The Best Progressive Rock Bands of the Last 20 Years and Why

I have been making a conscious effort to catch up with modern progressive rock (prog) music. After a long hiatus, something reminded me of the incredible passion I have for this genre. This article highlights my current favorites, with caveats for their evolving styles.

My Current Favorites

Here are the progressive rock bands I hold in high regard:

1. Big Big Train

Big Big Train is undoubtedly one of the premier progressive rock bands, but with a slight caveat: they have been gradually moving towards a more mainstream sound. Nevertheless, they continue to produce exceptional albums.

2. Spock's Beard

Spock's Beard is another standout band in progressive rock. Their intricate compositions and unique style are a testament to their dedication to the genre.

3. Pendragon

Pendragon is a band that has been around for a while but maintains a consistent and dedicated fan base. They continue to create high-quality music and are still going strong.

4. Transatlantic/The Flower Kings

Both Transatlantic and The Flower Kings are projects led by Roine Stolt, a master guitarist. These musicians bring together brilliant collaborations, each providing fresh and innovative compositions.

5. The Tangent

Discovering The Tangent was a pleasant surprise. Known for their resolutely modern approach, their music often cites influences from the late 1960s and early 1970s, creating a unique blend of past and present.

Keeping Up with Modern Progressive Rock

Staying up to date with modern prog is challenging, as many bands either stick too closely to old formulas or venture into obscure genres that may not appeal to a wider audience. However, there are real outliers that push the boundaries and maintain a certain quality.

Recent Outliers in Progressive Rock

While establishing the "top five" is subjective, there are several modern progressive rock bands that stand out. Here are a few of my current favorites:

1. Arabs In Aspic

Arabs In Aspic's song "I Vow To Thee My Screen" from their album Madness and Magic (2020) is a standout track. Their unique blend of modern and vintage prog rock is compelling.

2. Cynic

Cynic's "Costumed In Grace" from The Portal Tapes (2012) is a powerful and intricate jazz-prog piece, showcasing the band's technical prowess and emotional depth.

3. Pure Reason Revolution

Pure Reason Revolution's "Silent Genesis" from their album Eupnea (2020) is a beautiful and evocative composition, with complex arrangements and atmospheric textures.

4. Gazpacho

Gazpacho's "Black Lily" from March Of Ghosts (2012) is a haunting and captivating track, demonstrating the band's ability to blend various elements into a cohesive and mesmerizing sound.

5. I Am The Morning

"Too Many Years" from I Am The Morning's Lighthouse (2016) is a reflective and thought-provoking song, with its blend of melancholic melodies and uplifting lyrics.

Extra Track for Newer Prog Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy digging deeper into the modern prog scene, here is an additional track:

Soul Machine by Trees Speak

"Soul Machine" from Trees Speak's latest album, Trees Speak (2017), is a perfect example of contemporary prog rock at its finest. The track showcases the band's ability to blend intricate composition with soulful melody, making it a standout in the prog rock world.

These modern progressive rock artists are pushing boundaries and continuing to innovate, ensuring that the genre remains vibrant and evolving. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to progressive rock, there's always something new and exciting to discover.