Christian Progressive Metal

Hey guys, I used to listen to some really somber progressive bands like Opeth,  Devin townsend and Porcupine Tree. I also like progressives/symphonic metal like Dream Theatre, Symphony X and Nightwish. (other bands-Between the Buried and me/orphaned land/enslaved) I'm basically looking for Christian alternatives for these bands. I really like anything progressive-creative fusions of jazz, metal and other genres. Progressive drumming/odd time signatures. haunting and beautiful melodies. Symphonic/theatrical metal. Any suggestions??

First of all, welcome to our board!

Second, I can't really help you myself.  I have never really been into progressive metal at all and just have nothing to reference your request by.  Several of our members here DO listen to music more like that and I am sure they can help you.

I like Aletheian and Becoming The Archetype for progressive death metal bands.  Twisted Into Form isn't Christian, but has the drummer from Extol (who I assume you're already familiar with?).  TIF is comparable to Spiral Architect and has a couple members from SA.

Oh, and WELCOME!

The best Christian progressive metal release, in my opinion is by Affector and entitled "Harmageddon".  Basically, "Harmageddon" is Biblical text set to Dream Theatre style progressive metal.

While not labelled a "progressive band" I would also recommend Theocracy.  Though widely considered an "epic melodic power metal band", Theocracy has a lot or progressive elements to its music.  There are also several other acts that walk a fine line between power/progressive metal such as Narnia, German Pascual, The Sacrificed, 7 Days, etc.

Shadow Gallery deserves mention as well.  No, not a Christian band but featuring many Christian members.  Shadow Gallery guitarist Gary Wehrkamp also participated on a progressive metal release under the name Amaran's Plight.

If you like progressive rock in general then Neal Morse also must be noted.  Also in terms of progressive rock Proto-Kaw, a project of Kerry Livgren, is also worth consideration.

Hope this helps are points you in the right direction.

Check out my Christian metal/hard rock review site while you are at it: http://www.angelicwarlord.com/

Also, welcome to CHM.

What about Threshold? I think they might not be a Christian band (but have Christian members).
Oh and welcome to CHM!

Yes, UK progressive metal band Threshold has a Christian member in keyboardist Richard West, who wrote all the lyrics on the groups 2004 and 2007 releases "Subsurface" and "Dead Reckoning", respectively.

Also, I forgot to mention Veni Domine, who take a Gothic and doom-ish take on the progressive metal genre.

Hi kimberlily22, welcome to CHM.

One word...

Theocracy.

Best band ever!

Fundy wrote:

One word...

Theocracy.

 Can't argue with that. First one that came to mind. Neal Morse was second. Going to have to look into Affector. Souljourners was another really good prog metal band but I don't know if they ever put out more than an EP. I know there are several others I enjoyed but it's been too long since I've done my show. Hmmm, you may like Delorean, too. At one time they had put up their final album for free.

Souljourners anyone???

mr.electric40 wrote:

Souljourners anyone???

 See above post.

Supernal Endgame is very prog as well, but probably not really metal.

http://www.supernalendgame.com/

A couple more that sifted up through the memory banks were Amaseffer and Promise Land.

Also worth checking out is Worldview. They just have the one song Far Cry out at the moment but the full length will be out soon. This band features Rey Parra from Sacred Warrior and George Ochoa from Deliverance and Recon