This was a side-bar I was asked to write for the June '08 issue of Metal Edge magazine.
Being the issue has now come and gone, I figured I'd reprint it here for you all to enjoy in case you missed it!
MP
Being the issue has now come and gone, I figured I'd reprint it here for you all to enjoy in case you missed it!
MP
MIKE PORTNOY'S GUIDE TO MODERN PROG
This is a general list of the some of the bands and sun-genres that have spawned in progressive music through the years. Of course in many cases, many of the bands and their influences easily blur the lines and cross over into each of the other different sub-genre.
1. OPETH
Type of Prog: Death Metal, Psychedlic, Goth
Our tour-mates on PN08, Sweden's Opeth are carrying the torch for daring & experimental music in the modern Death Metal genre. Guitarist/Vocalist/Leader Mikael's Akerfeldt's death growls may be something to get used to for the Yes-loving prog purist, but when he sings clean, his voice and melodies bring back memories of Justin Hayward and John Wetton in their heydays and can send shivers down your spine. Their combination of BRUTAL deathly riffs and BEAUTIFUL haunting moods have inspired me to coin a whole new phrase to describe their sound: BRUTIFUL!
Trace their roots to: Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Camel, Judas Priest, Tool
Also check out: Cynic, Death, Mastodon, Isis, Baroness
2. BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
Type of Prog: Avant Garde, Technical, Mathcore
BTBAM are part of a whole new wave of extreme, over-the-top metalcore progressive music.
Their latest CD "Colors" is a 60-minute metal masterpiece of moods, technique and amazing musicianship. I love this album so much, it immediately captured them a spot on our inaugural Prog Nation tour. And although they are way more extreme than DT, their acrobatic musicianship makes them the most similar to Dream Theater of all the bands on the PN08 bill.
Trace their roots to: Rush, Watchtower, Meshuggah, Mr. Bungle, Naked City
Also check out: Unexpect, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Number 12 Looks Like You, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Hella, Behold The Arctopus
3. SYMPHONY X
Type of Prog: Hard Rock, Symphonic, Neo Classical
Symphony X are leading the way for the more "traditional" progressive metal bands that have naturally followed in the wake of Dream Theater's success in the early 90's. A combination of virtuoso musicianship led by guitarist Michael Romeo (think Yngwie) and the incredibly powerful voice of Russell Allen (think Dio meets Steve Walsh), Symphony X were hand picked by yours truly to join the Gigantour bill in 2005 (Dave Mustaine asked me to pick a band for that tour) as well as to join DT as our special guests for our entire European tour in 2007.
Trace their roots to: Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Fates Warning
Also check out: Protest The Hero, Dragon Force, Avenged Sevenfold, Pain Of Salvation, Into Eternity
4. PORCUPINE TREE
Type of Prog: Alternative, Ambient, Pop
Drawing from the more pop, alternative and ambient elements of progressive music and less from the bombastic and metal side, Porcupine Tree are leading the way for creating music that is moody and experimental while still being incredibly melodic and musical. Having opened for DT in Europe during our Metropolis 2000 tour, I am happy to see their career continue to grow and develop with each release.
Trace their roots to: Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Marillion, Radiohead, Muse
Also check out: Oceansize, Riverside, Anathema, The Dear Hunter, OSI
5. BEARDFISH
Type of Prog: Traditional, Retro, Classic Prog
Sweden's Beardfish are my favorite "new" band with an "old" sound. Utilizing all of the classic styles and sounds of the original progessive rock bands of the 70's (mellotron, hammond organ, leslies, clean guitars, dry organic drums, etc.), these guys are making music for the folks who truly miss the classic bands that started this whole genre. Check out their latest releases "Sleeping in Traffic - Parts 1 & 2" and you'll swear it's 1973 all over again!
Trace their roots to: Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Frank Zappa
Also check out: Magic Pie, The Flower Kings, Anekdoten, Spock's Beard, Transatlantic
