Progressive Metal | Best Albums

I'm often asked what are the best progressive metal albums. Well here are my personal favourites.

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#progressivemetal #ranking #classicalbum

[jamiethorstenberg]

Queensryche Operation Mindcrime is not only a prog metal classic but for me the de facto concept album. The story is fascinating having you root for the antihero in the face of corruption in politics and re. Seventh Son belongs in the upper echelon of prog metal and concept albums. I will also say that Clockwork Angels should be considered a masterpiece of prog metal. Great video Barry

[jimmycampbell]

I think the combination of influence of Iron Maiden and RUSH was really important to the sound and creativity of the big three US prog metal bands that emerged in the mid 1980s: Fates Warning, Queensryche and Dream Theater.

[jeffreyterrell]

A quote from Black Adder made me smile.

[alessandroneri]

Symphony X is just great. Awesome. Killer stuff.

[moodlefyful]

Was lucky enough see Queensryche perform the Operation Mindcrime album live in the old Hammersmith Odeon many moons ago....the album still sounds fantastic...

[williamwalker]

You never cease to amaze me how well you can summarize these albums.

[WoDy]

Had the pleasure of seeing tool live twice. The best live show I've ever seen, hands down. I believe lateralus was released in 2001 also. Thanks for the video!

[ralphus]

Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet is a perfect Prog Metal record. Opeth's Damnation is spectacular. Train of Thought from Dream Theatre is my choice for that band.

[ziggypop]

Mindcrime is my favourite album of all time, saddens me what happened to Queensryche.

[dustyjoe]

All good, solid selections. Here’s one honorable mention I would add: Voivod - Dimension Hatröss

[mikevieira]

Musically, I think Crack the Skye bests Leviathan. I also think Haken Aquarius is a must-hear. Others have mentioned PT's FoaBP. I strongly concur.
Cool vid and topic.

[Jojo-ylqx]

Great choices. More rankings please. Love it

[mrkitewine]

Thanks for this one.
I would definitely have Iron Maiden’s Seventh Son in my list, Maiden have always had progressive leanings right back to the first album with Phantom of the Opera. A Matter of Life and Death is also a good one of theirs.

[oriss]

Only own Operation Mindcrime of that bunch but good vid. I have always considered Rush as the main band when one considers the invention of Prog metal. Weather they were heavy enough to be considered metal is debateable, but they def sent rock music in that direction.

[ΝικοςΚουβατης]

Hello. Nice list. Check out Voivod - Nothing face, Cynic- Focus, Enslaved - Below the lights, BTBAM- Colors, Amorphis - Sky forger, Protest the Hero - Fortress and Insomnium s Winter s Gate. With all my best wishes

[stevesmith]

I always thought that Rush were the inventors of Prog Metal back in the 70's.

[aaroncoroner]

For me you can't talk about progressive metal without Fates Warning, he only mentioned Awaken the Guardian but they have lots of others, A Pleasant Shade of Grey, Disconnected, Spectre Within, No Exit, Perfect Symmetry, Theories of Flight, and sadly, their final Album Long Day, Goodnight.

[Prognosis__]

Right up my alley mate! I will agree to all 👍👍🤘🤘

[Driver]

1 - Fear Of A Blank Planet (with companion EP Nil Recurring) by Porcupine Tree. 2 - Into The Electric Castle by Ayreon. 3 - Damnation by Opeth.
Honourable mention for Crest Of A Knave by Jethro Tull… 😉

[shimi]

Excellent list. I would add that everything you said about Blackwater Park applies even more so to Ghost Reveries. But regardless, great list!