Progressive metal

Progressive metal (shortened to prog, or prog metal when differentiating from progressive rock) is a heavy brand of progressive rock which is characterized by the use of complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate and virtuosic instrumental playing. The high level of musical proficiency is often combined with a lyrical counterpart in the form of epic textual concepts, resulting in lengthy songs and concept albums. As a result of these factors, progressive metal is rarely heard on mainstream radio and video programs.

Influential and important artists

See also: List of progressive metal artists

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• Ayreon
• Devin Townsend
• Dream Theater
• Evergrey
• Fates Warning
• Galactic Cowboys
• King's X
• The Mars Volta
• Meshuggah
• Opeth
• Pagan's Mind
• Pain of Salvation
• Psychotic Waltz
• Queensrÿche
• Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
• Rush
• Savatage
• Shadow Gallery
• Symphony X
• Threshold
• Tool
• Watchtower