Biggest Stars

Tool
Tool
USAProgressive Rock

Tool

USARockProgressive Rock
Sleep Token
Sleep Token
GBRProgressive Metal

Sleep Token

GBRMetalProgressive Metal
Polyphia
Polyphia
USAProgressive Rock

Polyphia

USARockProgressive Rock
Gojira
Gojira
FRAProgressive Metal

Gojira

FRAMetalProgressive Metal
Dream Theater
Dream Theater
USAProgressive Metal

Dream Theater

USAMetalProgressive Metal
Spiritbox
Spiritbox
CANMetalcore/Deathcore

Spiritbox

CANMetalMetalcore/Deathcore
Arch Enemy
Arch Enemy
SWEDeath Metal

Arch Enemy

SWEMetalDeath Metal
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
USAProgressive Metal

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

USAMetalProgressive Metal
Mastodon
Mastodon
USAProgressive Metal

Mastodon

USAMetalProgressive Metal
Opeth
Opeth
SWEProgressive Metal
Claimed Profile

Opeth

SWEMetalProgressive Metal
Queensrÿche
Queensrÿche
USAHeavy Metal

Queensrÿche

USAMetalHeavy Metal
Death
Death
USADeath Metal

Death

USAMetalDeath Metal
Jinjer
Jinjer
UKRGroove Metal

Jinjer

UKRMetalGroove Metal
Little V.
Little V.
CANHeavy Metal

Little V.

CANMetalHeavy Metal
Linked Horizon
Linked Horizon
JPNProgressive Metal

Linked Horizon

JPNMetalProgressive Metal
Meshuggah
Meshuggah
SWEProgressive Metal

Meshuggah

SWEMetalProgressive Metal
Porcupine Tree
Porcupine Tree
GBRProgressive Rock

Porcupine Tree

GBRRockProgressive Rock
Angra
Angra
BRAPower Metal

Angra

BRAMetalPower Metal
Ola Englund
Ola Englund
SWEDeath Metal

Ola Englund

SWEMetalDeath Metal
NOAPOLOGY
NOAPOLOGY
UKRProgressive Metal

NOAPOLOGY

UKRMetalProgressive Metal
Viberate Analytics

Premium music analytics, unbeatable price: $19.90/month

1M+ artists, 58M+ songs, 19M+ playlists, 6K+ festivals and 100K+ labels on one platform, built for industry professionals.

Top Artists by Radio Spins Last month

Dream Theater
Dream Theater
USAProgressive Metal

Dream Theater

USAMetalProgressive Metal
9K radio spins
Mastodon
Mastodon
USAProgressive Metal

Mastodon

USAMetalProgressive Metal
5.5K radio spins
Amorphis
Amorphis
FINProgressive Metal

Amorphis

FINMetalProgressive Metal
4K radio spins
Redemption
Redemption
USAProgressive Metal

Redemption

USAMetalProgressive Metal
2.9K radio spins
Gojira
Gojira
FRAProgressive Metal

Gojira

FRAMetalProgressive Metal
2.7K radio spins

Most Streamed Spotify Tracks

Past Month
1
The Summoning
The Summoning
1.7M streams
2
Granite
Granite
910.9K streams
3
Take Me Back To Eden
Take Me Back To Eden
748K streams
4
Chokehold
Chokehold
731.7K streams
5
Alkaline
Alkaline
668.8K streams
6
Rain
Rain
648.1K streams
7
Aqua Regia
Aqua Regia
504.3K streams
8
Shinzo wo Sasageyo!
Shinzo wo Sasageyo!
464.3K streams
9
Ascensionism
Ascensionism
411.4K streams
10
Hypnosis
Hypnosis
387.4K streams
1

The Summoning

2

Granite

3

Take Me Back To Eden

4

Chokehold

5

Alkaline

6

Rain

7

Aqua Regia

8

Shinzo wo Sasageyo!

9

Ascensionism

10

Hypnosis

Top Spotify Playlists

Progressive Metal
Progressive Metal
Spotify
517.9K followers
Metal Gym Hours
Metal Gym Hours
Bengan Bengtsson
147K followers
This Is Dream Theater
This Is Dream Theater
Spotify
110.8K followers
This Is Gojira
This Is Gojira
Spotify
107.3K followers
This Is Mastodon
This Is Mastodon
Spotify
51.5K followers
This Is Opeth
This Is Opeth
Spotify
45.2K followers

Subgenre Popularity

Music stats for top 3,000 artists last month

Top Countries

    Top Cities

      • 3.6K
      • 119M
      • N/A
      • 105.4K
      3.6K
      Progressive Metal artists
      Spotify
      119M
      Streams on Spotify
      YouTube
      0
      Views on YouTube
      Radio Airplay
      105.4K
      Radio spins
      Viberate for Artists

      All the tools an independent musician needs: $2.99/month

      Music distribution, advancing, a free website, playlist & festival pitching, plus analytics to back up your work.

      Questions? We have answers

      Overview of Progressive Metal music

      Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines the intricacies and technicality of progressive rock with the heaviness and aggression of metal. It emerged in the 1980s as a fusion of progressive rock's complex song structures, virtuosic musicianship, and experimental approach with the intensity and power of metal. This blending of styles results in a dynamic and diverse sound characterized by intricate instrumental passages, unconventional time signatures, complex harmonies, and thought-provoking lyrics.

      In progressive metal, musicians often showcase their exceptional technical skills, pushing the boundaries of their respective instruments. Guitarists engage in intricate and melodic soloing, utilizing complex scales and arpeggios. Drummers showcase their prowess with intricate rhythms and odd time signatures, while bassists often contribute intricate and melodic lines that complement the music's complex arrangements. Keyboards and synthesizers are frequently utilized to add layers of atmospheric textures and orchestration.

      Lyrically, progressive metal often explores philosophical, introspective, and imaginative themes. The genre delves into thought-provoking concepts, storytelling, and introspection, addressing topics such as existentialism, fantasy, science fiction, and personal struggles. The lyrics are often poetic and metaphorical, inviting listeners to interpret and engage with the music on a deeper level.

      Overall, progressive metal offers a musical landscape that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces innovation and experimentation. It challenges conventional song structures, takes listeners on sonic journeys through its dynamic compositions, and showcases the technical prowess of its musicians. With its fusion of progressive rock and metal elements, progressive metal continues to evolve and captivate audiences with its complexity, depth, and musical virtuosity.

      Which musicians and bands defined Progressive Metal music?

      Progressive metal has been shaped and defined by a multitude of talented musicians and bands who have pushed the boundaries of the genre. These artists have contributed to the evolution and development of progressive metal, leaving a lasting impact on its sound and style. While the list is extensive and diverse, here are a few notable figures who have played a significant role in defining progressive metal.

      Considered one of the pioneers of progressive metal, Dream Theater's technical prowess, intricate song structures, and virtuosic musicianship have been highly influential within the genre. Their blend of complex compositions, melodic sensibilities, and progressive rock influences has set a benchmark for the genre.

      Known for their atmospheric soundscapes, complex rhythms, and introspective lyrics, Tool has made a significant impact on progressive metal. Their ability to blend progressive elements with alternative and metal influences has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

      Combining progressive metal with elements of death metal and progressive rock, Opeth has carved their own unique sound within the genre. Their dynamic songwriting, including the interplay of aggressive and melodic passages, has been highly influential and showcases their ability to create captivating musical journeys.

      Led by Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree has played a vital role in expanding the boundaries of progressive metal. Their experimental approach, fusion of diverse genres, and incorporation of atmospheric textures have made them a defining force in the genre.

      Known for their blend of neoclassical influences, progressive structures, and symphonic elements, Symphony X has made a significant impact on progressive metal. Their intricate compositions, technical proficiency, and powerful sound have solidified their place within the genre.

      These musicians and bands, along with many others, have left an indelible mark on progressive metal, each contributing their unique style and pushing the genre's boundaries in their own way. Through their innovative approaches, exceptional musicianship, and dedication to creating intricate and captivating music, they have shaped and defined progressive metal, inspiring generations of artists to explore new horizons within the genre.

      Which songs and albums defined Progressive Metal music?

      Progressive metal, a genre that combines the intricacies of progressive rock with the heaviness of metal, has been defined and shaped by numerous iconic songs and albums. These releases have showcased the genre's complex compositions, technical virtuosity, and innovative songwriting, becoming benchmarks for progressive metal.

      Dream Theater's album "Images and Words" (1992) stands as a defining work within the genre. It features the epic track "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper," known for its intricate instrumental passages, dynamic shifts, and memorable melodies. Additionally, Tool's album "Lateralus" (2001) showcases the band's atmospheric and progressive sound, with standout tracks like "Schism" and "Lateralus" incorporating complex rhythms, intricate guitar work, and introspective lyrics.

      Opeth's album "Blackwater Park" (2001) has become a seminal release in progressive metal. The album's title track exemplifies the band's ability to seamlessly blend aggressive death metal elements with melodic interludes and progressive song structures. Porcupine Tree's album "Fear of a Blank Planet" (2007) offers an atmospheric and introspective journey, with tracks like "Anesthetize" and the title track displaying the band's mastery of blending progressive rock and metal influences.

      Symphony X's album "The Odyssey" (2002) is a progressive metal masterpiece, featuring the epic 24-minute title track that showcases the band's technical prowess, symphonic elements, and powerful songwriting. These songs and albums, along with numerous others from the genre's vast discography, have defined and shaped progressive metal, pushing its boundaries, and providing listeners with captivating musical experiences that combine complexity, innovation, and emotional depth.

      Overall, the songs and albums that have defined progressive metal embody the genre's fusion of intricate compositions, technical proficiency, and exploratory spirit. From Dream Theater's "Images and Words" to Tool's "Lateralus," Opeth's "Blackwater Park," Porcupine Tree's "Fear of a Blank Planet," and Symphony X's "The Odyssey," these releases have left an indelible mark on progressive metal, inspiring and influencing countless bands and fans alike. They represent the artistic achievements and creative heights within the genre, capturing the essence of progressive metal's complexity, depth, and musical innovation.

      Which music festivals and events represent Progressive Metal music?

      Progressive metal, with its intricate compositions and technical prowess, is celebrated at various music festivals and events around the world. These gatherings provide a platform for both established and emerging progressive metal bands to showcase their unique sound and connect with dedicated fans of the genre. While there are numerous festivals that cater to progressive metal, here are a few active events that are known for representing the genre:

      ProgPower USA is an annual festival held in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on progressive and power metal. The event features a diverse lineup of bands within the progressive metal spectrum, including both international and local acts. ProgPower USA has become a renowned destination for fans of the genre to witness exceptional performances and discover new talents.

      Euroblast Festival, based in Cologne, Germany, is dedicated to showcasing the best in progressive and experimental metal. The festival embraces a wide range of progressive subgenres, including progressive metal, djent, and technical metal. Euroblast Festival attracts both established acts and up-and-coming bands, making it an important gathering for fans and musicians in the progressive metal community.

      Be Prog! My Friend is an annual festival held in Barcelona, Spain, which focuses on progressive rock and metal. While the festival encompasses a broader range of progressive music, it consistently features progressive metal acts within its lineup. With its picturesque setting and a lineup that combines established names and rising stars, Be Prog! My Friend offers a unique experience for fans of progressive metal.

      These festivals and events serve as important platforms for progressive metal bands to showcase their talent, connect with fans, and contribute to the genre's thriving community. They create immersive experiences that celebrate the intricacies, innovation, and technicality of progressive metal, allowing enthusiasts to witness captivating performances and discover new artists pushing the boundaries of the genre.