I don't listen to Ayreon anymore, so that tipped the scale for the three American bands. 

Pain of Salvation and Riverside are both excellent bands. 

 

Actually, I would go as far as to say there is way more European music, in general, and probably in every genre, that I prefer to the American equivalent. But then, that is possibly because I am assumin by the bands listed, that the OP means North American only. If Central and South America were included, it would give the Americas a boost. Unfortunately, it probably still couldn’t compete with the sheer variety Europe has to offer - simply because there are so many geographic regions within Europe that have such different cultures, traditional musical styles, and instrumentation.

It’s not really a fair contest, from my point of view. But I’m well aware my view may be a minority, as a lot of people will listen to only the bands from Europe and America which are largely homogeneous, and drawing upon the same influences and sounds.

If you meant the US vs Europe, then Europe would almost certainly win hands down with me, every time.

Not that this matters, but the U.S.A. is the only country on both continents that has America in its name. I know of no other person on these two continents that is having some battle over the usage of the name Americans, though I will admit I may be ignorant of such a thing going on. I know most Canadians would never want to be called Americans, though given the last few years, I would consider it an honor if somebody called me a Canadian.

Inside my country, sometimes we are referred to by the state we live in. In my case, Pennsylvanians. But that isn't common usage where I live. Similar examples are Californians, Texans, Arizonans, Minnesotans, etc.

English is a weird language.

there's also Threshold with Andrew McDermott and Glynn Morgan, which is just as good as the work with Damien, sometimes even better IMO. 

I get mad at my country all the time. When I do, I usually call them turds or poopheads. Maybe not so helpful in the grand scheme of things, but at the least a form of stress relief.

I'm English first and foremost, British second, and a UK citizen a distant third, and an American to me is a citizen of the United States. 

I voted neither since I just can’t see the appeal in anything metal related

Ayreon are OK, but POS are very good and Riverside are simply wonderful.

So Europe for me.

Nick is actually a Kiwi, and neither English, nor British. As a pākeha New Zealander, that does of course mean I am of European descent. This is mostly Scottish and Irish, with a smattering of English (mostly Cornish - which, just to throw another spanner in the works, are a people who are technically English, but would think of themselves as Cornish before English, and probably even British before English).

start with their albums between 1989-2000. if you like those, explore the rest. 

I don't know how much metal you listen, but if you do listen, even their early work with John Arch on vocals might please you. It's US Power at its best. 

No Exit (1988)

Perfect Symmetry (1989)

Parallels (1991)

Inside Out (1994)

Theories of Flight (2016)

Long Day Good Night (2020)

Each album can be heard in its entirety on YT.

I like Psychedelicatessen, but the albums with Mac are more power and less prog. Therefore, I prefer the ones with Damian.

I disagree here, the albums with Damian after Mac left are a continuation of the sound of Hypothetical and Subsurface. Threshold have got their own sound and they're sticking with it, which in their case, it's fine. 

You forgot Dead Reckoning. IMO, they've never topped Extinct Instinct, though I like everything with Damian. I even like "Mission Profile" live (with Damian) better than the studio version. As you were. 

I did not forget anything.  Just giving examples of albums that define The Threshold sound these days. 

I also prefer Mac to Damian so I might be biased. 

No way can Damian sing Mission Profile better than Mac. 

As I was... 

Thanks, and to Cristi, I will probably start on Spotify

I say a mix of both . . .

we have to choose between the options there in the poll. 

Otherwise I'd choose both, there is great progressive metal in both Europe and the US. 

considering how unpopular the genre is on the forum these days, I'm not surprised to be honest. 

I like heavy prog , etc but have never been able to get into the prog metal realm. Just doesn't click for me....not sure why.

Hmm... well for the original article it would have to be Britain (not "Europe")--   Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Angel Witch, Automatic Fine Tuning.  

But for contemporary stuff Europe also has some greats: 1980 (France), Spiral Architect (Norway), Opeth (Sweden), CWE (Germany) . . . and the kings, Planet X .

Man, I'm so glad that you've been repping Planet X so much lately. Moonbabies is one of my favorite jazz fusion/jazz metal albums out there, and it's also incredibly nostalgic for me. I was around 11 when I first heard it, and it was one of the records that really got me infatuated with both jazz and prog in the first place 

If I had voted according to the OP, rather than the title, “neither” would probably have been the most accurate response for me. But I felt it was rather negative, which is why I ignored the bands, and went purely for the American vs. European.

Of course, I also made the assumption that American meant North American (as no bands listed came from any other part of the Americas), only to find in a response to my post that it was even more specific, and meant the US.

In terms of geographical areas, Europe walks all over the US. It’s not even close to a fair competition. But in terms of these bands, well to put it politely, I can definitely understand why there are so many “neither” votes, and the only reason mine isn’t one of them, is that I don’t like to be negative, if I can find a way to be positive.

Well I don't understand what's wrong with the genre? It's good music to my ears (both American and European).

European for me on the strength of Riverside.

When dealing with my British friends, I often refer to myself as a "colonial."  

I've offered to apologize to Her Majesty if she would take us back, but it hasn't happened yet.  

Whenever I am abroad, it never ceases to amaze me how accurate the term "ugly American" can be.  

Another good term for all of us is "Yankee" or "Yank."  More times than not, there is a derogatory spin to the word, but I don't mind it.  I've been called a "Damn Yankee!" to my face in the southern USA, we all just laughed! 

As far as metal, I think European is more creative....it often has a nice classical touch that we Yanks can't really emulate.  Happy New Year, all!!  

*Charles the Colonial*