It's tough having to explain to someone what progressive metal is; I'm pretty sure some of you have tried it, often leaving the other person in a daze wondering about classical influences and off-timings and experimental instruments. Since I've been listening to a lot of good lately, I thought I'd put up a list of my top 10 prog albums - this should give on - listeners a fair idea of what good prog's all about.
In no particular order, and the newer ones remembered first -
1. Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet (2007)
2. Sieges Even - Paramount (2007)
3. Pain of Salvation -Scarsick (2007)
4. Dead Soul Tribe - Lullaby for the Devil (2007)
5. The Devin Townsend Band - Accelerated Evolution (2003)
6. Threshold - Dead Reckoning (2007)
7. Circus Maximus - The First Chapter (2005)
8. Vanden Plas - Christ.0 (2006)
9. Kamelot - The Black Halo (2005)
10. Opeth - Deliverance (2002)
Yes, Dream Theater is not in the list, but then again they're always there, like a number zero.
Am out of blogger-hibernation for a quick word recommending Anathema's new album - We're Here Because We're Here. Anathema has consistently evolved in their song-writing and their musical style has changed over the numerous albums. This melodic/atmospheric album is brilliant, and I keep making comparisons to Pain of Salvation's One Hour by the Concrete Lake. This album's a must-buy. Also keep an eye out for the next album - Falling Deeper, releasing soon.