As we head into 2025, it’s amazing to think that an entire decade has passed since 2015 — a year that left a lasting impact on the world of progressive rock and metal. In that year, a wave of groundbreaking albums emerged, reshaping genre boundaries and adding fresh dimensions to prog’s musical heritage. From boundary-pushing experimentation to meticulously crafted compositions, these records not only showcased the versatility of progressive music but also inspired a new generation of fans and musicians alike.
This article revisits 20 standout progressive rock and metal albums that celebrate their 10th anniversaries in 2025. We’ll explore albums that pushed sonic limits, delved into ambitious concepts, and carved out a place for themselves as modern prog classics. Whether you’re a long-time fan revisiting favorites or discovering these gems for the first time, join us as we celebrate the creativity and influence of these genre-defining records, each of which has aged beautifully and remains as compelling today as when it first released.
Steven Wilson – Hand. Cannot. Erase.
Steven Wilson’s Hand. Cannot. Erase. is a deeply moving concept album inspired by the story of Joyce Carol Vincent, a woman whose unnoticed passing went undetected for over two years. While Wilson doesn’t follow the real events closely, he reimagines Vincent’s solitude, exploring themes of urban isolation and disconnection. The album blends rock, metal, prog, and electronica with meticulous production and haunting vocals from Israeli singer Ninet Tayeb, who embodies the protagonist’s complex psyche. Tracks like “3 Years Older” and “Routine” capture the emotional swings between connection and solitude, with Wilson’s own vocals adding empathy and depth. Each song adds layers to the protagonist’s story, leading to a finale that feels like a release from her inner turmoil. Hand. Cannot. Erase. is an evocative, musically rich meditation on modern loneliness, one that’s both haunting and profoundly resonant.
The Dear Hunter – Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise
Casey Crescenzo’s genius shines on Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise, a vibrant culmination of The Dear Hunter’s evolution. Infusing the thematic richness of previous Acts with orchestral layers, intricate harmonies, and genre-bending elements, Crescenzo delivers a masterpiece that feels both familiar and fresh. Tracks like “The Line” and “Wait” recall The Color Spectrum’s explorative sounds, while “King of Swords (Reversed)” brings a surprising disco flair, adding radiance and catharsis. The orchestration, more nuanced than ever, enriches the album’s emotive power without excess. Memorable hooks and Crescenzo’s soulful voice lend depth, pushing the band to new heights. Although the abrupt end to “Ouroboros” may jolt listeners, Act IV is a testament to The Dear Hunter’s progressive rock prowess—an album bound for classic status and setting a high bar for whatever comes next.
Elder – Lore
In Lore, Boston’s Elder delivers a stoner rock masterpiece that blends hard rock, blues, psychedelia, and metal into an intricate, expansive soundscape. Each of the five tracks spans around ten minutes, creating a sense of journey through powerful instrumental jams, subtle transitions, and explosive breakdowns. The production is carefully balanced, allowing for seamless shifts and a continuous flow that keeps listeners immersed. Unpredictable yet cohesive, Lore feels more like an epic composition than a collection of songs, capturing an atmospheric, free-spirited exploration that redefines modern stoner rock and proves the genre is anything but stagnant.
Riverside – Love, Fear and the Time Machine
Riverside’s Love, Fear and the Time Machine marks a delicate evolution for the band, shifting to a more song-focused approach while maintaining their atmospheric and introspective roots. Mariusz Duda’s melodic direction, influenced by his work in Lunatic Soul, trims the excesses of complex solos and experimental sounds, leaving a warm, earthy essence. Tracks like “Towards the Blue Horizon” and “Under the Pillow” reveal themselves slowly, blending cathartic themes of life choices and self-acceptance with accessible yet intricate compositions. Piotr Grudziński’s nuanced guitar, Michał Łapaj’s emotive keys, and the solid rhythms from Mariusz and Piotr Kozieradzki together create a cohesive, timeless work that resonates with sincerity and light—a hopeful departure from Riverside’s darker past.
Beardfish – +4626-COMFORTZONE
Beardfish’s +4626-COMFORTZONE is a bold exploration of breaking free from mediocrity, inspired by the bleak vibe of their hometown, Gävle. Each track tells a unique story tied to the central theme—whether it’s about societal conformity in “King” or the disillusioned musician in “Ode to the Rock’n’Roller” who humorously battles bar patrons’ indifference. Anchored by standout bass and keyboards, the album’s seventies and eighties-inspired sound brings both retro charm and modern edge, blending emotional depth with an infectious, defiant energy. Despite its subtleties, this album has a confident swagger, firmly establishing Beardfish as key players in modern prog.
Earthside – A Dream in Static
Earthside’s A Dream In Static is an ambitious, cinematic journey, filled with dynamic melodies, stunning guest vocals, and expertly crafted instrumental passages. Each track builds on the last, layering precise compositions with standout performances from vocalists like Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust, who shines alongside the Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra on “Mob Mentality.” The album’s orchestral elements and intricate crescendos elevate the music, creating a cohesive experience that feels both monumental and meticulously arranged. From the opener “The Closest I’ve Come” to the climactic closer “Contemplation of Beautiful,” Earthside’s debut offers a fresh, compelling take on modern progressive metal, marking them as an essential listen for 2015.
Leprous – The Congregation
Leprous’ The Congregation showcases a more refined, moody direction, with Einar Soldberg’s emotive vocals at the core. While the album trims down on the instrumental flashiness of earlier works, it excels in creating memorable, melody-driven songs that highlight Leprous’ evolving sound. Tracks like “The Flood” and “Rewind” demonstrate their experimental edge with sludgy riffs and unconventional rhythms, but the focus here is on mood and groove rather than radical shifts. The controlled composition emphasizes harmony, with Baard Kolstad’s dynamic drumming and a cohesive blend of guitar and keys. The Congregation cements Leprous’s mature, distinct style, continuing their reputation as one of progressive metal’s most compelling acts.
Sonar – Black Light
Sonar, a Swiss quartet, stands out in the progressive jazz scene with their fourth release, Black Light, which showcases a refined approach to contrasting rhythms and splintered meters. Principal composer Stephan Thelan, influenced by King Crimson‘s shadowy intensity, leads a democratic creative process, while guitarist Bernhard Wagner and bassist Christian Kunter contribute their diverse backgrounds in software and free jazz. The band’s unique sound stems from their innovative tritone tuning (C/F#/C/F#/C/F#), adding a pleasant dissonance to their compositions. Tracks like “Enneagram” and “Orbit 5.7” evoke the energy of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, blending modern progressive music with sophisticated jazz elements. With thoughtfully constructed melodies and an atmospheric depth, Black Light captivates a broad audience without falling into technical overindulgence, establishing Sonar as a compelling voice in the genre.
Caligula’s Horse – Bloom
In an ancient forest glade, a weary group of musicians from Brisbane settles on the wild grass, where a rustic guitar melody charms the air. As singer Jim Grey joins in, their music builds to a powerful crescendo, embodying the first bloom of spring after a harsh winter. The compositions soar majestically, with voices, guitars, and drums painting vivid imagery of nature’s beauty and struggle. Dark clouds gather, introducing dissonance and aggression through sharp riffs, channeling a primal desire for release, akin to the slow decay of rust. Yet, amid the turmoil, a triumphant ascent emerges, culminating in a euphoric rush as rain mingles with sweat. A reminder of mortality arises with the lyric “life is the fall,” interspersed with moments of hope. Nature herself appears in a pure acoustic ballad, showcasing the voice as a beautiful gift. As the final notes linger, the birds resume their chirping, and the leaves rustle like applause, marking a triumphant return to light.
Intronaut – The Direction of Last Things
Intronaut‘s The Direction of Last Things defies expectations by blending their heaviest sound with the atmospheric elements fans adore. Thankfully, I was wrong—this album beautifully combines everything that makes Intronaut exceptional. The opener, “Fast Worms,” reintroduces their aggressive side with screams and polyrhythms, evolving into their signature sound with intricate guitar interplay and jazzy grooves. The album balances crushing riffs with stunning atmospheric sections, showcasing the harmonizing clean vocals of guitarists Sacha Dunable and Dave Timnick on tracks like “City Hymnal” and “Digital Gerrymandering.” Bassist Joe Lester and drummer Danny Walker deliver an outstanding performance, with Lester’s bass lines complementing the music and Walker’s relentless drumming driving the album’s intensity. The creative guitar work is a standout, with heavier sections and technical riffs pushing the band further than ever. Overall, The Direction of Last Things is a triumph, filled with dynamic tones, intricate rhythms, and captivating songs that promise to stay in my rotation for a long time.
Rendezvous Point – Solar Storm
Rendezvous Point‘s Solar Storm is a stunning prog masterpiece featuring members from Leprous, Borknagar, and ICS Vortex, who blend their influences into a distinctive sound worthy of acclaim. Each track is hard-hitting, but “The Hunger” stands out with its catchy introduction, powerful melodies, and captivating heaviness, complemented by a technical synth solo. The album flows seamlessly from start to finish, interweaving each track and maintaining listener interest throughout its atmospheric introduction to its abrupt conclusion. Solar Storm is an album you don’t want to miss; dive in, and you won’t be disappointed.
Between the Buried and Me – Coma Ecliptic
Between the Buried and Me showcase their distinctive sound in their eighth album, Coma Ecliptic. This ambitious release fuses elements from bands like Queen, Opeth, Dream Theater, and The Dillinger Escape Plan while maintaining their unique identity. The album features increased piano and keyboard presence, enhancing its progressive structures, while the vocalist leans more towards clean singing, using growls more sparingly. Despite its slightly shorter average track length, the music remains complex, demanding multiple listens to fully appreciate its intricacies. Each song possesses its own personality, making Coma Ecliptic a must-listen for fans of challenging, textured, and nuanced music that blends extremity with progressive elements.
Vola – Inmazes
Vola‘s debut LP, Inmazes, successfully bridges the gap between pop and progressive metal, showcasing their unique blend of heavy djent and dense synthscapes with catchy, indie-pop vocals. This album evolves from their earlier EPs, presenting focused, hook-driven songwriting, starting with the impactful opening track “The Same War,” which combines driving grooves, disco beats, and introspective lyrics. The record features a distinct sound with smoothly strummed power chords, polyrhythmic riffs, and expertly layered vocals, all while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere. While the album contains heavy sections, it leans more towards melody, particularly in tracks like “Emily,” which transitions to a mellower tone. With catchy yet complex instrumentation, Vola delivers a genre-blending experience that invites both pop and metal fans to enjoy, though some choruses may feel repetitive and the guitar arrangements could benefit from more variety. Overall, Inmazes is a refreshing and ambitious record that challenges genre boundaries.
Periphery – Juggernaut: Alpha & Omega
Periphery’s Juggernaut—a double album following their standout Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal—showcases the band’s growth and ambition in blending technical prowess with dynamic songwriting. While some tracks, like the infectious “22 Faces” and the nostalgic “Graveless,” shine brightly, the overall album initially feels uneven, with its best elements scattered among less impactful songs. However, as the listener delves deeper, the interconnections between tracks become apparent, transforming the experience into a cohesive journey. Songs that initially seemed misplaced reveal their significance within the album’s structure, highlighting the clever callbacks between the “Alpha” and “Omega” tracks. Though not flawless—wishing for more explosive drumming from Matt Halpern—Juggernaut transcends the fleeting trends of modern music with a timeless, ambitious project.
Symphony X – Underworld
Underworld, marks a shift towards a darker, heavier sound while retaining their signature melodic elements. The album opens with the ominous “Overture,” followed by the headbanging anthem “Nevermore.” The title track blends aggressive, Megadeth-inspired riffs with Symphony X‘s characteristic melodic twists. “Without You” introduces a more lyrical, ballad-like quality, while Russell Allen’s masterful vocals shine throughout. Tracks like the contrasting “Kiss Of Fire” and the Middle Eastern-flavored “Charon” showcase the band’s emotional range. The epic “To Hell And Back” encapsulates their essence with dynamic mood swings and a powerful chorus. Aggressive numbers like “In My Darkest Hour” and the hard rock-influenced “Run With The Devil” add to the album’s intensity, culminating in the classic Symphony X fare of “Swan Song” and the upbeat “Legend.” Underworld stands out as their heaviest and darkest offering to date, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots.
TesseracT – Polaris
Polaris, named after the North Star, embodies stability and steadfastness, offering solid grooves throughout. The album’s opener, “Dystopia,” features a cool ambiance with twinkling keyboards, while Dan Tompkins’ voice occasionally struggles to rise above the dense low end. However, he shines on tracks like “Phoenix” and the emotionally charged “Seven Names.” Martin Grech’s ethereal vocals elevate “Hexes,” adding passion, while the tender “Tourniquet” promises loyalty. Yet, moments like “Messenger” and “Survival” feel stagnant, lacking innovation, and “Utopia” takes an odd turn that detracts from the album’s overall cohesiveness. Despite these inconsistencies, Polaris presents a blend of captivating and uninspired riffs, with climactic moments that can be both sincere and formulaic. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Altered State or One, it remains a guiding light for Tesseract‘s future direction, especially highlighted by the powerful performance on “Seven Names.”
Native Construct – Quiet World
Native Construct‘s seven-track offering blends progressive metal with elements of symphonic, extreme, and jazz fusion, showcasing the trio’s eclectic influences and diverse instrumentation. The opening track, “Mute,” unfolds as a vivid soundscape of quiet keyboard passages, Devin Townsend-like vocals, and explosive symphonic blasts, while “The Spark of the Archon” impresses with its technical prowess and theatrical flair reminiscent of Fair to Midland and Between the Buried and Me. Guitarist Myles Yang and vocalist Robert Edens complement each other perfectly, navigating styles from intricate expressiveness to new age harmonies in “Your Familiar Face.” The ambitious 12-minute epic “Chromatic Aberration” highlights the band’s cinematic approach, set against a lyrical backdrop of a mute outcast crafting a fantasy world from unreturned love. For a college project, Quiet World marks a promising start for Native Construct, with their genre-bending artistry poised for a bright future.
Alkaloid – The Malkuth Grimoire
The rise of “supergroups” can often be met with skepticism, but Alkaloid—featuring members from Obscura, Spawn of Possession, Necrophagist, and Aborted—defies expectations by delivering a unique blend of technical and progressive death metal. While tracks like “Alter Magnitudes” showcase catchy, melodic tech death and the intricate four-part “Dyson Sphere” impresses with technical prowess, the standout “From A Hadron Machinist” captivates with its ominous sci-fi ambiance and a seamless transition to organic prog, reminiscent of Job for a Cowboy but with a melodic twist. Morean‘s versatile vocals shine, particularly in his clean passages, adding depth to the album’s exploration of sound. Tracks like “Cthulhu” evoke Morbid Angel’s eerie vibe, while “Orgonism” offers a lush prog rock experience. The closing track, “Funeral for a Continent,” unifies the album’s diverse elements, showcasing Alkaloid’s commitment to creating a cohesive and innovative progressive death metal sound. The Malkuth Grimoire may not cater to those seeking relentless speed, but it stands as one of the best progressive death metal albums in recent memory.
SikTh – Opacities
SikTh‘s return with Opacities reaffirms their status as pioneers in the metal scene, even after nine years and the rise of numerous djent imitators. This EP-turned-mini-album picks up where they left off, with the opening track “Behind the Doors” showcasing the dynamic interplay of dual vocalists Justin Hill and Mikee Goodman, whose unique styles deliver both soaring melodies and animalistic energy. The band demonstrates exceptional songwriting throughout, particularly in “Philistine Philosophies,” where the tight and layered instrumentals shine. A standout moment comes with Goodman’s spoken word piece “Tokyo Lights,” reminding listeners to “Don’t forget to smile!” The haunting closing track, “Days are Dreamed,” serves as a reminder that complexity in music should always aim for quality over mere intricacy. Overall, Opacities proves that SikTh is still a formidable force in progressive metal.
Rivers of Nihil – Monarchy
Rivers of Nihil’s sophomore album, Monarchy, is a slow build that feels like a gradual ascent from mediocre to exceptional tracks. After an atmospheric intro, the early songs come off as formulaic, lacking the edge of their influences. While the instrumental performances are competent and energetic, the deathcore-influenced vocals don’t add much to the mix, leaving the listener searching for memorable moments until the album’s latter half. The title track signals a shift, showcasing the band’s progressive ambitions and more thoughtful songwriting. The final three tracks—especially “Circles in the Sky”—are standout pieces that highlight the band’s full potential. Although some earlier tracks detract from the overall quality, Monarchy ultimately offers enough intriguing moments to satisfy fans of tech and prog death metal, even if it struggles to find a unique identity compared to their powerful debut.
As we celebrate these 20 remarkable progressive rock and metal albums turning 10 in 2025, it’s essential to acknowledge other noteworthy releases that have also made a significant impact during this era. Albums like Anekdoten‘s Until All the Ghosts are Gone, Klone‘s Here Comes the Sun, and Wilderun‘s Sleep at the Edge of the Earth showcase the diversity and innovation present in the genre. Additionally, Arabs in Aspic‘s Victim of Your Father’s Agony, the Neal Morse Band‘s The Grand Experiment, Kingcrow‘s Eidos, The Great Discord‘s Duende, Novelists‘ Souvenirs, Vanden Plas‘ Chronicles of the Immortal, and Enslaved‘s In Times are all celebrated works that deserve recognition for their contributions to progressive music.
We know that music is subjective and personal, and many exceptional albums may not have made our list. Which albums do you think we forgot to include? Share your thoughts and honorable mentions in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the lasting legacy of these incredible albums together.
