2009 was a great year for Prog Music. Here is a list of the TOP 5 Progressive Rock / Metal albums released in 2009.
1. Between the Buried and Me - The Great Misdirect
"The Great Misdirect" was the surprise record of the year for me. The sticker on the CD read "A mix of Slayer and Genesis". A good analogy, and while they borrow elements from those artists, B.T.B.A.M. carry their own weight and have shaped their unique sound.
This album has everything you would expect from a classic prog album. Complex, yet simple. Seamless blend of classical and acoustic guitars, honky piano, great keyboard solos, growling and melodic vocals, catchy riffs, all the while incorporating elaborate instrumental time shifting parts.
We will hear more of Between The Burried And Me in the near future I reckon!
Favorite track: Swim to the Moon
2. Mastodon - Crack the Skye
The break out album from the Atlanta natives shook the metal world in 2009. Mastodon's past albums are considered by many as classics (think Leviathan), and in many regards they are. But "Crack The Skye" reached a broader audience and here we have the sound of a mature, and dare I say more "mainstream" sound. Producer Brendan O'Brien together with the band achieved in creating a fine balance between the whiplash time changes and complex song structures, while not sacrificing the "song" factor.
The band refers to this album as "The Album of Our Lives". We can't wait for what's in store for Mastodon after this masterpiece!
Favorite track: Quintessence
3. Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Lining
In my opinion, Black Clouds & Silver Lining is the best Dream Theater album since "Train of Thought", and one of the best DT albums overall. Portnoy and the gang have become the leaders in Prog, and releases like this leap them a step closer in the evolution of their status as Progressive legends.
Each of the trax on Black Clouds & Silver Lining are complete. The melodies are memorable, guitars are heavy and groovin', and Jordan Rudess offers his best performance with DT.
Favrotie Track: "The Best of Times" - a memorable and touching piece which will go down as one of the Dream Theater classic songs.
Carpe Diem!
4. Muse - The Resistance
Prog cross over UK band MUSE has released one of the year's most popular "Rock" albums of 2009. This album is filled with anthems. Hooky lead melodies, synth driven riffs, bluesy & raunchy guitars mixed with classical piano make "The Resistance" a really interesting and fun listen.
"Uprising" kicks off the album and sets the atmosphere for this journey that transports us to pop, melodic, electro, Queen influenced, epic album. Chopin's "Nocturne in E Flat Minor" fuses beautifully at the end of "United States of Eurasia". Even the often used "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven fits in beautifully in "ExoGenesis: Symphony Part 3".
At first listen, was average, after many listens, it really grows on you and settles itself into your favorites in the stereo system pile, or iPod.
Can't wait to hear it again!
Favorite Track: Guiding Light
5. Porcupine Tree - The Incident
10th studio album from UK's Psych - art rock - progressive band Porcupine Tree. Fronted by Steven Wilson (Opeth producer amongst others). Dark, heavy trax like "The Incident" are haunting and mysterious. "Octane Twisted", perhaps the best track on this album is where everything comes together on the album, and from then on, it continues to grow and finally explodes on "Circle of Maniacs".
The ghosts of Pink Floyd must have made their way into the studio at one point during this album. "Time Flies" takes us on an "Animals" trip, while bits and pieces from other songs throw a tribute to Atom Heart Mother & Meddle.
This Double CD is great as the sum of all the pieces. Listening to a song here or there will not cut it. However, making an experience out of "The Incident" is well worth it and one that will be visited again and again.
Favorite Track: "Circle of Maniacs"
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