Top 50 Prog Rock Artists

Well, to my ears, what Haken does better than Riverside (usually) is make their tracks more interesting and varied. Riverside HAVE been consistent, and I haven't detected much of an evolution in their sound. Now, the evolution can be for better OR for worse. And that'll be up to personal taste as well. I liked the progression of Haken's music from Aquarius through Affinity (Visions probably also my favorite, though I think The Mountain is their most quintessential album), as well as the Restoration EP. I'm not as big on Vector/Virus. Fauna was a grower. Riverside, on the other hand... I can't really think of too many of their tracks and hear them in my head. Granted, I have spent less time getting into them. But I do respect them, and their atmospherics are well produced. But they're missing the exciting factor. Once again, this is all subjective. But Haken have remained influential amongst many newer prog/metal groups. I have read less on Riverside's influence (though they certainly have been influential).

The Flower Kings on the other hand? How many retro symph/neo bands cite TFK specifically as influences? I'm sure they like them, who wouldn't if you play that kind of music? But most of those groups get right to the heart of it and cite Yes before they'd cite TFK.

At least they are all prog artists, regardless the position in the list.

-- INCLUDING VANGELIS -- (just to renew the debate)

Haken do not sound like Riverside at all - now I'm not sure whether you're just trolling 

Leprous are definitely cool, and the vocals are somewhat unique. Definitely innovative. But Haken are branching out more and more into Jazz-Fusion and Djent. Aquarius had a unique concept, and it was cool how they made Cockroach King into its own story across several album. Then there was the 80s-retro thing with Affinity. Haven't checkout out Leprous in great detail yet, but that's a tall order to beat ...

let me guess Yes, Genesis and Floyd

I find RYM's and PA's top lists to be clearly more representative for the generel appreciation of various Prog artists, even 

they're not easy to recalculate from albums to bands, and there's quite a difference in their definition of Progressive Rock.

I'm mystified as to why The Mars Volta and Tool are rated so highly too, especially considering they have about as much appeal to me as a rusty old spanner. 

      It's maybe more understandable when looking at RYM's chart: