Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography

TECH/EXTREME PROG METAL

A Progressive Rock Sub-genre


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal definition

This category lists technical Progressive Metal bands that have roots in Extreme Metal or that are strongly influenced by it. The style developed by the end of the 80s in the Thrash Metal scene when a number of bands stretched the boundaries of their sound by including elements from Progressive Rock. Death Metal followed a similar path in the 90s and by the 2000s, also Black Metal and Metalcore saw an increasing amount of bands taking in Prog influences.

Certain bands like EPHEL DUATH and UNEXPECT developed a style that largely abandoned their extreme metal heritage in favour of a highly eclectic jazz-influenced Avant Metal style. These bands are listed under Experimental Metal.


Progressive Thrash Metal
By the end of the 80s Thrash Metal had diversified its sound significantly to an extent where the originally very direct and uncompromisingly aggressive style had become more sophisticated, boasting challenging technical skills and ambitious song structures frequently surpassing the 6 minute mark. The best known examples are METALLICA and MEGADETH.

The bands listed in this section went one step further and embraced notable influences from Progressive Rock, replacing much of the typical Thrash Metal riffs and rhythms with a more progressive and melodic riffing style, influenced by KING CRIMSON and RUSH. The most well-known of these early bands was VOIVOD, who also brought the early psychedelic sound of PINK FLOYD into their unique mold. Important pioneering albums were released by WATCHTOWER, CORONER, MEKONG DELTA, as well as the debut album of SIEGES SEVEN.
More recent examples of Progressive Thrash are SPIRAL ARCHITECT and VEKTOR


Progressive Death Metal
Death Metal further built on the sound of the most extreme bands of the Thrash scene. Next to the brutal sound, blast beat drumming, complex song structures and multiple tempo changes, the most notorious feature of the style is probably the growled vocals. Death Metal is generally highly technical, making the dividing line between Technical Death Metal and Progressive Death Metal sometimes rather faint.

The bands considered for Prog Archives are those that show significant influences from Progressive Rock and/or Fusion. One of the landmarks in the style is "Elements" from ATHEIST, who mixed their hyper-technical Speed Metal with fusion. Other early albums include "Focus" from CYNIC and "Spheres" from PESTILENCE, where progressive riffing, polymetrics, fusion influences and atmospheric keyboards complemented their brutal Death Metal. Also DEATH, the popular founder of Death Metal, incorporated fusion and progressive elements on their later albums.

A different flavour of Progressive Death Metal came from the European continent, when half-way into the 90s leading death and doom-death bands started expanding their basic metal sound. The most significant album relevant to this section is "Crimson" from EDGE OF SANITY. In typical Scandinavian fashion, their epic approach wasn't fusion oriented but less technical and more melodic, introducing the now typical alteration between brutal Death sections and more melodic breaks with clean vocals; an approach perfected in the next decade by OPETH.


Progressive Black Metal
Unlike Thrash and Death metal, Black Metal is not a technical genre. Originally it was even purposely non-technical and low-fi. By the end of the 90s the genre had developed into various sub-styles, of which some incorporated elements from progressive music.
The bands listed in this section are Black Metal bands that traded the minimalism of Black Metal for a more progressive, technical or experimental approach. This distinguishes them from the Black Metal bands that fleshed out their sound with either post-rock and/or shoegaze influences. Those are listed under Experimental/Post Metal.

One of the earliest and best known example of this style is ENSLAVED, who maintained the harsh atmosphere and aggression of classic Black Metal but extended this with a more textured psychedelic sound, chromatic riffing and odd time-signatures, citing influences from PINK FLOYD, VOIVOD and KING CRIMSON. Also IHSAHN, front-man of EMPEROR, should be mentioned here.

Most artists in this section are Symphonic Black Metal-oriented bands with progressive and experimental influences, but without fully crossing over to either Prog or Avant Metal as they remain oppressively dark, harsh, often dissonant and inaccessible. Their strong ties to Black Metal is why they are featured under Tech/Extreme Prog Metal and not in Avant Prog Metal. Examples are DEATHSPELL OMEGA, MOONSORROW, NEGURA BUNGET and the slightly more accessible theatrical Symphonic Black Metal of ARCTURUS.


Modern Phase
In the 2000s trends became more diffuse, introducing bands that had some of their stylistic features in common with the extreme metal genres without fully belonging in any of them. Some of them continued the strong fusion element and hyper-technical approach from ATHEIST and CYNIC. Instrumental acts such a as EXIVIOUS, CANVAS SOLARIS and BLOTTED SCIENCE received lots of critical acclaim from progressive metal fans.

A new trend was set by MESHUGGAH, one of the most defining bands of this era. At the end of the 90s their eclectic mix of Death, Thrash, Avant, Fusion and Prog laid down the groundrules of Extreme Metal for the next decade. Another well known band to take a similar eclectic approach to Extreme Metal was GOJIRA.
In the second half of the 2000's, many young bands copied MESHUGGAH's guitar tone and rhythmical riffing style, giving rise to the so-called 'djent' movement. Many of these bands belong in Tech/Extreme, such as ANIMALS AS LEADERS, CHIMP SPANNER etc.


Progressive Metalcore
The second half of the 2000s also saw the rise of a new generation of Progressive Tech/Extreme acts with roots that lay in Metalcore, Mathcore and Technical Sludge, rather then the 'classic' Extreme Metal genres. Their music is inherently technical and complex and has quite a number of formal features in common with Progressive Metal such as odd time signatures and non-standard song formats.
Prog Archives only lists these bands that go beyond the default expectations of the genre and bring in distinct non-extreme Prog influences. Some of the most eye-catching bands in this area are BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, PROTEST THE HERO, BURST, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and MASTODON.


--- Definition by Karl and the Progressive Metal Team, January 2012 ---

The Progressive Metal Team are: (9/10/2023)
Gordy
Cristi
Sebastian (Kempokid)
Brendan (Necrotica)

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal Top Albums


Showing only studios | Based on members ratings & PA algorithm* | Show Top 100 Tech/Extreme Prog Metal | More Top Prog lists and filters

4.39 | 247 ratings
OBSCURA
Gorguts
4.28 | 1811 ratings
STILL LIFE
Opeth
4.26 | 1881 ratings
BLACKWATER PARK
Opeth
4.26 | 1759 ratings
GHOST REVERIES
Opeth
4.28 | 659 ratings
SYMBOLIC
Death
4.27 | 530 ratings
CRIMSON
Edge Of Sanity
4.25 | 532 ratings
THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE
Death
4.29 | 266 ratings
DIMENSION HATROSS
Voivod
4.24 | 361 ratings
NOTHINGFACE
Voivod
4.21 | 462 ratings
HUMAN
Death
4.20 | 378 ratings
UNQUESTIONABLE PRESENCE
Atheist
4.20 | 366 ratings
THE PARALLAX II - FUTURE SEQUENCE
Between The Buried And Me
4.16 | 1260 ratings
PALE COMMUNION
Opeth
4.16 | 557 ratings
TRACED IN AIR
Cynic
4.15 | 703 ratings
CRACK THE SKYE
Mastodon
4.15 | 594 ratings
FOCUS
Cynic
4.19 | 259 ratings
THE WAY OF ALL FLESH
Gojira
4.16 | 379 ratings
INDIVIDUAL THOUGHT PATTERNS
Death
4.45 | 54 ratings
NESPITHE
Demilich
4.19 | 205 ratings
BACK TO TIMES OF SPLENDOR
Disillusion

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal overlooked and obscure gems albums new


Random 4 (reload page for new list) | As selected by the Tech/Extreme Prog Metal experts team

THE DESIGN
Into the Moat
LEAVING LOTUS
Counter-World Experience
RUUN
Enslaved
CORTICAL TECTONICS
Canvas Solaris

Latest Tech/Extreme Prog Metal Music Reviews


 Orchid by OPETH album cover Studio Album, 1995
3.28 | 758 ratings

BUY
Orchid
Opeth Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by Hector Enrique

3 stars Originally from the lands that cradled the sordid tonalities of death and black metal, the Swedes Opeth give a twist to the characteristic rispidity of the genre and its gloomy guttural voices, adding folk and progressive elements to conceive "Orchid", their debut album, a novel mixture of chiaroscuro that mutates smoothly from the extreme instrumental gravity to luminous acoustic landscapes.

"Orchid" shows an almost natural inclination for long developments (a characteristic that will be repeated in later works) in humid wooded scenarios and crepuscular reflective moments that Mikael Åkerfeldt describes with his guttural voice transformed at times into crystalline and peaceful. From the opening "In the Mist She Was Standing", surely the most outstanding piece of "Orchid", the atmospheric "Under the Weeping Moon" and its pinkfloydian airs delays, or "Forest of October" and "The Twilight Is My Robe", the pieces are around ten minutes or more, and resort to the constant play of Åkerfeldt and Peter Lindgren's raspy riffs combined with their arpeggiated acoustic guitars, sustained by the correct percussion of Anders Nordin and the at times unmistakable double bass drum at the speed of a fugitive pursued by the police, and the almost invisible bass of Johan de Farfalla.

And in between, to give a greater contrast to the album, the interesting piano solo "Silhouette" by Nordin, something unusual being the percussionist of the band, and the very short and acoustic "Requiem", are a breath of classical airs and prepare the onslaught of "The Apostle in Triumph", another powerful theme that refers to nature with mystical touches and that ends the first musical adventure of Opeth.

Still with a sound to be polished and rudimentary at times, but already showing their particular way of doing things, Opeth begins with "Orchid" to outline their own path.

3/3.5 stars

 Angel Rat by VOIVOD album cover Studio Album, 1991
3.82 | 172 ratings

BUY
Angel Rat
Voivod Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by DangHeck
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Recommended as the favorite Voivod album of my roommate, this was something I couldn't not consider. And frankly, I'm a great appreciator of the band, though neglecting to delve deeper into them, just like a myriad of bands across the spectrum of sound and perceived popularity. And up until today, I've only known the two which preceded it, the beloved and celebrated Dimension Hatross (1988) and, of course, Nothingface (1989). I'm very excited... despite my frustrations to simply sit down with an album and just review it these days (it's been rough); it's been sitting in my queue for months. Early Progressive Metal is very worth 'being about' to me. This release, though... I'm not sure I have the... meanest things to say, at least.

Our '91 release, Voivod's sixth, begins with the short-lived, self-explanatory "Shortwave Intro", opening into "Panorama". This latter track has a surprising amount of classic Metal sonics about: clean vocals and chugging, riffing guitars [the whole album featured this 'surprise']. But then the bridge is quite nice. Progressive? Limited to this section's 6/8 forward drive (the majority is in a quick 4/4). Opening with another classic riff, "Clouds In My House" is next. And the back-glancing doesn't end here at its start. The guitars are slightly overdriven, looking to bands such as Kiss or even Def Leppard (as if I couldn't have said 'even' for Kiss). Signs of its actual time are revealed in its oft-occasioned cool--Dare I call this a reflection of contemporary Alternative Metal?--and instances of pinch squealin' leads. And speaking of, the guitar solo is very tasty indeed. More progressive than "Panorama"? Sure! I guess! Great track nonetheless.

Much to my continued surprise--but not to my chagrin--this general mode of lighter, Alt Metal-inflection continues on "The Prow". Cool rhythm here. Another great, and, yes, classic Metal guitar solo from Piggy. "Best Regards" is the first track which didn't immediately hook me, if that's telling [despite the lack of bolding I've withheld from the last two tracks, and a few toward the end]. A minute in and I'm just as on the fence; my ass is hanging off to one side in particular... It's punky. Interesting, but nothing fantastic. But this also has one of the most obviously progressive moments in its bridge and latter half... Very conflicting. A lot of great things still. Next is "Twin Dummy". Cool riff here, too, though feeling more like Hardcore Punk influenced? The bass from now-featuring Blacky is warmly rolling and flowing into my eardrums; great stuff. Our context is slightly re-substantiated with this total wash of keyboards, yet only briefly, as we approach 2:00.

To follow is the title track, "Angel Rat", bringing with it a totally other vibe; slower and softly 'doomy'. I welcome reproach, though, as this is probably my least favorite track thus far, ironically. Oh, and now "Golem" is up; and no, this isn't Stone Temple Pilots, sir hahaha! The sonic choices on this album are totally baffling to me, to be completely honest. What a strange time for music; and admittedly very great, too, obviously. Getting into the nitty-gritty, this offers far more promise than I first expected. Pretty dark track. And then this bridge section!!! Good God! I believe, a 'finally' is in order, but I'm now remembering track 5 ("Best Regards" seriously did have some not-so-hidden magic). Sadly, this awesome ends far too quick for my tastes. Cool riff and all, and hell, the vocals are working pretty nice here, too; just wanting quite a bit more. And for more confusion, let's talk the weird Mersey Beat randomness that is the harmonica at the start of "The Outcast". More classic Metalings here, over a hurried basic rhythm. All in all, though, it's a big ol' meh from me, dawg...

As we approach the close, "Nuage Fractal" seems to be offering me more of the same. I am terribly sorry to the real deal fans of this one, because I'm just feeling less and less for it as it progresses [there's almost no progression, again ironically]. What this one does offer is some interesting, almost surf-rock guitar, lightly swinging from ear to ear, and all over a fairly cool riff in the midsection. The vocals weren't working so hot for me here, and the overall composition was just not my thing, I guess. Next is "Freedoom"--surprised I've never seen this neologism before--begun with twinkling post-progressivisms, if I can personally pinpoint it; highly uncharacteristic. I mean, this feels like an Alt Rock B-side. Cool vibe though, end of the day. Finally then, around 2:00 (again?), something does in fact happen, and generally reminiscent to this one band I've heard before, too! Voivod, I think they were called... A surprise highlight, in fact! Finally, we have "None Of The Above". More classic, cleaner things going on here, too. Sorry I don't have more to say. Cool guitar solo, anyways. But the song was wanting. Which is not unique to this track.

Checking out the minority negative and middling reviews here before mine, and... yeah. [Starting with the 3-star ratings to those much worse...] Descriptions given for Angel Rat and its components such as 'disappointing', 'more subtle', 'much simpler', 'radio rock', 'not very progressive in any way', 'just awful', 'transitional', 'Grunge from outer space' [I couldn't have said that much better myself], 'average', 'not very convincing', 'suddenly drop off dramatically', 'very bland', 'pedestrian', 'very generic', 'very uninteresting [and] lackluster', 'Don't believe the hype,' 'a huge disappointment' [not to be redundant], and... *cough cough* 'overrated sh*t'... are certainly more than apt for much of the album. There's a smaller part of me that would consider this closer to 2-star material...

 Morgöth Tales by VOIVOD album cover Studio Album, 2023
3.60 | 9 ratings

BUY
Morgöth Tales
Voivod Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars "Morgöth Tales" is the sixteenth full-length studio album by Canadian, Québec based progressive metal/thrash metal act Voivod. The album was released through Century Media Records in July 2023. It´s the successor to "Synchro Anarchy" from February 2022. "Morgöth Tales" is not a studio album featuring new original material though. It´s instead a re-recording album featuring re-recordings of 9 tracks originally recorded and released between 1983-2003 plus one new original composition (titled "Morgöth Tales").

The current incarnation of Voivod have played together for the last 9 years (bassist Dominique "Rocky" Laroche being the last member to join in 2014), and the band have toured quite a lot in those years. They´ve obviously had a wish to show their fans how this version of the band interprete some of the band´s classic tracks, instead of just releasing another best-of compilation album (they´ve already been there and done that). This is also a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of the band´s first demo "Anachronism" from June 1983.

The tracklist is presented in chronological order with the oldest tracks first. "Condemned to the Gallows" opens "Morgöth Tales". It´s a track which originally appeared on the January 1984 "To the Death!..." demo, and which subsequently also would appear on the "Metal Massacre V" various artists compilation (Metal Blade Records, 1984), which helped spread Voivod´s name. Along with "Thrashing Rage" from Voivod´s second album "Rrröööaaarrr" (Combat Records, March 1986) which follows as track number two on "Morgöth Tales", "Condemned to the Gallows" represents the early punk/hardcore influenced speed/thrash metal years of Voivod´s discography. Raw, savage, and aggressive. The re-recordings are of course a lot more polished and you can actually hear all details, which isn´t always possible on the raw early releases from Voivod, and personally I enjoy these re-recordings tremendously...but then again I was never much of a fan of the early Voivod releases, so fans of those releases may find these re-recordings a bit too polished and clean.

The title track from "Killing Technology" (Noise Records, April 1987) follows along with "Macrosolutions to Megaproblems" from "Dimension Hatröss" (Noise Records, June 1988), and both represent the technical/progressive thrash metal part of the band´s history. Both are great tracks, but I prefer the originals. Then comes "Pre-Ignition" from "Nothingface" (MCA Records, October 1989), with it´s almost avant-garde technical/progressive metal sound. "Nothingface" is such a weird and unique album, that not even Voivod have ever been able to make anything like it since. "Nuage Fractal" from "Angel Rat" (MCA Records, November 1991) and "Fix My Heart" from "The Outer Limits" (MCA Records, August 1993) represent Voivod´s psychadelic progressive metal phase and both re-recordings work well. "Rise" from "Phobos" (Hypnotic Records, August 1997) is the only track on "Morgöth Tales" from the Eric Forrest-led era of the band´s history, and the re-recorded version actually features both bass and vocals recorded by Forrest. It´s a decent re-recording but a bit redundant to my ears as the original was already a badass heavy and aggressive song. "Morgöth Tales" closes with "Rebel Robot" from the eponymously titled album (Chophouse Records, March 2003) and features Jason Newsted on bass, and the new original track titled "Morgöth Tales". The former is as faceless as the original from 2003 and the latter is a pretty good quality 2023 Voivod track, which pretty much sounds like the material from "Synchro Anarchy" (Century Media Records, February 2022).

Upon conclusion the idea to re-record some of the classics from Voivod´s back catalogue isn´t a bad one. Personally I prefer the originals (except for the re-recordings of the early track, which are pretty great) but these versions are generally both well performed and arranged too. I have a minor issue with the way the drums are produced as they sound a little thin and clicky, but that´s probably an aquired taste. Other than that "Morgöth Tales" is a good quality release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 Obscura by GORGUTS album cover Studio Album, 1998
4.39 | 246 ratings

BUY
Obscura
Gorguts Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by theaqua

5 stars Obscura is an album that even after so many years continues to sound so brutal, so unique and so innovative even after its release, this is an experience, which takes you on a philosophical and cosmic adventure with dissonant and technical riffs, schizophrenic rhythm, tortured vocals and abstract and thoughtful lyrics, i feel that every moment here is not wasted unnecessarily, which is impressive considering the scope of this album, everything here is incredible and i didn't find a single flaw, however, it may take a while for you to like this album or to absorb it, you need to have an open mind, it's not for everyone, but faced with something so chaotic and so strange, it's a true essential masterpiece, i especially love the title track ''Earthly Love'' ''Nostalgia'' ''La Vie Est Prélude'' and ''Faceless One'', easily one of the best albums i've ever heard.
 Crimson by EDGE OF SANITY album cover Studio Album, 1996
4.27 | 530 ratings

BUY
Crimson
Edge Of Sanity Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by theaqua

4 stars Crimson is quite ambitious, a 40-minute epic that tells an apocalyptic story in which humanity can no longer reproduce, when i heard it for the first time, i was amazed and heard more times, honestly? this is still one of the best death metal projects ever released, everything here is excellent, Dan Swanö has very versatile and memorable vocals and along with that, catchy, killer and melodic riffs and a incredible composition, in particular, the beginning of the album is absolutely amazing and everything flows very well, unfortunately, what doesn't make this perfect is its length, Crimson doesn't manage to have a 40 minute scope and unfortunately many parts in the middle of the song repeat many sections, it remains catchy, but it's clear that this repetition is just there to fill in, which is a bit disappointing, despite this, it remains very excellent, still a very solid and excellent effort from Edge of Sanity and a very worthwhile death metal project.
 Gestalt by BISBAYE album cover Studio Album, 2013
4.00 | 1 ratings

BUY
Gestalt
Bisbaye Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by xminutes

— First review of this album —
4 stars Bisbaye seems to be yet another obscure prog band, with this album receiving only 212 views on youtube in 5 years. But this band has done things I've personally haven't seen quite like this band. With every release try to find the best way to pummel your ears with erratic time signatures and quick rhythm changes. They also seem to be very underground, with very little info I've been able to find on the band members.

The main problem with Bisbaye is getting used to their sound, as if your not a experienced listener, their sound will just overwhelm you. I've been listening to this band for the past four months, and it took me a while to finish Gestalt and Synkronyk in one sitting. With Gestalt, It's difficult to explain the songs as its hard to tell which one's which when your going through it all at once. The song structure seems to be wildly erratic, with it being fast and heavy for one second, and a complete rhythm change into something more mellow before it goes right back to pummel your ears again. Its very fast and aggressive.

Overall, its a good prog album being held down with how inaccessible their sound is, but I'm sure its their intention. I think a good four stars will give it enough justice.

 Synchro Anarchy by VOIVOD album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.80 | 60 ratings

BUY
Synchro Anarchy
Voivod Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars "Synchro Anarchy" is the 15th full-length studio album by Canadian progressive/thrash metal act Voivod. The album was released through Century Media Records in February 2022. It´s the successor to "The Wake" from 2018, although the two full-length studio albums are bridged by several minor releases (an EP and a couple of singles) and a live album ("Lost Machine - Live" from 2020).

"Synchro Anarchy" is a self-produced release and Voivod have managed to produce a well sounding album, featuring a both warm, heavy, and organic sounding production. It´s not terribly different sounding from "The Wake" (2018), and that can also be said about the compositions. Stylistically the material is psychedelic tinged, sci-fi themed, progressive metal with the occasional thrash metal and hardcore punk influence thrown in. So the atmosphere of the album is close to the psychedelic leaning early 90s Voivod releases, but with a slightly harder edged riff- and drum style and with less accessible melodies and more challenging song structures. Lead vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger sounds as unique as always and his voice and singing style is probably still an aquired taste. It doesn´t sound pretty, but it´s arguably an original and instantly recognisable vocal sound. The riffs are twisted, dissonant, and generally very creative.

Listening to a new Voivod release it always takes some time to get into the right mood and mindspace and truly listen and appreciate the brilliance of the weirdness. It´s like experiencing an acid trip with an alien friend. Things are distorted, dissonant, and twisted, but also warm, pleasant, and occasionally beautiful (in its own unique and spaced out way). No one sounds like Voivod, who are truly progressive and distinct sounding, but that of course always means that they are very much an aquired taste. They are generally well respected on the scene, but I can understand why some listeners don´t find their adventurous sound appealing (or simply find it inaccessible).

Quality wise "Synchro Anarchy" continues the high quality of "The Wake" and those who enjoyed that release, will find just as much to appreciate on "Synchro Anarchy". So upon conclusion Voivod have created yet another high quality release and the adventure just seems to continue...a 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 Hell Hath No Mercy by ATHEIST album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 1987
3.00 | 1 ratings

BUY
Hell Hath No Mercy
Atheist Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

— First review of this album —
3 stars "Hell Hath No Mercy" is the first demo recording by US, Florida based technical death/thrash metal act Atheist, released in November 1987 after the band changed their name from R.A.V.A.G.E. earlier that year. They had already recorded and released two demos under the R.A.V.A.G.E. monicker so "Hell Hath No Mercy" is effectively the band´s third demo release. Lead guitarist Mark Schwartzberg´s tenure with the band was short and he only appeared on R.A.V.A.G.E.´s "On We Slay" demo from early 1987. On "Hell Hath No Mercy" the band is down to a trio again as future Atheist lead guitarist Rand Burkey didn´t join until the material featured on this demo was recorded.

The demo features three tracks and a total playing time of 9:56 minutes. Although "Hell Hath No Mercy" doesn´t appear on Atheist´s debut full-length studio album "Piece of Time" (Active Records, May 1990), it actually does...but the lyrics have been changed on the subsequent studio version and it was re-titled "Why Bother?". As both "Beyond" and "On They Slay" were also re-recorded and included on "Piece of Time", you won´t find any forgotten demo gems on "Hell Hath No Mercy", but what you do get is early, raw, and unpolished versions of three of the songs, which would subsequently appear on "Piece of Time".

Stylistically this is a continuation of the technical death/thrash metal style and sound of the 1987 "On We Slay" demo, but the band have obviously grown and have become even better musicians since the last demo. The sound quality is pretty good, considering that this is a late 1987 extreme metal demo, and upon conclusion it´s no wonder that R.A.V.A.G.E./Atheist are considered one of the seminal proto-death metal artists on the Florida music scene along with artists like Mantas/Death, Massacre, Morbid Angel, Executioner (later Xecutioner and even later Obituary), and Hellwitch. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 Spiritech by ALCHEMIST album cover Studio Album, 1997
4.21 | 36 ratings

BUY
Spiritech
Alchemist Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by Lesanderd

4 stars You get hooked on the first song: "Chinese Whispers", and from there you don't get out, but once you get out, you find that the rest of the songs are as good or better than the first. It is from Spiritech that the style of Alchemist truly takes shape. Everything that could recall Swedish death metal was discarded and Adam Agius' vocals became lighter. The long melodic tracks of Spiritech are absolutely beautiful ("Chinese Whispers", "Figments", the Pink Floydian intro of "Inertia"), and some pieces have grooves like Prong. The overall atmosphere reminds me a bit of Killing Joke, there are many oriental melodies, and tribal percussion in every song. Great work by these Australians.
 Orchid by OPETH album cover Studio Album, 1995
3.28 | 758 ratings

BUY
Orchid
Opeth Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by theaqua

4 stars Orchid is an album that has its flaws, but honestly, it's a great debut, there's a unique and otherworldly atmosphere that surrounds this album every time i listen to it, be it the raw mixing, the abstract black metal lyrics, the lack of structure of the songs and the constant change of rhythm, this is an album that has a very peculiar and unique sound, the experimentation that the album has is something that i admire and really like, one thing that i find very interesting about Orchid, is that one of the characteristics of Opeth which are the acoustic parts, while in other albums they are used to convey melancholy and calm, in Orchid i feel that it sounds more sinister and disturbing, which is really cool. It's not a perfect album, what makes Opeth Opeth is here, but it's quite initial, it has a lack of cohesive direction, however, Opeth in this debut right away proved themselves to be a different band and their potential, it's worth the effort. especially for songs like ''In The Mist She Was Standing'', ''Forest of October'' and ''The Twilight Is My Robe'', really great album.
Data cached

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal bands/artists list

Bands/Artists Country
1980 France
7TH NEMESIS France
A.I.(D) France
ABIGOR Austria
ABNORMAL THOUGHT PATTERNS United States
ABORYM Italy
ABSORBED Spain
ACAUSAL INTRUSION United States
ACHOKARLOS Spain
ACID DEATH Greece
ACOLYTE United Kingdom
ACRIMÖNIA Poland
ACROSS THE SUN United States
AD NAUSEAM Italy
ADEIA Netherlands
THE ADVENT EQUATION Mexico
AEOLIA United States
AEON OF HORUS Australia
AERODYNE FLEX United States
AETERNAM Canada
AEVITERNE United States
AFTER FOREST Finland
AGARTHA United States
AGE OF SILENCE Norway
AGHORA United States
AINMATTER United States
AKERCOCKE United Kingdom
ALARUM Australia
ALCHEMIST Australia
ALGOPHOBIA Italy
ALKALOID Germany
ALKUHARMONIAN KANTAJA Finland
ALL DREAMS DYING Finland
ALLEY Russia
ALTERA ENIGMA Australia
THE AMENTA Australia
AMOGH SYMPHONY India
AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION Sweden
AN ISLE ATE HER United States
ANACHRONISM Switzerland
ANATA Sweden
ANCIENT Norway
ANCIIENTS Canada
ANGEL OF DISEASE Georgia
ANGEL VIVALDI United States
ANGMAR France
ANIMALS AS LEADERS United States
ANOMALY United States
ANSUR Norway
THE ANTICHRIST IMPERIUM United Kingdom
THE ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM United States
ANTISOPH Germany
APRIL ETHEREAL Poland
ARCTURUS Norway
ARKAN France
ARRHYTHMOGEN United States
ARTCELL Bangladesh
ARTIFICIAL BRAIN United States
ASEITAS United States
ASHENSPIRE United Kingdom
ASTOMATOUS United States
AT WAR WITH SELF United States
ATEM Finland
ATHEIST United States
ATROPHIA RED SUN Poland
ATRORUM Germany
AUGURY Canada
AUTOCATALYTICA United States
AUTOLATRY United States
AWE Greece
AXAMENTA Belgium
AZURE EMOTE United States
AZUSA Multi-National
BABYLON SAD Switzerland
BACK TO R'YLEH Spain
BARING TEETH United States
BARISHI United States
BARREN EARTH Finland
BARÚS France
BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE United States
BEDSORE Italy
BEHEADED ZOMBIE Russia
BEHOLD...THE ARCTOPUS United States
BEKOR QILISH Italy
BELIEVER United States
BELTANE Germany
BENTHOS Italy
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME United States
BEYOND CREATION Canada
BHAVACHAKRA United States
BIESY Poland
THE BINARY CODE United States
BISBAYE Canada
BLACK CROWN INITIATE United States
BLACK SUN AEON Finland
BLOOD INCANTATION United States
BLOTTED SCIENCE United States
BLUTMOND Switzerland
BORGIA France
BORKNAGAR Norway
BORN OF OSIRIS United States
BOTCH United States
BRÄND JORD Sweden
BURGUL TORKHAÏN France
BURIAL IN THE SKY United States
BURST Sweden
CANVAS SOLARIS United States
CAPHARNAUM United States
CAR BOMB United States
CARBONIZED Sweden
CARCARIASS France
CASTEVET United States
CELARIS United States
CEPHALIC CARNAGE United States
CEREBRUM Greece
CHAOS DIVINE Australia
CHAOS OVER COSMOS United States
CHAPEL OF DISEASE Germany
CHIMP SPANNER United Kingdom
CHRONOSTASIS United States
CIRCLE OF CONTEMPT Finland
CIRCLE TAKES THE SQUARE United States
CIRCLES Australia
CITRINITI Italy
CKRAFT France
COBALT United States
CODE Multi-National
COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS Denmark
COLLAPSAR United States
COMA CLUSTER VOID United States
CONQUERING DYSTOPIA United States
CONTEMPLATOR Canada
CONTINUO RENACER Spain
THE CONTORTIONIST United States
CONTRARIAN United States
CONTROL DENIED United States
CONTROL HUMAN DELETE Netherlands
CONVULSING Australia
COPROFAGO Chile
CORAM LETHE Italy
CORONER Switzerland
COSMOPHOBE United States
COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE Germany
COUNTLESS SKIES United Kingdom
CRANIUM United States
CREATURE France
CROWPATH Sweden
CRYPTIC SHIFT United Kingdom
CRYPTODIRA United States
CRYPTOSIS Netherlands
CUBICAL SPHERE Greece
CYCLAMEN United Kingdom
CYNIC United States
DAATH United States
DAGTUM Philippines
DARK HERESEY United Kingdom
DARK MILLENNIUM Germany
DE PROFUNDIS United Kingdom
DEAD EMPIRES United States
DEAD LETTER OPENER Australia
DEATH United States
DEATH MACHINE United States
DEATHROW Germany
DEATHSPELL OMEGA France
DEEMTEE Spain
DELTA CEPHEID Germany
DEMILICH Finland
DEMIMONDE Czech Republic
DEMONIC RESURRECTION India
DÉPARTE Australia
DESCEND Sweden
DESTRAGE Italy
DEVIUS Argentina
DIABOLICAL MASQUERADE Sweden
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN United States
DIMESLAND United States
DIONAEA United States
DIORAMIC Germany
DIREWOLF United States
DISEMBARKATION Canada
DISFIGURING REALITY Canada
DISHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Austria
DISILLUSION Germany
DISKORD Norway
DIVINITY Canada
DODECAHEDRON Netherlands
DØDHEIMSGARD Norway
DORDEDUH Romania
DOWN I GO United Kingdom
DOXOPHOBIA United Kingdom
DREAMGRAVE Hungary
DROTTNAR Norway
DRUDKH Ukraine
DRYAD'S TREE Germany
DUOBETIC HOMUNKULUS Czech Republic
DYSRHYTHMIA United States
DYSSIDIA Australia
EARTH SNAKE United States
ECCENTRIC PENDULUM India
ECHIDNA Greece
EDGE OF SANITY Sweden
MATTIAS IA EKLUNDH Sweden
ELECTRO QUARTERSTAFF Canada
ELECTROCUTION 250 United States
ELENIUM Finland
ELENIUM Poland
EMPYREAN SKY United States
ENCENATHRAKH United States
ENDITOL Canada
ENSLAVED Norway
ENTROPIA Poland
ERA VULGARIS United Kingdom
ERYN NON DAE France
ESCHATON Austria
ETERNITY VOID United States
EVER FORTHRIGHT United States
EXENCE Italy
EXIST United States
EXIVIOUS Netherlands
EXPATRIATED Denmark
EXTOL Norway
EXTREMITIES Netherlands
EXXPERIOR Germany
F Finland
THE FACELESS United States
FALLUJAH United States
FARMAKON Finland
FARSOT Germany
FEARSCAPE Australia
FIRST FRAGMENT Canada
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE Italy
FLESHVESSEL United States
FLESHWROUGHT United States
FLOODLINE United States
FLOURISHING United States
FORCES AT WORK Germany
FORGOTTEN SILENCE Czech Republic
FORNOST ARNOR United Kingdom
FRACTAL SUN Costa Rica
FRANTIC BLEEP Norway
FROM A SECOND STORY WINDOW United States
FROM THE EMBRACE United States
GALLOWS HYMN United States
GERYON United States
GIGAN United States
GIZMACHI United States
GLADIATOR United States
GOJIRA France
GORGUTS Canada
GOROD France
LE GRAND GUIGNOL Luxembourg
GRIS Canada
GROWTH Australia
GUILLOTINE India
GWYNBLEIDD United States
HAAR United Kingdom
THE HAARP MACHINE United Kingdom
HACKSAW TO THE THROAT United States
HACRIDE France
HADEA / EX GOLLUM United States
HALCYON REIGN Australia
HANGING GARDEN Finland
HATED Russia
HATH United States
HAUNTED SHORES United States
HAUNTER United States
HELHEIM Norway
A HERO A FAKE United States
HIDDEN United States
HOPE FOR THE DYING United States
HORRENDOUS United States
HORROR GOD Russia
HOWLING SYCAMORE United States
THE HUMAN ABSTRACT United States
HUNG United States
HYBRID Spain
HYPNOTHETICALL Italy
IBARAKI United States
IHSAHN Norway
IKUINEN KAAMOS Finland
ILENKUS Ireland
ILLOGICIST Italy
ILLUMINATI Romania
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT United States
IN GRIEF Norway
IN HUMAN FORM United States
IN LINGUA MORTUA Norway
IN MOURNING Sweden
IN VAIN Norway
INDRICOTHERE United States
INFAMIA Italy
INFERA BRUO United States
INGENIUM Poland
INGURGITATING OBLIVION Germany
INI Norway
INITIAL POINT United States
INQUISITOR Lithuania
INTERVALS Canada
INTO ETERNITY Canada
INTO THE MOAT United States
INTONATE Canada
ION DISSONANCE United States
IOTUNN Denmark
IRON THRONES United States
ISLAND Germany
ISLE OF THE CROSS United States
THE ISOSCELES PROJECT Canada
ISOTOPES United States
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE United States
RON JARZOMBEK United States
JESTER'S MARCH Germany
JINJER Ukraine
JOHN FRUM United States
JOURNAL United States
KADENZZA Japan
KADINJA France
KAIROS. United States
KALEIKR Iceland
KALISIA France
KÄLTER Canada
KARMACIPHER China
KARNAK Italy
KATABASIS Australia
KATHAARIA Germany
KATHAARSYS Spain
KETHA Poland
KHONSU Norway
KING GOAT United Kingdom
KLEXOS United States
KNIFE THE GLITTER United States
KOBONG Poland
KRALLICE United States
LASCAILLE'S SHROUD United States
LAST CHANCE TO REASON United States
LAZER/WULF United States
LEPROUS Norway
LEVI / WERSTLER United States
THE LEVITATION HEX Australia
LICE Spain
LIQUID GRAVEYARD Spain
LIZARD PROFESSOR United States
THE LOCUST United States
LOINCLOTH United States
LOVE HISTORY Czech Republic
LUX OCCULTA Poland
LYCHGATE United Kingdom
LYKATHEA AFLAME Czech Republic
MADDER MORTEM Norway
MANTRIC Norway
MARROW United States
MARTYR Canada
MASSEN Belarus
MASTER'S HAMMER Czech Republic
MASTODON United States
MAYAN Netherlands
MEANS END Sweden
MECHANISM Canada
MEGACE Germany
MEKONG DELTA Germany
MELTINGAZE Germany
MEMFIS Sweden
MENCEA Greece
MESHUGGAH Sweden
METALMORPHOSIS Poland
MIND-ASHES Germany
MINDWORK Czech Republic
MITHRIDATUM Multi-National
MODERN MAN United States
MOEBIUS Italy
MONOGONO Portugal
MONOLITHE France
MOON OF SOUL Hungary
MOONLOOP Spain
MOONSORROW Finland
MOONSPELL Portugal
MORBUS CHRON Sweden
MORNA Slovakia
MOSS UPON THE SKULL Belgium
MROCTOPUS Portugal
MURMUR United States
MY BITTER END United States
MY DYING BRIDE United Kingdom
N.A.M.E. United States
NAMI Andorra
NATURUS Hungary
NAUMACHIA Poland
NE OBLIVISCARIS Australia
NEATH Australia
NEGATIVA Canada
NEGLECTED FIELDS Latvia
NEGURA BUNGET Romania
NERVE END Finland
NEUROMIST Moldova
NEWBREED Poland
NEXT LIFE Norway
NEXUS Australia
NOCTAMBULIST United States
NOCTURNUS United States
NOCTURNUS AD United States
THE NUMBER TWELVE LOOKS LIKE YOU United States
NUX VOMICA United States
NYIA Poland
OBLOMOV Czech Republic
OBSCURA Germany
OBSIDIAN Netherlands
OBSIDIAN MANTRA Poland
OBSIDIAN TIDE Israel
OCEANS OF SADNESS Belgium
OCEANS OF SLUMBER United States
OCRILIM United States
ODD FICTION France
ODEM ARCARUM Germany
OMNEROD Belgium
ONCE THEM EDENS Greece
ONE STEP FROM THE EDGE Greece
ONTOGENY United States
OPETH Sweden
ORAKLE France
ORGONE United States
ORTHRELM United States
OSIRIS Netherlands
OTHERS BY NO ONE United States
OUTCAST France
OWL Germany
PAEAN Estonia
PAINTED IN EXILE United States
PANDEMONIUM Sweden
PANEGYRIST United States
PARALLEL DIMENSION Puerto Rico
PENSÉES NOCTURNES France
PERIHELION SHIP Finland
PERSEFONE Andorra
PESTIFER Belgium
PESTILENCE Netherlands
PHLEBOTOMIZED Netherlands
PHONEMA Poland
PIAH MATER Brazil
PICA FIERCE Norway
PITBULLS IN THE NURSERY France
PIXL China
PORTAL Australia
PRIMO VESPERE Italy
PROJECT 13-5 Germany
PROJECT INFINITY Ukraine
CHRIS PROPHET South Africa
PROTEST THE HERO Canada
PSYCROPTIC Australia
PSYOPUS United States
PUPIL SLICER United Kingdom
PYRRHON United States
Q'UQ'UMATZ United States
QRIXKUOR Multi-National
QUADRIVIUM Norway
QUO VADIS Canada
QUSTO Russia
RAM-ZET Norway
RANDOM Argentina
RANDOM MULLET Finland
RAZOR WIRE SHRINE United States
THE RED CHORD United States
RED SEAS FIRE United Kingdom
RED TIDE United States
REFLUX United States
RENAISSANCE Belgium
REPLICANT United States
REQUIEM AETERNAM Uruguay
RETARDED NOISE SQUAD Germany
REVERENCE France
REX MUNDI Greece
RINGS OF SATURN United States
RIPPED United States
RIVERS OF NIHIL United States
ROLO TOMASSI United Kingdom
LA RUMEUR DES CHAÎNES France
JORDAN K. RUSH United States
RXYZYXR Russia
SADIST Italy
SAMMATH NAUR Poland
SARMAT United States
SCENERY Czech Republic
SCHAMMASCH Switzerland
SCHOLOMANCE United States
SCLERA Australia
SCULPTOR Serbia
SCULPTURED United States
SEPUTUS United States
SERDCE Belarus
SERIOUS BEAK Australia
SERPENT COLUMN United States
SETENTIA New Zealand
SHADOWS LAND Poland
SHINING Sweden
SICMONIC United States
SIKTH United Kingdom
SILENCE THE ARIA United States
SJODOGG Norway
SKALDIC CURSE United Kingdom
SKÁPHE Multi-National
SKIZMA Finland
SKYTHALA United States
SLEEP TERROR United States
SLICE THE CAKE United Kingdom
SLUGDGE United Kingdom
SOLEFALD Norway
SPASTIC INK United States
SPECTRAL INCURSION United States
SPIRAL ARCHITECT Norway
SPIRES United States
STARGAZER Australia
STARKWEATHER United States
STEALING AXION United States
STONE CIRCLE United Kingdom
STORK United States
SUFFERING HOUR United States
SULPHUR Norway
SUNLESS United States
SUNLESS DAWN Denmark
SUNSET IN THE 12TH HOUSE Romania
SUPER MASSIVE BLACK HOLES Canada
SUPURATION France
SUTRAH Canada
DAN SWANÖ Sweden
SWEVEN Sweden
SWIM IN STYX France
SYK Italy
T.O.O.H.! Czech Republic
TAINE Romania
TALANAS United Kingdom
TARAMIS Australia
TARDIVE DYSKINESIA Greece
TEMISTO Sweden
TENEBRIS Poland
TERMINAL FUNCTION Sweden
TEXTURES Netherlands
THANTIFAXATH Canada
THEORY IN PRACTICE Sweden
THOLUS United States
TÓMARÚM United States
TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR United States
TREEBURNING Canada
TREPALIUM France
TRIANGLE FACE United Kingdom
TRIBULATION Sweden
TRINACRIA Norway
TURRIS EBURNEA Italy
TWISTED INTO FORM Norway
ULCERATE New Zealand
ULSECT Netherlands
UNCROSSED Russia
UNDEFINED Spain
UNEVEN STRUCTURE France
THE UNIVERSE DIVIDE United States
UNMOORED Sweden
UNREAL OVERFLOWS Spain
UR DRAUGR Australia
VACANTFIELD Greece
VALBORG Germany
VARAHA United States
VAZIMBA Madagascar
VEHEMENTER NOS France
VEILBURNER United States
VEKTOR United States
VENENUM Germany
VERTEBRA ATLANTIS Italy
VIATROPHY United Kingdom
VICTORY OVER THE SUN United States
VIELIKAN Tunisia
VILDHJARTA Sweden
VINTERSEA United States
VINTERSORG Sweden
VOICES United Kingdom
VOID PARADIGM France
VOIDCEREMONY United States
VOIVOD Canada
VOKYL Bulgaria
VORBID Norway
VORTICE Spain
VUVR Czech Republic
WANZWA United States
WARFORGED United States
WATCHTOWER United States
THE WATER WITCH United Kingdom
WETWORK Canada
WHAT'S HE BUILDING IN THERE? Canada
WHITE STONES Sweden
WILD HUNT United States
WILLS DISSOLVE United States
WINTERSUN Finland
WITHERSCAPE Sweden
WITHIN THE RUINS United States
WITHOUT WAVES United States
WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM United States
THE WORLD IS QUIET HERE United States
WRATH AND RAPTURE United States
WRVTH United States
XANTHOCHROID United States
XERATH United Kingdom
YALDABAOTH United States
YYRKOON France
ZHRINE Iceland
THE ZYGOMA DISPOSAL Belgium

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.