Enjoy 1970s prog rock? Check out these 15 fantastic contemporary prog bands
The era of punk music that once dominated the music scene has now faded into the past, making way for a resurgence of progressive rock bands in the 21st century. While classic acts like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson may no longer be active, a new generation of bands has risen to keep the flame of prog rock burning brightly. For those seeking to explore modern prog rock, here are some top recommendations.
Dream Theater, hailing from America, stands as a cornerstone of modern American prog-metal bands, starting their journey as Majesty in 1985. Through intricate musicianship and grand conceptual works like “Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory,” Dream Theater has established themselves as arena headliners in the UK. Despite various lineup changes over the years, guitarist John Petrucci’s exceptional talent has remained a driving force in the band’s success.
Marillion, often humorously dubbed as a ‘Scottish heavy metal band,’ is led by frontman Steve Hogarth following the departure of charismatic vocalist Fish in 1988. Their unconventional path has been supported by a devoted fan base that allows them to take creative risks, exemplified by 2016’s “Fuck Everyone and Run (F.E.A.R.),” a poignant reflection on contemporary society’s self-centered nature.
Opeth, originating from Sweden, evolved from a standard death metal band to embrace progressive rock elements on albums like “Heritage” and “The Last Will and Testament.” Fronted by Mikael Akerfeldt, Opeth’s exploration of intricate transitions and lush Mellotron passages has delighted fans of classic prog rock.
Steven Wilson, known for his work with Porcupine Tree before embarking on a successful solo career, has reintroduced conceptual prog rock with releases like “The Overview.” His dedication to remixing classic prog albums demonstrates his deep-rooted connection to the genre, despite occasional ventures into poppier territory.
Anathema, a now disbanded group from Liverpool, showcased their evolution from doom metal beginnings to progressive rock on albums like “The Optimist.” Led by brothers Vincent and Daniel Cavanagh, Anathema’s musical journey captivated fans before their surprising decision to part ways in 2020.
Haken, a British prog-metal ensemble, achieved acclaim with their diverse album “The Mountain” in 2013, despite facing internal challenges. Riverside, a Polish prog rock band, faced adversity following the sudden loss of guitarist Piotr Grudzinski but continued their musical exploration as a trio.
Rosalie Cunningham, a former member of Purson, has crafted a solo career embodying elements of 60s/70s rock, psychedelia, and prog. Her innovative approach to music showcases a blend of influences that deserve wider recognition and success.
Spock’s Beard, a prominent LA group with a quirky Star Trek-inspired name, has navigated lineup changes to deliver progressive rock music since their inception in 1992. Co-founder Neal Morse’s departure led to an evolution in the band’s sound, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of modern prog rock.