New to Prog metal

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SpiderWars

SpiderWars

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Recently had youtube playing a loop of Guitar Idol 2016 entries and there were so many awesome prog metal players. Then I was listening to some of the players endorsing Mayones, same thing. I always liked the music of Dream Theater but hated the vocals and never explored other bands very much. But after listening to a bunch of John Browne and Jeff Loomis this weekend I'm left wondering; "Why the fuck haven't I been all over these guys?"

So now I have a thirst for more prog metal. Any suggestions? I'm an older dude weaned on 70s rock and 80s metal so while death metal has the cool music, I can't take the vocals most of the time.

Can't find much on this dude but his Mayones playthroughs stood out for me. The playing is outstanding but the fact that it's a cool song (to me) is what really makes it great. Just that groove under the solo is badass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baoMMspcTgs
 
Here is a list of some of the prog/djent guys that I LOVE.

TESSERACT




INTERVALS




THE OMEGA EXPERIMENT




TEXTURES




KATATONIA




SKY HARBOR




There are more but this should keep you occupied for awhile :)
 
Devin Townsend! Get Ocean Machine, Ziltoid and Z2. Branch out from there.
 
Does it have to be like balls out prog metal or can it be more mellow? Most of the prog I listen to doesn't have vocals since most of the singers in this type of genre sound like whiney pussies i.e. Periphery.
 
Motorpud":ybrer2i3 said:
Does it have to be like balls out prog metal or can it be more mellow? Most of the prog I listen to doesn't have vocals since most of the singers in this type of genre sound like whiney pussies i.e. Periphery.
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Good question! Post an example of something more mellow.

I don't need any vocals. Instrumentals are often my favorite songs. I do want the musicianship to be over-the-top proficient, that's much of the attraction for me. The Adel Rouhnavaz song I posted is right near the center of my prog metal radar screen.
 
A few more...Symphony X, Darkwater, Circus Maximus. None of these are super heavy Djent style but all kick ass modern prog.
 
ericsabbath":194ra6mn said:
last two Opeth albums are absolutely amazing



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I am familiar with Opeth, got to see them 1.5-2 years ago in St Pete, FL. Good show! First time I saw Dream Theater was in 1992, then I went through a grunge phase. :aww:
 
Isis: Beautifully constructed songs with interesting structure, texture, and tension.
Haken: if you want something that is modern with a foot in older prog from the 70's and 80's.
Thank You Scientist: They can write a really good pop hook but totally screw with it with a horn section and really impressive guitar work.
Rishloo: Started out as a Tool sounding band but expanded their sound significantly on their last release.
Gojira: Started out heavily steeped in death metal and almost beholden to Morbid Angel's writing style then blossomed. Yes they have harsh vocals but they add to the aesthetic and are sort of intelligible.
Cynic: Genius drum and guitar work, incredible song structures, challenging at times. Jazz fusion influenced. The vocals might drive you nuts.

And all of the previously mentioned entries (Porcupine Tree in particular).
 
Here's some of what I think of as general proggy metal









 
Somebody on here turned me on to DGM. That guitar player is sick! Like Michael Romeo, with better tone, and definitely more tasteful.
 
[/quote]
I am familiar with Opeth, got to see them 1.5-2 years ago in St Pete, FL. Good show! First time I saw Dream Theater was in 1992, then I went through a grunge phase. :aww:[/quote]

What's wrong with grunge? Are we all against that now? I'd rather listen to Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nirvana than Djent...and I write prog metal.
 
With Danyeo on the Teramaze, Dean Wells is an unbelievable player! Circus Maximus first two albums were awesome too. Early Adagio.
 
https://youtu.be/_ctzK_hBw4w

My favorite by these guys. He does a lot of great licks on this one. and wait for the melodic solo at 6:50! Singer is excellant in my opinion, though some might not care for him.
 
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