Progressive Rock and Metal

[trbc08]

I think that Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez fits into the category of modern geniuses in regard to progressive rock. He composes and records all of his band's music, much in the vein of Frank Zappa (another genius, though I think he transcends the "prog" label).

I also heard that the drummer of Porcupine Tree is joining King Crimson as part of their dual drummer lineup. I haven't heard any evidence of his skill, be it in Porcupine Tree or King Crimson, but I am sure that the band wouldn't have recruited him if he wasn't a good drummer.

I think that "math rock" (dumb label) is also interesting... It's kinda like where jazz and prog meet punk rock. Notable bands include Don Caballero and Hella, Don Cab moreso... They may be less sensationalist as far as youths are concerned, but their compositions stand on their own. Lightning Bolt is also a good band in this category. I've also read of a new subgenre jokingly called "brutal prog," another melding of prog's compositional sensibility with the aggression of punk (or in some cases girndcore). Examples include Upsilon Acrux (good band from what I've heard; their debut is even called "In The Acrux of the Upsilon King"... A haha for King Crimson fans) and Orthrelm (good from what little I've heard).

Another notable band is Tera Melos... Hard to classify. It echoes with both an over the top avant-garde and minimalist sensibility. Their album and EP that I have is good stuff.

Rant... Sorry.