How my appreciation of Prog Rock began

I was first introduced to what we might call progressive metal when my Physics teacher used to play songs by Dream Theater and Symphony X during our quizzes. He used the teaching of the physics of music as an excuse to show us videos of Dream Theater's live concerts and play examples from his CD collection.

For anyone who's ever seen examples of Jordan Rudess's keyboard mastery, you already can guess how I must have felt. I cannot say that I am a complete "freak" for Dream Theater's music. Nor can I claim that I am a wonderful musician. However, I have learned a fair share of music theory, and have been seriously involved in several different ensembles. I play a little bit of piano, but not much.

What I have discovered in progressive metal music, specifically from Dream Theater, Symphony X, Queensryche, Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire, and even the little-known Chrome Shift is a genre that can entertain me for hours but which can also serve as fulfilling music to play along in my head. I feel that progressive metal music is a complete art form. The sound is often big and full, but not so overpowering as to make one think that making noise is the only purpose for the music.

In these postings, I hope to raise awareness. I can no longer imagine my life without progressive metal music. Therefore, I will inform the world about progressive metal and encourage everyone to experience (for it is not merely listening!) it.


P.S. I think that, as valuable as I believe allmusic.com is, it does not give a picture that is enough in-depth. The site only gives history and simplified musical analyses. I will aim to do more.