The Pioneers of Progressive Rock

King Crimson

Their 1969 debut In the Court of the Crimson King is often considered the birth of progressive rock.

Yes

Masters of complex compositions and soaring melodies, with classics like Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972).

Genesis

Led by Peter Gabriel in their early years, albums like Selling England by the Pound (1973) are landmarks of the genre.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP)

Fused rock with classical influences in albums like Brain Salad Surgery (1973).

Jethro Tull

Blended folk and rock with progressive elements in Thick as a Brick (1972).
The Progressive Giants of the ’70s and ’80s

Pink Floyd – Although more psychedelic, albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and Wish You Were Here (1975) have strong prog elements.

Rush – Canadian power trio known for technical prowess, with albums like 2112 (1976) and Moving Pictures (1981).

Van der Graaf Generator – Darker and more avant-garde, led by Peter Hammill, with Pawn Hearts (1971) as a standout.

Camel – Blended symphonic and jazz elements in classics like The Snow Goose (1975).

Gentle Giant – Known for intricate vocal harmonies and complex arrangements (Octopus, 1972).

Neo-Prog and the Modern Evolution

Marillion – Leaders of the 1980s neo-prog movement, with Misplaced Childhood (1985) as their breakthrough.

Porcupine Tree – Steven Wilson’s brainchild, merging prog with alternative and metal elements (Fear of a Blank Planet, 2007).

Dream Theater – Progressive metal pioneers, with technical mastery and albums like Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999).

The Flower Kings – Swedish band that revived classic symphonic prog in the ’90s.

Opeth – A blend of death metal and progressive rock, especially in albums like Blackwater Park (2001).

Modern Progressive Rock Innovators

Steven Wilson – His solo work continues to push the boundaries of progressive music (Hand. Cannot. Erase., 2015).

Haken – A modern band known for their intricate compositions and progressive metal influences (The Mountain, 2013).

Riverside – Polish prog rockers with emotional depth and atmospheric soundscapes.

Leprous – A unique blend of prog, alternative, and art rock.;

Big Big Train – Combining classic progressive rock with folk and storytelling elements.