Progressive metal is a genre that is a subgenre to heavy metal. It combines loud aggression and calm guitar sounds, uneven tachometer. The genre as a distinct music style was advanced by members of American heavy/power metal scene the end of 1980s, such as Fates Warning, Dream Theater and Queensrÿche. Progressive metal has many sub-genres compared to other music styles. Progressive metal is really similar to experimental metal but they have their differences.

In progressive metal, the musicians use more traditional instruments such as guitar and the synthesizer. But in experimental metal, most of the experimentation is in the use of unusual sounds and instruments. In progressive metal musicians use synthesizer, electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion vocals and keyboards. Now the progressive metal has been survived as the underground music.

Most popular groups are “Dream Theater”, “Opeth”, “Queensrÿche”, “Tool” and “Mastodon”. Music videos are usually made in dark places like basement and garages or forests. Concert locations usually are in some kind of arena.

I think that this genre is really similar to gothic subculture because their style is also dark and mysterious but progressive metal is calmer. They like to dress in black and men have long beards and hair. Men also put dark eyeshadow under the waterline.

In Latvia there are some progressive metal groups but they aren’t well known. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the groups because in Latvia the genre isn’t so well-known. They are underground music groups so a few people know them. Jelgava has a bar that only plays progressive metal and has a few concerts with progressive metal groups.

Personally I am not a fan of this genre. I think that it is too dark for me but if my friends are listening to it in the car then I can stand it. My taste is more feminine and soft. I can see myself in the future going to a progressive metal group concert but only for the experience. I can say that the melody of some songs are quite nice but they aren’t for me.