Essential Progressive Metal Albums

Progressive metal has evolved from its ’70s/’80s rock roots to a wide-ranging and established genre. It has also infiltrated other genres, with many bands in death, black, folk and other styles incorporating elements of progressive metal. Veterans like Dream Theater and Fates Warning set the bar high, with modern bands such as Between The Buried And Me carrying the mantle for the younger generation. We’ve put together a list of progressive metal albums that give a good overview for those exploring the genre. It is not meant to be a comprehensive and all-inclusive list, just a starting point to delve into the genre.