Hey Folks

I'm not going to do some huge drawn out introduction because of how late it is, but anyways, here goes:

I started my prog journey with Tull and Floyd, but got seriously into it after discovering Dream Theater about two years back. A few months ago I found this site, and I finally found the balls to sign up. My knowledge is pretty limited right now, but I've been going through the recommended albums/bands lists on this site to try and find some new stuff. My favorite bands at the moment are the aforementioned three, Liquid Tension Experiment, Rush, Pain of Salvation (I've only heard Be, Perfect Element, and Remedy Lane, but I absolutely head over heels love this band), Riverside, Marillion (kinda, still trying to get into it, but I can tell that there is alot to like), Symphony X, Kamelot, Devin Townsend's stuff, Unexpect (only heard "In a Flesh Aquarium" but I really like the sound), Tool, Queensryche, and I'm kinda liking King Crimson (I only have In the Court of the Crimson King, so I don't know much about their sound after that). If anyone has some recommendations, I would really love to hear them, as I am always looking to expand. That being said, I have two exceptions to bands that most likely come to mind when people see all the metal on my list:

1. I can't listen to Opeth. I just can't. I love every part of that band but the vocals. I have enormous respect for Mikael, but I just can't sit down and get into the music.
2. Ayreon. I'm trying, I really am, but the music comes off as way too pompous in many sections, and too dull in others. I'll keep trying to get into it though.

Anyways, if anyone has any input, I would really appreciate it!

Regards,

Taylor

I've actually kinda enjoyed the bits of Mastodon that I've heard, so I think I will try and pick up Leviathan. Damnation is also something I will add to my "to buy" list. Finally, as for Van Der Graaf Generator, I have to be honest and say that I don't have a clue what they sound like, so I will try and look into them. Thanks for the welcome and the recommendations.  

Well, that's good then, Damnation is a good album. Very atmospheric. Steven Wilson of Pocrupine Tree produced it, and it's predecessor, "Blackwater Park". You DO know Porcupine Tree, don't you? In case you don't, i'd point you straight towards "Deadwing", because it is the heaviest one. At least that's what people tell me, i haven't heard the latest :) Especially "Arriving somewhere but not here" is a perfect mix of spacey, out-there atmospheric music and heavy metal riffs.

Van Der Graaf Generator are a very interesting band, i had no idea what they sounded like either before my first album, needless to say i was pretty shocked. Liked it though, the existential lyrics and dense soundscapes.

Hawkwind is a pretty interesting band. Is it Space Ritual you've heard? Love that album!

I have never head Warrior on the edge of time, i keep looking for it every record store i am in, though. Strange that i never find it, it drives me mental.

Shadow gallery is a band i haven't heard. Actually, i'm not much into prog metal. I like it, of course (actually, i love it) but i just haven't gotten so far in yet, and i have a broad taste, so it takes me a while to get around to it all. :)

Have you tried any post-rock at all? It is a very popular genre here, with some really great bands, if you're into that stuff. "That stuff" usually means simpler, slower, more atmospheric soundscapes, but there is something called "post-metal" as well, which is more like Tool and Devin Townsend. At least that's what i've heard, i'm not really the guy for that, but there is some good and heavy stuff there you might want to check out.

I know it is easy to be overwhelmed by recommendations, everyone tries to give his best advice and you end up with an enormous shoppinglist, but... well. :) At least you have a place to start..

I know, i remember how it was! :)
Actually, for most people, it never stops, they just go deeper and deeper, but i found that i didn't have the money and time to listen to so much new music every day, so i have slowed down on that area a bit now.

Lateralis was my first metal album. Love at first sight, and it totally ruined me. I even like Dragonforce now, and i used to be so picky with what i listened to! : )

Well, since i used to be so EXTREMELY reserved towards power-metal, i have only gotten around to hearing Nightfall in middle earth by BG and Wishmaster by Nightwish. Former is good, some really good songs (i especially like Mirror Mirror), latter is okay, i guess.
You're welcome to recommend something if you have any personal favourites, i want it to bee really dorky and melodic, the complete opposite of Tool, you might say. :) I believe in variation, see..

you, judged by your tastes... probably woudn't dig my suggestions... but welcome to the  forum. 

micky wrote: you, judged by your tastes... probably woudn't dig my suggestions... but welcome to the  forum.

Eh, actually,  I'm pretty open to anything. Fire some suggestions at me and I'm pretty sure I will find something I like. I've had a pretty eccentric musical past spanning most genres, for instance, from the age of 1 to 9, I listened exclusively to Jazz fusion.

@Evans: Children of Bodom is closer to screaming than growling. Dimmu Borgir I can't comment much on, as from what I've heard, I hate them. That being said, their vocalist is a growler, both high and low pitch.

haven't forgotten about you Taylor.. .working up some stuff for you..... if I don't finish tonight I will this week.

hopefully you'll dig it... I've got a good track record tor conversions