IoMP 190: Best of Progressive Metal: The Bands That Define Prog (ft. Tom de Wit)
How much prog is too much prog? And at what point does technical brilliance stop being impressive and start becoming musical showboating?
This week on the Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin and Tom are diving headfirst into one of metal's most ambitious, unpredictable, and occasionally ridiculous subgenres: progressive metal!
Joining them is a familiar voice from the Metal Robot universe, Dutch progressive musician, producer, and returning Metal Robot Podcast guest Tom de Wit (TDW). With three passionate metalheads in one conversation, things are bound to get complicated.
Progressive metal has always been about pushing musical boundaries. But while blistering guitar solos, unconventional song structures, and mind-bending instrumental performances can be impressive, do they necessarily make for great songs?
The trio kicks things off by discussing the difference between musicians who use their technical abilities to enhance their songwriting and those who seemingly exist to play as many notes as humanly possible.
For TDW, the answer lies in finding the perfect balance between musical complexity and memorable melodies. After all, what's the point of an incredible instrumental performance if there's no actual song underneath it?
No conversation about progressive metal would be complete without acknowledging the musicians who helped lay its foundations.
The guys explore the enormous influence of Rush, particularly the songwriting and drumming of Neil Peart, before diving into the wonderfully chaotic world of Devin Townsend.
From the atmospheric beauty of Ocean Machine: Biomech to the sheer insanity of Deconstruction and Empath, Devin's fearless approach to composition and production demonstrates just how far progressive music can go.
Meanwhile, Between the Buried and Me and Canadian favourites Protest the Hero demonstrate how extreme metal, technical musicianship, and unforgettable melodies can coexist.
TDW also brings a particularly unusual recommendation to the table: Norwegian progressive rock outfit Moron Police, whose music proves that progressive music doesn't always have to sound dark and serious to be completely insane.
Of course, this wouldn't be Influencers of Metal without a few disagreements.
TDW drops a potentially controversial confession about Opeth, while the trio also discusses the enduring appeal of TOOL, the influence of Dream Theater, and the rise of modern progressive acts such as Periphery, Haken, and TesseracT.
The conversation also ventures beyond the obvious names, with recommendations including Scardust, Fractal Sun, and other artists expanding the possibilities of progressive music.
Whether you're a lifelong prog obsessive, a casual listener, or someone who still doesn't understand why a song needs seventeen different sections, there's something here to explore.
And before the episode wraps up, the guys somehow manage to choose an even more technically demanding genre for the next Best Of instalment: technical death metal.
Which bands belong among progressive metal's greatest? Is technical mastery enough, or does songwriting always come first?
Join Collin, Tom, and TDW for a deep dive into the music, musicians, and madness of progressive metal.
Hit play, embrace the odd time signatures, and let us know which progressive metal bands deserve a place on your list!
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