Top 10 Best Progressive Rock Bands

The Top Ten
1 Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters (Vocals and Bass), and Richard Wright (Vocals and Keyboard). Barrett was replaced by Gilmour in 1968... read more

Without any doubt, the best band ever. Great lyrics, fantastic guitar solos. Maybe underrated keyboards and drum parts. These four guys were the perfect blend for a progressive rock band.

Rush is okay, ELP is amazing, and Supertramp is underrated. However, in the end, Pink Floyd will always be THE master of Progressive Rock. Not just progressive rock, but let's say... rock in general. Now that I think about it, they were the best in the entire history of music. Seriously, there's nothing like Pink Floyd. NOTHING. Their music was unique. What's even more impressive is that each of their songs has a distinct style. There isn't a single Pink Floyd song that sounds like another. If you've listened to all of their albums, you know what I mean.

Just consider A Saucerful of Secrets, Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, and Division Bell. All four albums were produced by the same team, yet they all sound completely different. Pink Floyd wasn't afraid to follow their artistic vision. Also, I want to address a misconception. People who claim you need LSD or some kind of drug to appreciate Pink Floyd are simply wrong. Why? Because Pink Floyd's music itself is a trip. It's an auditory journey like no other. Pink Floyd forever.

2 Rush Rush was a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band has had an iconic lineup since 1975, which included Neil Peart (Drums, Percussion), Geddy Lee (Vocals, Bass, Keyboards), and the guitarist, Alex Lifeson. Peart passed away after a 3 year battle with brain cancer in January of 2020. Because of this, Lee says there are no plans to keep the band going, so Rush is most likely... read more

Dude! They have 20 studio albums, started in 1968, and never broke up. They boast the greatest rock bassist, the greatest rock drummer, and an incredible guitarist. I understand that some people aren't big fans of their lyrics, and they weren't as commercially successful, but give them a chance. They've produced some powerful albums, especially ones like Counterparts, Test For Echo, Grace Under Pressure, and Fly By Night, to name a few. For 40 years, they've been a band. They took a 6-year hiatus but have never called it quits. They always find ways to try new musical styles and make their next album better than the last. Listen to Geddy Lee's bass solos and Neil Peart's drumming. They are unbelievably good! And don't overlook Alex Lifeson's solos. There's powerful stuff in all of their albums. They deserve the #1 slot! In my opinion, they're not only the best prog rock band but the best band ever.

Rush will always be my favorite band of all time. Their style of rock, which blends hard rock anthems with progressive lyrical themes and compositions, helped establish them as (in my opinion) the greatest of all rock bands. You've got Geddy Lee, the best rock bassist, who handled singing, bass, and keyboards. Then there's Neil Peart, who I believe is the greatest drummer in all of rock, surpassing John Bonham and Keith Moon (and I will defend this opinion). And then there's Alex Lifeson, a masterful guitarist who has contributed to some of the most iconic riffs in rock. Although they have concluded their journey, Rush will live on forever as masters of rock. They might not surpass Pink Floyd because Floyd IS progressive rock, but in my eyes, Rush is superior. Long live Rush!

3 King Crimson King Crimson were a British progressive rock band that was formed in 1969. While the band has had numerous lineup changes, the head of the band has always been Robert Fripp (guitar). However, the most notable lineup is between 1972-75, consisting of Fripp, John Wetton (bass/vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), and David Cross (strings/keyboard). The band is most well-known for their debut album "In the... read more

Come on, they've got to be higher than this. Pink Floyd is obviously number one, but this should be at number 2! I love them because of all the variety in their music. Just listen to different parts of their career! You can hardly tell they're the same band!

Their first period of music, in my opinion, was from 1969-70 with their first three albums. ITCOTCK is very complex and innovative. Remember, this was 1969. Progressive rock was hardly in its infancy yet. Lizard is a very weird album with strange lyrics. In 1971, they released Islands. I love the jazz-rock style they went for here. The title track is beautiful.

From 1973-74, they started to make heavier and more experimental music. In 1981-84, they delved into more new wave and a bit of pop music. From 1995-2003, they got WAY heavier than ever and made tons of industrial rock. Some songs could even be considered progressive metal. Now that they've reformed again, who knows what direction they will take!

4 Yes Yes is an English progressive rock band formed in 1968 by bassist Chris Squire and singer Jon Anderson. They first achieved success in the 1970s with a progressive, art and symphonic style of rock music. Their best known song is their 1971 hit "Roundabout" off of their album Fragile.

Yes deserves a higher place than Rush as a prog rock band. Prog isn't just about the complexity of the music, the intelligence of the lyrics, or the talent of the musicians. Rush is great, but they aren't as harmonious as Yes. Moreover, Geddy's vocals can't compare to Ian's. Pink Floyd is the master of prog, with Yes not too far behind. Genesis is closer, followed by King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. What is Dream Theater doing on this list? They don't measure up to these legends. They merely imitated King Crimson but with a heavier and faster sound. Here's the list that should have been made for the best prog rock bands:

1. Pink Floyd
2. Genesis
3. Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4. Yes
5. King Crimson

That's the top 5. As for Muse and Radiohead, they don't belong in the prog scene.

By far, Yes is the best progressive rock band ever and ranks among the top ten rock bands of all time. On the radio in the 70's, when they were voting for the best top ten rock bands of the time, Yes was among the top five, with no mention of Rush.

Don't get me wrong. Rush was a decent band. However, they, along with many other bands such as Queen, Journey, and ZZ Top, have a limited repertoire. Look it up! Examine a list of songs from each band and see how many you recognize or would rate highly. For most bands, you might find around ten or fifteen songs, depending on your level of fandom. In contrast, with Yes, you can go forty songs down the list without encountering a bad song.

5 Genesis Genesis are an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey in 1967. The most commercially successful and long-lasting line-up includes keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford and drummer/singer Phil Collins.

From Trespass to Seconds Out, the albums are incredible. In my opinion, Peter Gabriel is one of the greatest singers in rock history. And let's talk about Phil Collins' drumming on those albums. He's possibly the best prog rock drummer, second only to Mr. Bill Bruford. He doesn't just pound on the drums. He plays intricate patterns in some of the most challenging time signatures. Like other progressive rock bands, Genesis boasts extremely talented musicians.

I find Pink Floyd to be overrated. The standout members in that band were David Gilmour and Richard Wright (RIP). Yes, they made good music, but I wouldn't categorize it all as prog. They leaned more towards art rock, with some tracks having a prog essence (like Animals), but largely, they were more psychedelic and experimental. Rush shifted more towards hard rock with their Moving Pictures album. If I were to rank, I'd say the top three would be Genesis, Yes, and King Crimson. But, of course, this is all just my opinion.

Genesis creates an atmosphere like no other with Gabriel and Collins's unique singing voices, Tony Banks's revolutionary keys and synth, and Steve Hackett's masterful atmospheric guitar playing. Having the musical genius Mike Rutherford and one of the greatest drummers of all time, Phil Collins, certainly adds to their brilliance. Listening to Genesis is like a religious experience and takes you to another place.

The band's ability to stay current from 1969 through 1991, even after losing key members like Gabriel and Hackett, demonstrates the unmatched musical skill of these musicians. While Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Yes are undoubtedly great, none achieved what Genesis did over two decades with such high success. With that being said, Genesis is one of the greatest yet most underrated bands of all time!

6 Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name of "Majesty", only to change its name to Dream Theater later.

The members of the band’s original lineup consisted of John Petrucci (Guitar), John Myung (Bass) and Mike Portnoy (Drums). The band had multiple keyboardists and singers, but as of and since 1991, the band's... read more

Not as good as Rush or Pink Floyd, but by God, they are good. John Petrucci is one of the greatest guitarists, period, and the same goes for John Myung on bass. James LaBrie has a great voice too. They are different than your average metal band. There are no deep metal "screams" and they don't have the typical lyrics and subject matter either. They really do have some interesting lyrics if you listen. They've produced some of the best solos and riffs ever. They're also great to see live. Their newer stuff isn't as good, but "Images and Words", "Scenes From A Memory", "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", and "Octavarium" are all masterpieces. They're definitely not for everyone. I think guitarists and bassists appreciate them more than the average person. Being a guitarist myself, I can attest to this. They're a great band that I believe stands alongside Sabbath, Maiden, Judas Priest, and Metallica in the fact that all metalheads and guitarists like them.

Dream Theater introduced me to the world of progressive metal/rock, and I will be forever thankful for that. I believe that Dream Theater is one of the best bands in the progressive music scene, with complex song structures and beauty flowing between every arrangement. For instance, the song A Change of Seasons immerses you completely into DT's world, making it feel as if you're experiencing shifting seasons. Then there's the wonderful Octavarium. If I had to choose one song to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be this masterpiece.

So please, don't be daunted by its 24-minute duration. And if you don't appreciate it on the first listen, give it another chance! If you still don't enjoy it after several listens, I urge you to check out the lyrics. They are incredibly moving!

7 Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree are an English progressive rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. The band began essentially as a solo project for Wilson, who created all of the band's music.

I'll say this now: I'm 17, meaning I'm young enough to have missed both major prog rock eras. However, I've known about prog for a good 5 years. Only recently have I started listening to the older bands. Moving Pictures and In the Court of the Crimson King (though Discipline came close) are my favorite albums thus far. So, with this in mind, you may wonder what kept my prog fandom going for half a decade? It was Porcupine Tree, plain and simple. It was at least 4 and a half years before I heard other 90's bands such as Tool and Dream Theater. All I'm saying is, they must have done something right.

Certainly, in my opinion, Porcupine Tree is the most consistently brilliant band on this list. Like all great bands, they were able to evolve while maintaining their unique sound and style. This is progressive rock where the emphasis is on melody and atmosphere rather than technical mastery and showmanship. The band breathed new life into a genre that had become synonymous with needlessly lengthy solos, bloated track lengths, and ostentatious showmanship. Porcupine Tree demonstrated that 'prog' didn't have to be a derogatory term. Modern bands like this one suffer from the negative image that some 70's artists cast on this style of music. It's perplexing that Porcupine Tree never really broke into the mainstream.

8 Emerson Lake And Palmer

What I like about ELP more than some other Prog Rock bands is the huge focus on the keys, the bass, and the drums. Most bands emphasize the electric guitar, but this band has Keith Emerson controlling the melody of the song. In that case, an electric guitar is insufficient.

With the variety brought to the table by Greg Lake, no song sounded like it was missing something. He sang, he played the bass, and he even picked up the guitar for some songs. This showed dedication and the diversity that Greg Lake brought to the band. And finally, Carl Palmer is a truly great drummer. He added rhythms that didn't always sound jazzy or grand, although he did for some songs. He added what was best for the song and the atmosphere created by Emerson and Lake. One of my favorite moments from Palmer was from the song "Rondo" (Live at Lyceum 1970). He had an excellent, long drum solo in which he really pushed the song forward through his extreme rudiments and skill.

I think that this band should be more well-known. I cannot get enough of ELP.

9 Jethro Tull Jethro Tull are a British rock group, formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1967. Initially playing blues rock, the band soon developed its sound to incorporate elements of British folk music and hard rock to forge a progressive rock signature.

There is no one like Ian Anderson and no band like Tull, then or now. There's no middle ground here - you either love or hate this music. Like Yes, and to a lesser extent Genesis, the greatness diminished with the onslaught of the 80's. But up to A, they were my favorite band of the genre. Ian is the auteur of Prog, in my useless opinion, up until his voice abandoned him. But even after that unfortunate occurrence, there were gems to be mined. Watch their live performances from the 70's and bow down to breathtaking oddity and greatness. Och Aye!

They started off as a folk band in 1967, and the singer/piper Ian Anderson has been with them ever since. The band adopted a progressive style with their second album and have maintained this approach throughout their career. In 1967, Anderson started playing the flute and quickly taught himself how to play.

By 1970, the band had achieved success with Aqualung, a concept album about a tramp. However, Ian Anderson has consistently stated that the album was never intended to be a concept album and maintains this view to this day. Glenn Cornick left the band after the Aqualung sessions to pursue other opportunities. He would eventually become a member of Bob Welsh's Paris band.

After hearing people label Aqualung as a concept album, Anderson decided to create an authentic one. Thick as a Brick was released in 1971 and is considered one of the best concept albums to listen to. Both sides of the album feature one song each, divided into several sections. This format is common among progressive rock bands, as seen in works like Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Tarkus, Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother, and Yes's Relayer. Thick as a Brick tells the story of a fictional boy named Gerald Bostock. The album cover unfolds like a newspaper, which speaks to the often creative and engaging artwork found in progressive rock album covers.

Tull's other notable albums include A Passion Play, a strange album featuring stories such as one about a hare who lost his spectacles; War Child, with its whimsical lines like Would you like another cup of tea, dear?. And Minstrel in the Gallery, which is thought to relate to Anderson's divorce from his ex-wife Jenie. Interestingly, Jenie wrote the song Aqualung. Overall, Jethro Tull is a highly creative band.

10 Tool Tool is an American alternative metal/progressive metal band, that was formed in 1990.

The band is set together between Maynard James Keenan (Vocals), Danny Carey (Drums), Adam Jones (Guitar) and since 1995 Justin Chancellor (Bass).

The band is known for their influences from electronic sounds and their overly complex and strangely structured songs.

They released their debut album... read more

Tool isn't just music. It's an experience. You might see fans say some odd things about this band, but give it a listen, and maybe you'll understand. Tool is one of my absolute favorites, and there's truly no other artist close to their sound. I could elaborate for several paragraphs, but I'd just be reiterating the same points.

Tool, like Yes, PF, and Rush, is uniquely brilliant. No one else sounds like them. I can listen to any of their albums repeatedly and have done so since their release. They are flawless live as well. Genesis took a downturn long ago when Gabriel left and became more commercial, if not "poppy". Yes did it too but was at least tolerable. Whoever created this list doesn't fully understand what prog rock is. The Dead? Lol. Where's Utopia? Haven't you heard the self-titled album? It ranks only second to 'Dark Side...' as one of the best prog albums of all time. As great as Todd Rundgren was in his other genre efforts, Utopia was his brilliant peak. Triumvirat's 'Illusions on a Double Dimple' is excellent as well.

The Contenders
11 Moody Blues The Moody Blues were an English rock band. They first came to prominence playing rhythm and blues music, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, which was released in 1967, was a fusion of rock with classical music and established them as pioneers in the development of art rock and progressive rock.

First, psychedelic and progressive are not exactly the same. The Moody Blues had multi-level meaningful themes - from individual to national, to global, to cosmic levels of analysis - and a variety of sounds. This should place them next to Pink Floyd. To rank such seemingly irrelevant or lesser-known bands as Yes or Emerson ahead of the Moody Blues is a great injustice. This is similar to their extremely late entrance into the RR Hall of Fame, which feels like an ignorant oversight, akin to the biases seen in Hollywood.

I agree that The Moody Blues should definitely be in the top 5 and that "their core 7 albums are pure genius." They elevated the mellotron to new heights, and their harmony singing was unparalleled. Although Justin Hayward sang lead on most of their hits, many of my favorite songs were sung by the other three lead singers: keyboardist Mike Pinder, flutist Ray Thomas, and bassist John Lodge.

Their first 7 albums are excellent because each person contributed to each song, irrespective of who had the main credit. When they returned after their hiatus pursuing solo projects, the group dynamic had been lost forever. Just play the first 7 albums in chronological order, take a short break, and then play the rest. You'll soon see what I mean. PJG

12 Gentle Giant Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band active between 1970 and 1980. The band was known for the complexity and sophistication of its music and for the varied musical skills of its members.

When you really think about it, any genuine prog rock fan cannot deny the incredible musical dexterity of Gentle Giant. They overlaid rhythms and vocals with some of the most complex compositions of any of the prog groups in existence. I am a big fan of well-known prog bands such as Yes, Tull, Crimso, UK, and ELP. However, Gentle Giant is unmatched in many ways, and each album offers a new height that the band reached at the time of its release. While each album from 1970 through 1976 was once my favorite, nearly four decades later, my vote goes to Octopus for being the quintessential Gentle Giant offering. If you haven't indulged yet, check them out and acquire the taste! - Eric Haubner

There's no beating Gentle Giant. They drew inspiration from numerous different genres of music, and it's evident in their songs. Their compositions and lyricism capture the spirit and diversity of what progressive rock truly is. Pink Floyd is great, but they lean more towards the psychedelic side. Dream Theater is very technical, but they've struggled with consistency recently. Rush is fantastic but isn't as diverse instrumentally. Gentle Giant stands as the best in prog.

13 Kansas Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on album-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind".

I love Kansas. They're not quite like any other Prog band. They have a violin and a more orchestral sound than most prog bands. They weren't early enough to be a Prog pioneer, so they just sort of took the concept in a different direction. It's sort of like Pink Floyd but in another direction. They are certainly the first good American Prog group, and somehow that's perceived as bad by some.

I won't lie and say that Kansas kept making the best music ever into the 80s and 90s, although some of their later stuff is fine. I just prefer Kansas in the 70s more than any other band at any other point. Choosing a longer-standing band with a less impressive peak is like picking sour candy over chocolate. Who does that?

And I don't think they get enough credit for their hot period because A) they started in nowhere America, B) they started in the mid-70s as opposed to the late 60s, and they had cooled off a few years after people had finally caught on to how great they were. Listen to their first 3 albums. They're just as good as the next 2, which are the only ones people know from them because they hadn't caught on yet.

14 Camel Camel are an English progressive rock band formed in 1971. Led by founding member Andrew Latimer, they have produced fourteen original studio albums, fourteen singles plus numerous live albums and DVDs. Without achieving mass popularity, the band gained a cult following over the years with albums such as Mirage, The Snow Goose and Moonmadness. Surviving punk rock, they moved into a jazzier, more commercial... read more

What can I say? Just as The Beatles used to innovate, Camel capitalized on blending genres. In most of their songs, you get a fusion of Rock, Classical, Orchestra, and other musical elements, all in one track. I've always admired how they could craft a 9-minute song and make it feel like just a few minutes. You can sense the effort and meticulous care the band pours into all their music. They employ a myriad of instruments, and the fine details genuinely shine through, without feeling excessive. The vocals, though sparse, evoke a haunting ambiance that complements the music.

Camel's music is melodic and beautiful. Although they use time signatures like 5/4 and 7/4, the music never feels complex just for the sake of being complex. Numerous talented musicians have been part of the band over the years, including Peter Bardens, who contributed significantly to the unique Camel sound, and Andy Ward, the exceptional drummer for all their 1970s material. However, it's the unparalleled Andrew Latimer, a deeply emotional guitarist and flautist and a gifted composer, who is the heart and soul of this fantastic band.

15 Van der Graaf Generator Van der Graaf Generator are an English progressive rock band, formed in 1967 in Manchester by singer-songwriters Peter Hammill and Chris Judge Smith and the first act signed by Charisma Records.

The greatest band since The Beatles! Music that never grows old, whether you're in your teens or in your 60s. This band's greatness, along with the other fifty or so albums these astounding musicians made with each other under a variety of names (Peter Hammill, The Long Hello, Nic Potter, Judge Smith, Guy Evans, David Jackson) from 1967 until now (2016), and currently awaiting a brand new VdGG album (out September 30, 2016) - all prove quite substantially that these guys make up the ultimate prog band. No other comes even close. Sorry Genesis, Yes, and King Crimson fans. As for Pink Floyd, you may ask? They don't have enough material to compete with VdGG's prolific output. Van der Graaf Generator is for everyone!

I'm not even sure VDGG should be called prog, given that they bear no resemblance to any other famous prog band of the classic prog era, neither in line-up nor in outlook. But I suppose we have to put them somewhere, and since prog means pushing the boundaries, it'll do. The thing that Van Der Graaf Generator has over all the other groups is that once they suck you into one of their best songs (no, they aren't all masterpieces, but boy, are there still a lot), they take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and spit you out pretty much exhausted at the end. They just do not let up. No long solos, just an avalanche of relentless, often maniacal riffs and barely a guitar in sight. And of course, the voice and lyrics of Peter Hammill, who needs those riffs to have something to outdo, which he unerringly does.

16 Electric Light Orchestra The Electric Light Orchestra are an English rock band from Birmingham. They were formed in 1970 by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne with drummer Bev Bevan.

They are progressive rock in the sense that Jeff Lynne openly embraced classical music and combined it with classic rock to create something unique. They advanced rock in an intriguing direction while still remaining widely accessible.

I find it hard to believe that ELO hasn't been on this list before. Some of their prog rock songs are among the best I've ever heard, and they remain one of my favorite bands today.

What?! ELO has to be my favorite band, alongside The Who and Pink Floyd. But why are The Who, Queen, and Smashing Pumpkins included here?

17 Supertramp Supertramp were an English progressive rock band that was founded in 1969 in London, United Kingdom with members Roger Hodgson, Frank Farrell, Rick Davies, Kevin Currie, and Dave Winthrop. The band reached their commercial peak with 1979's "Breakfast in America" which sold over 20,000,000 copies worldwide.

Who compiled this list?

It doesn't make sense!

Yes, Genesis, Supertramp.

Close to the Edge, Selling England by the Pound, and Crime of the Century.

These are the definitive prog rock albums to bring to a desert island.

There are many more albums by the same bands. But these are the perfect ones. Think about it!

It's surprising when The Police are apparently considered a better prog rock band than Supertramp. What?! I'd rather classify Dream Theater and Tool as prog metal bands, but I'll let that pass.

The entire Crime Of The Century album is superb. Just listen to School and tell me that's not an amazing prog rock song.

I don't have too many complaints about them being ranked at 18th, but I would personally place them in the top 15 at least. Just for the albums Crime Of The Century and Even In The Quietest Moments, they should rank a bit higher.

18 Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band from California that served as the backing musicians for Frank Zappa. Their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows.
19 Soft Machine Soft Machine are an English rock and jazz band from Canterbury formed in mid-1966, named after the novel The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs.

Soft Machine was one of the very first prog bands. They are incredibly talented musicians. They should be in the top 20.

20 The Police The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland. They are most known for their songs "Message In A Bottle", "Don't Stand So Close To Me", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Roxanne", And "Every Breath You Take" .

While not officially a prog rock band, I do see hints of prog in some of their songs, especially if you delve deeper into their discography and move away from their pop rock hits. Either way, I love the band.

21 Deep Purple Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of... read more

I agree. Child in Time is prog. Try listening to April from 1969 and tell me that it's anything but prog. It's absolutely awesome, but mostly lost, as Deep Purple fans are generally oblivious to the early stuff.

I love this band. But they are not a progressive rock band. Maybe they're closer to a heavy metal blues band or just a metal band. However, that being said, they are one of the greatest bands of all time.

Deep Purple was formed as a progressive rock band and carried that style throughout their early years. They are one of the absolute best. Being 17th on this list is a joke.

22 Gong

This band definitely needs to be higher up on the list. What an incredible band! They introduced such unique and interesting sounds to progressive rock and to music in general. They made amazing use of synthesizers, had really tasteful bass lines, and had incredibly goofy but wonderful lyrics in their own special way. This band is at least in the top 10 prog bands ever, in my opinion, and I am sure many would agree.

Gong explored various styles, but they certainly deserve a place in progressive rock.

23 Roxy Music Roxy Music were an English rock band formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry, who became the band's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson.

They started the "Art Rock" progressive movement.

24 Queen Queen are an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). Before forming into Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of Smile and encouraged them to experiment with more elaborate... read more

Contrary to what many believe, Queen was very much a Progressive Rock band. Their earliest works showcased their most intricately constructed pieces and innovative studio engineering. Their mid-career marked a more Pop-driven era, but they concluded with a more refined Prog Rock sound. Even Bohemian Rhapsody is a distinguished Progressive Rock track. Its immense popularity might overshadow its progressive nature, but it was ahead of its time. Prog is all about innovating with unique song structures, often merging classical themes with experimental recording. Queen embodies this essence. Queen II and A Night At The Opera are remarkable Prog albums, while The Miracle and Innuendo aptly encapsulate their association with the genre. Labeling them merely as Pop and Rock would be a dramatic understatement.

Queen might not have been a prog band, but they incorporated prog flair into their music. Queen II, A Night at the Opera, and Innuendo can all be considered prog albums. They might not deserve the top 10 spot, but they're certainly more progressive than The Smashing Pumpkins.

25 Opeth Opeth is a Swedish progressive death metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1990 by David Isberg, who invited Mikael Akerfeldt into the band as a bassist. Isberg ended up leaving the band, which lead to Mikael becoming the band's vocalist, guitarist, principal songwriter, and driving force. Along with Edge of Sanity, Opeth is credited with being the first progressive death metal band, although they... read more

Highly underrated. I find them to be the most interesting, complex, and original band of the last few decades. I especially appreciate them for not being preoccupied with just sounding "so metal hurr durr" (not that the other bands necessarily are, but some fans would want them to :D). Fascinating harmonies, always surprising, delicious, original, and fresh on every level. Not swamped in cliches. Music that is both intelligent and atmospheric.

18?!?! This band should be much higher. There is a ton of variety in their music, with some of it being very heavy and containing death growls, and some of it is very soft with clean vocals. They have been very prolific over the years with 11 studio albums since 1995. They are one of the best prog bands out there.

I'm not sure who places Tool above Opeth. Tool is so overrated. There's a rare brilliance to Opeth, not only in their time and key changes but also in the way they know a catchy riff and draw it out, where most bands play their best riffs only for a few bars. Their best works are the Blackwater Park and Deliverance albums.

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