big bombastic thing and

every album has uh you know all sorts of

different singers and instrumentalists

really really good stuff that's the

brainchild of Arian lucason awesome

stuff Arion you can't go wrong with any

of their records uh Animals As Leaders

their self-title debut from 2009 you

know some people might love progressive

metal that doesn't have any singing

right instrumental stuff animals as

leaders are amazing musicians and

they're doing some of the coolest stuff

you'll ever hear it's totally different

than anything we've talked about today I

would absolutely recommend their first

album anything after that they're all

really good uh something more from the

death metal side of things uh focus by

cynic right one of those early bands in

the came out in the early 90s from the

Florida scene who were incorporating

Prague and and and Space Rock and things

like that into their death metal

framework really really highly intricate

technical Progressive metal stuff right

there so if you can kind of get into

opth and you kind of like that there's a

world of other stuff death also sound of

perseverance I mean you know so many

Progressive death metal bands too that

you could kind of Veer off into from

here uh Between the Buried and Me colors

one of the great prag metal bands of the

last 20 years colors is their great

concept album one of a couple of them

and so amazing and I think you know if

if you discover that you kind of like

opth and you listen to a couple other

bands that have more of like an extreme

metal aspect to them as between the bar

and me does just ridiculous musicality

right and mixing of clean and harsh

vocals on there just really great stuff

and uh one I do want B I do want to

mention U maybe not something you want

to dive into right off the bat but

definitely once you start getting used

to all this stuff uh the band Vanden pla

amazing band from Germany right so good

they basically take like kind of what

Dream Theater was starting and have

formed forged their own path right great

great lead vocals lots of concept albums

just big and bright blazing guitars lots

of keyboards and just really really

pleasing albums to listen to another

real veteran band on the scene they've

been around for quite a while and

there's so many more guys there's so

many more so there's a lot of people

going to be watching and saying oh you

forgot this band you forgot that band

it's like you can't include everybody

but I think my 10 is a really good

starter pack for you if you're brand new

to prag medal maybe you've only ever

been a Prague fan you just never never

much on metal but you want to start

listening to some of the more metal

stuff in the Prague genre can't go wrong

with these albums and if you're someone

who's just maybe you've only been a just

a general Rock fan or a pop fan or

whatever but you want to kind of

discover some of this these things

called Progressive right whether it be

Prague rock or prag metal hope you enjoy

some of these selections here I think uh

you can't do wrong with diving into

these first and once you've done there's

a wealth of other albums by these bands

and many others that are out there to uh

to await you so uh thanks for watching

Everybody visit us on the web at www.cat

tranquility. org we're on Facebook we're

on YouTube Al together all the damn time

please subscribe if you haven't already

and click on that notific ification Bell

so you get alerted of all of our content

as it post and please do hit the like

button before you leave also down below

we got the links to our Kofi page or

Channel donations our merch page and our

CIO page so thank you in advance for all

your support there and we'll see you

soon here with more stuff I partal

thanks for watching bye-bye