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Bandas de metal progresivo más influyentes

Explore a selection of the most influential progressive metal bands, a subgenre renowned for its technical complexity and musical experimentation. This list covers pioneers from the 80s and 90s to today's most innovative acts. Discover groups that have shaped the sound of prog metal, blending powerful riffs with intricate structures and immersive atmospheres. It's an essential guide for fans looking to delve deeper into the history and evolution of this challenging genre.

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  1. 1

    Dream Theater (1985)

    562 Global Votes

    Dream Theater has defined the sound of progressive metal with their instrumental virtuosity, intricate compositions, and epic narratives. Their ability to fuse technical complexity with memorable melodies has set a benchmark for the genre, inspiring a generation of bands. The band has maintained a prolific career, consistently releasing albums that explore new musical frontiers and demonstrate unparalleled technical mastery.

  2. 2

    Tool

    0 Global Votes

    Tool is renowned for its innovative fusion of progressive metal, alternative rock, and art rock, creating a distinctive sound with complex rhythmic structures and profound lyrical themes. Their ability to incorporate odd meters and polyrhythms, coupled with a unique visual and conceptual aesthetic, has significantly influenced the development of modern progressive metal.

  3. 3

    Opeth

    0 Global Votes
    • Incorporates folk, blues, classical, and jazz elements

      (+1)

    Opeth has been instrumental in the evolution of progressive metal by uniquely integrating death metal with folk, jazz, and progressive rock elements. Their ability to seamlessly blend acoustic passages with heavy riffs and dynamic shifts has redefined the genre's possibilities, influencing countless bands. The band has maintained an innovative trajectory, culminating in albums like "The Last Will and Testament" which demonstrate their continued relevance and musical mastery.

  4. 4

    Fates Warning

    0 Global Votes
    • Pioneer of the progressive metal movement

      (+2)

    Fates Warning is a foundational band in progressive metal, helping to define the genre with its focus on complex riffs, orchestrated structures, and thoughtful lyrics. Their discography has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for what is now known as progressive metal, inspiring many bands that followed.

  5. 5

    Rush

    0 Global Votes

    Rush is fundamental to progressive metal due to their complex instrumentation, time signature changes, and ambitious compositions that laid the groundwork for the genre. Their virtuosity and innovative approach inspired countless progressive metal bands to explore more intricate musical structures and profound lyrical narratives.

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  7. 6

    Periphery

    0 Global Votes
    • Moved to a more ambient, melodic sound

      (+1)

    Periphery has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern progressive metal, particularly through their influence on the "djent" movement. Their focus on rhythmic complexity and the use of extended-range instruments has inspired countless bands, solidifying their status as innovators in the genre.

  8. 7

    Haken

    0 Global Votes

    Haken has been at the forefront of progressive metal for the last decade, creating innovative music with prog-rock and jazz-fusion influences. Their work is distinguished by virtuous instrumental execution, complex musical structures, and the ability to fuse heavy elements with well-written, emotional melodies.

  9. 8

    Leprous

    0 Global Votes
    • Blends Pink Floyd and King Crimson with alternative metal bands

      (+1)

    Leprous has forged a distinctive sound within progressive metal, blending technical complexity with profound emotional depth and unusual rhythmic structures. Their constant evolution and ability to integrate progressive rock elements have allowed them to maintain significant relevance in the music scene.

  10. 9

    Animals as Leaders

    0 Global Votes

    Animals as Leaders has redefined instrumental progressive metal with its fusion of extreme technicality, complex rhythms, and innovative melodies. Their vocal-less approach and use of eight-string guitars have set a new standard for virtuosity and experimentation within the genre. The band has influenced countless musicians and cemented a sound that is both cerebral and deeply engaging.

  11. 10

    Symphony X

    0 Global Votes
    • Melodic and catchy touch

      (+4)

    Symphony X pioneered the fusion of progressive metal with neoclassical and power metal elements, forging a distinctive sound that has influenced the genre. Their ability to combine technical complexity with epic melodies and ambitious compositions, including 20+ minute songs, showcases their musical mastery.

  12. 11

    Mastodon

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the more notable new wave of American heavy metal acts

      (+3)

    Mastodon has demonstrated significant musical evolution, fusing elements of sludge, stoner, and alternative metal with a progressive foundation. Their ability to craft complex compositions and masterful storytelling, as seen in "Emperor of Sand", establishes them as an innovative force in progressive metal.

  13. 12

    Gojira

    0 Global Votes

    Gojira has redefined progressive metal with its unique fusion of technical death metal, complex rhythms, and deeply ecological and philosophical lyrics. Their music showcases exceptional technical proficiency and innovative songwriting that addresses the planet's agony and the human condition.

  14. 13

    Atheist

    0 Global Votes
    • Highly influential early 90's death metal band

      (+4)

    Atheist is renowned for its innovative approach, fusing death metal with jazz elements and complex progressive structures. Their music features intricate rhythms and unconventional harmonies, establishing them as architects of the technical death metal genre and a key influence in progressive metal.

  15. 14

    Voivod

    0 Global Votes
    • Forged a distinctive brand of heavy music

      (+1)

    Voivod is renowned for its ability to continuously transform its sound, fusing speed and thrash metal with progressive and futuristic elements. Their constant experimentation and the creation of a unique style, evident in albums like "Killing Technology", establish them as pioneers of progressive metal.

  16. 15

    Between the Buried and Me

    0 Global Votes
    • Holds a special place in the Progressive Metal sphere

      (+3)

    Between the Buried and Me has redefined progressive metal with their fusion of technical metalcore, jazz, and blues, creating complex and ambitious compositions. Their ability to intertwine brutal passages with melodic and experimental moments has influenced a generation of musicians, solidifying their legacy in the genre.

  17. 16

    Evergrey

    0 Global Votes

    Evergrey has forged a unique sound that fuses progressive metal complexity with profound melancholy and introspective lyrics. Their ability to maintain a distinctive musical identity across fourteen albums demonstrates their influence within the genre. The band has pioneered the combination of heavy riffs and dark atmospheres with emotive melodies, creating a style that has inspired many.

  18. 17

    Threshold

    0 Global Votes
    • Updated sound with mild borrowings from Muse and power metal

      (+2)

    Threshold has been instrumental in the British progressive metal scene since their formation in the late 80s, establishing themselves as a benchmark for quality and consistency. Their music is characterized by precise execution and lyrical depth that addresses complex themes, allowing them to maintain a solid and relevant discography over the decades.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates the influence of progressive metal bands, considering both pioneers from the 80s and prominent bands from the 90s to the present day.
Users can participate by voting for their favorite bands and commenting on those they consider most influential within the progressive metal genre.
The results reflect the community's perception of the influence of progressive metal bands, highlighting both foundational acts and those that have kept the genre relevant over time.
Bands like Queensrÿche, Savatage, Fates Warning, Watchtower, and Dream Theater are considered pioneers of progressive metal, having advanced the style in the early-to-mid 1980s.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

The methodology for this ranking is based on the historical relevance and ongoing influence of bands within the progressive metal genre, spanning from its origins to the present day.

  • Bands that have been fundamental in the development and evolution of progressive metal are considered, including pioneers from the 1980s.
  • Bands that have maintained a significant presence and contributed to the genre's diversity from the 1990s to today are included.
  • Influence is assessed by impact on other musicians, stylistic innovation, and career longevity.
  • Community participation through votes and comments helps reflect the collective opinion on each band's influence.
  • The band must have significantly contributed to the definition or evolution of the progressive metal sound.
  • Musical innovation, compositional complexity, and technical skill demonstrated in their works are valued.
  • The band's presence in the progressive metal scene must span a considerable period, from the 80s to the present.
  • Bands that have inspired other formations and left a lasting mark on the genre are considered.