2. Leprous – “Aphelion” (2021)
Norwegian band Leprous has steadily garnered acclaim for their emotive and genre-bending sound. “Aphelion” is a testament to their ability to blend melancholic melodies with progressive elements, offering listeners a deeply immersive experience. Tracks such as “Running Low” and “Castaway Angels” explore themes of isolation and introspection, resonating profoundly in today’s world.
Key Highlights:
- Emotionally charged vocal performances by Einar Solberg.
- Innovative use of orchestration and synthesizers.
- Rich, atmospheric production quality.
3. Caligula’s Horse – “Rise Radiant” (2020)
Australia’s Caligula’s Horse released “Rise Radiant” in 2020, an album that triumphantly explores themes of resilience and triumph. It combines the band’s trademark melodic sensibilities with intricate arrangements, resulting in a dynamic and emotionally charged listening experience. Notable tracks include “The Tempest” and “Slow Violence”, both showcasing the band’s versatility and depth.
Key Highlights:
- Powerful lyrical themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
- Complex guitar harmonies and solos.
- Seamless blending of progressive metal and rock elements.
4. Dream Theater – “A View from the Top of the World” (2021)
Veteran prog metal band Dream Theater returned with “A View from the Top of the World”, an album that encapsulates their legendary status in the genre. With tracks like “The Alien” and the epic title track, the band delivers a masterclass in musicianship, balancing technical proficiency with compelling storytelling.
Key Highlights:
- Epic compositions and extended instrumental sections.
- James LaBrie’s powerful vocal delivery.
- John Petrucci’s virtuosic guitar work.
5. Between the Buried and Me – “Colors II” (2021)
“Colors II” sees Between the Buried and Me continuing the narrative and musical themes of their landmark 2007 album “Colors”. This sequel album is an audacious mix of progressive, metalcore, and avant-garde elements, demonstrating the band’s relentless innovation and creativity. Standout tracks include “The Double Helix of Extinction” and “Revolution in Limbo”.
Key Highlights:
- Seamless transitions between disparate musical styles.
- Complex thematic continuity with “Colors”.
- Dynamic vocal and instrumental performances.
6. Soen – “Imperial” (2021)
Swedish prog metal band Soen delivers a powerful message with “Imperial”, a politically charged album that fuses heavy riffs with poignant lyrics. Songs like “Monarch” and “Antagonist” highlight the band’s ability to balance aggression with melody, offering a reflective commentary on contemporary societal issues.
Key Highlights:
- Strong thematic focus on political and social issues.
- Rich, melodic textures and powerful vocal performances.
- Dynamic interplay between heavy and soft musical elements.
7. Mastodon – “Hushed and Grim” (2021)
“Hushed and Grim”, Mastodon’s eighth studio album, stands as a monumental work that explores themes of loss and grief. The band’s ability to blend sludgy riffs with progressive complexity results in an album that is both haunting and cathartic. Tracks like “Teardrinker” and “Gigantium” showcase Mastodon’s unique ability to create emotionally resonant music.
Key Highlights:
- Exploration of deeply personal themes of loss.
- Intricate guitar work and powerful drumming.
- Expansive and dynamic songwriting.
8. Devin Townsend – “Lightwork” (2022)
Devin Townsend, known for his eclectic and genre-defying music, released “Lightwork” in 2022. This album marks a departure from his heavier works, offering a more ambient and introspective sound. Tracks like “Moonpeople” and “Lightworker” are rich with lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics, showcasing Townsend’s versatility as a musician.
Key Highlights:
- Shift towards a more ambient and reflective sound.
- Rich, atmospheric production and soundscapes.
- Insightful and introspective lyrical themes.
9. Opeth – “In Cauda Venenum” (Swedish Version) (2020)
Although released in late 2019, Opeth’s “In Cauda Venenum” continued to captivate audiences into the 2020s with its Swedish language version. The album is a masterful blend of progressive rock, metal, and folk influences, showcasing the band’s continuing evolution. Tracks such as “Svekets Prins” and “Hjärtat Vet Vad Handen Gör” offer a rich tapestry of sound that is both intricate and immersive.
Key Highlights:
- Fusion of progressive rock and metal with Swedish folk elements.
- Complex and nuanced compositions.
- Mikael Åkerfeldt’s versatile vocal and compositional prowess.
10. TesseracT – “Portals” (2021)
“Portals” by TesseracT is a live cinematic experience that reimagines the band’s work through a visual and auditory lens. While not a traditional studio album, “Portals” captures the essence of TesseracT’s progressive and djent influences, providing fans with a new perspective on their music through performances of tracks like “Of Matter” and “Concealing Fate”.
Key Highlights:
- Innovative live cinematic presentation.
- Reimagined performances of classic tracks.
- Immersive audio-visual experience.
11. Plini – “Impulse Voices” (2020)
Australian guitarist Plini’s “Impulse Voices” is an instrumental masterpiece that blurs the lines between progressive metal and jazz fusion. Known for his impeccable technique and melodic sensibility, Plini crafts an album that is both technically impressive and emotionally moving. Tracks like “I’ll Tell You Someday” and “Papelillo” showcase his ability to create complex yet accessible music.
Key Highlights:
- Blend of progressive metal with jazz fusion elements.
- Technical virtuosity and melodic composition.
- Emotionally evocative instrumental storytelling.
In conclusion, the 2020s have already proven to be a fertile ground for the evolution of progressive metal. These eleven albums highlight the genre’s diversity and the artists’ unyielding commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Whether through groundbreaking compositions, thematic depth, or innovative production, these works represent the current pinnacle of prog metal artistry.