2006-07-11 13:43:48 · 6 answers · asked by dkmallar 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
It amazes me how many “new” progressive rock bands are out there today...and how little exposure they get. For many of these bands, had they been around in the classic 70’s era of progressive rock, would have been huge. Check out these modern day progressive rock bands:
*The Flower Kings – my favorite band by far. Roine Stolt is a modern day prog guitar god if you love soaring guitar solos that give you goose bumps. Tomas Bodin, on keys, is phenomenal too and Hans Froberg (yes, these guys are Swedes) has one of the best voices in rock, period, IMHO. Their style ranges from the uplifting sound of Yes, the atmosphere of old Genesis with fiery keyboards of ELP – but these guys have a unique sound all their own. They are incredibly prolific and somehow put out new 2cd albums every year it seems. So many good albums to choose from – many are a bit uneven but every one has several killer tracks. Their latest, Paradox Hotel, is considered by some as one of their best – if you are a Yes fan you gotta hear the song “End on a High Note”. My other favorites are: Retropolis (’96), Stardust We Are (’97) and Flower Power (’98). Stardust We Are contains many of their best songs such as “Church of Your Heart”, “Circus Brimstone” (an instrumental killer), “In The Eyes Of the World” and the epic “Stardust We Are” (25 minutes long!). Their official website: http://www.flowerkings.se/
*Marillion – although some may not consider these guys as progressive rock because they lean more to modern rock sound these days, the fact remains, these guys are simply one of the most brilliant bands ever – whatever style of rock you like. Their ability to craft moving songs is unparalleled. These guys started out solidly in the neo-progressive vein with frontman Fish. Since Steve Hogarth took over the vox the music has shifted away from the more classic formula of prog with a penchant for fantasy lyrics, to a more modern sound all their own. With Fish, the albums “Misplaced Childhood” and “Script for a Jester’s Tear” are awesome classics especially if you love the old Genesis sound and style. Fish also sounded a lot like Peter Gabriel. Steve Rothery’s guitar playing is surely to take you away. With Steve Hogarth on vocals, there are also so many great albums to choose from. Their latest “Marbles” (’04) I never tire of. Also recommended are “Anoraknophobia” (’01) “Brave” (’94) – their concept album and “Afraid of Sunlight” (’95) which contains one of my favorite songs of the same name. AND, if you ever get a chance to see these guys live, do it. I have seen over 75 concerts in my 40 years on this planet nobody but nobody puts on a better, more moving, concert than these guys. Their official website: http://www.marillion.com
*Echolyn – These Pennsylvania proggers put out some really engaging prog rock in the vein of Gentle Giant and VDGG – great musicianship, interesting lyrics, time changes, vocals, etc.. Check out their CD’s “As the World”, especially if you love Gentle Giant type harmonies and and their latest “The End is Beautiful” really rocks. Their official website: http://www.echolyn.com/
*The Tangent – awesome new band with 3 CD’s out. They really rock with a Canterbury influence – like Caravan and Hatfield and the North. Roine Stolt of the Flower Kings plays on the first two CD’s. Great guitar, hot keyboard playing, awesome drums, great bass work, it has it all. I recommend their first “The Music That Died Alone” and their latest one (2 cd concept album) “A Place in the Queue”. Their website: http://www.thetangent.org/
*Discipline – This band is from the midwest somewhere and their 1997 CD “Unfolded Like Staircase” is one of the best progressive rock recordings of the past 10 years…or more. The influence of VDGG and early Genesis is clear. The lyrics are deep and the album is a bit dark with incredibly well-constructed songs. I also saw these guys live years ago – wow! Matthew Parmenter, songwriter, keys and vocals, is an amazing talent and quite a performer. His solo album "Astray" is also recommended. Official website: http://www.strungoutrecords.com/
*Magenta – what a find these guys are! I’ve only heard their first two CD’s “Revolutions” (’01) and “Seven” (’04) and was really impressed. A must for fans of Yes and mid period Genesis (mid 70’s). The vocals are mostly female and really good – along the lines of Renaissance’s Annie Haslam. The latest CD is “Home” has gotten good reviews. Official website: http://www.magenta-web.com/
*Spock’s Beard – another top popular new prog band with great song writing, introspective lyrics and great musicianship. My favorite of their releases are “V” and “Beware of Darkness”. Official website: http://www.spocksbeard.com/
*Dream Theater – the apex of prog metal and hard rock in general. If you want to venture into the heavier side of progressive rock, it just can’t get any better than DT. James LaBrie has the best metal voice ever – this guy can really belt it out and John Petrucci on guitars is amazing. The music is challenging too. Their most progressive and least “metal” album is their second release “Images and Words” – highly highly recommended. Just great songs – every one is a winner. After that, I am partial to “Metropolis 2: Scenes from a Memory” – their concept album. Official website: http://www.dreamtheater.net/
*Arena – these British prog rockers were former by Mick Pointer who was the original Marillion drummer. Clive Nolan on keys have been in many neoprogressive bands too. Many personel changes in this band but most albums are worth having. Their sound is somewhere in between old Marillion and Pink Floyd with an increasingly heavier sound all their own. John Mitchell on guitar is impressive and at times can make his guitar sing like David Gilmore. Recommended. My favorites are “Songs from the Lions Cage” (’95), “The Visitor” ( ’98 - very Pink Floydish), “Contagion” (’03) and “Pepper’s Ghost” (’05). Official website: http://www.verglas.com/arenaworld/
*IQ – If you are into Gabriel era Genesis, you should check out some of IQ’s releases. Top of the list is “Ever” (’94) – which is a damn solid release with not a bad track on it. The vocalist sounds a good bit like Gabriel and the music here is atmospheric and includes some flute – very nice. Nice keys and guitar work too. Other than that, check out "Subterranea" (’98) and “Dark Matter” (’04). Couldn't find thier website but you can hear samples on Amazon.
*Porcupine Tree – last but definitely not least. I love these guys. Probably the most successful of the newer proggy bands in terms of creating a modern sound. Their early CD’s were very Pink Floyd influenced – very spacey with cool voiceovers. “Sky Moves Sideways” is a great example of this. Their later CD’s had a bit of a Beatles sound to some of their songs and even CSNY! Just great stuff. Spacey keyboards, trippy lyrics, awesome guitar, original stuff! My favorite is still “Lightbulb Sun”. Their later CD’s are a bit heavier and still highly recommended. Official website: http://www.porcupinetree.com/
There are ALOT of other great bands out there but these bands are a good place to start. Here are some websites to learn more about progressive rock bands (lots of reviews):
http://www.ghostland.com/ghostland/
http://www.dprp.net/index.php
http://progressiveears.com/
There are also several progressive rock internet radio stations. Just do a search on "prog rock radio".
2006-07-12 05:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by mellotron 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Dream Theater
2006-07-11 13:46:59 · answer #2 · answered by Jay S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out Wolfmother
2006-07-11 13:47:33 · answer #3 · answered by Wendy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the vines,the hives,yeah yeah yeahs,interpol,
kaiser chiefs,snow patrol
2006-07-11 13:48:07 · answer #4 · answered by reii 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no , i don't think so , that music is one of a kind.
2006-07-11 13:47:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
old school but still relavant
savatage
2006-07-11 13:48:30 · answer #6 · answered by BrianKSE2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋