As we look back on 2024 in music, progressive metal and rock are still the cool kids at the creativity party, blending time signatures and guitar solos like it’s an Olympic sport. This year, albums didn’t just push the boundaries—they built new ones out of quantum physics and guitar pedals, only to blow them up with a 10-minute instrumental. With so many groundbreaking releases, it’s clear that progressive artists are out here innovating like they’ve just invented a new element on the periodic table. So buckle up, because we’re celebrating 50 great prog (or prog-adjacent) albums of 2024—get ready for a journey through time, space, and extremely complicated song structures!
Vola – Friend of a Phantom
Released on November 1st, 2024, via Mascot Records, the new album by the Danish prog-metal monolith, VOLA, stretches the sonic boundaries of their signature prog that is pretty far-reaching to begin with. (JL)
Opeth – The Last Will & Testament
Originally set for release on October 1st, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music, OPETH‘s “The Last Will and Testament” could very well be the first time OPETH‘s album unfolds like an Agatha Christie novel, which, I reckon, might have worked wonders either with the band’s growls-era aesthetic or even with the later 1970s-tinted mustache-prog approach. However, as the first singles tipped us off in advance, the amalgamation of these two seemingly disparate approaches does even better justice to the narrative. (JL)
Devin Townsend – PowerNerd
“PowerNerd” is the twenty-second studio album by Canadian metal artist Devin Townsend, released on October 25, 2024, via InsideOut Music. With this record, Townsend embarks on a fresh creative chapter, delivering a concise yet progressive work inspired by his early passion for classic rock.
Múr – Múr
MÚR emerge as the newest force to rise from Iceland’s icy underground scene. Their self-titled debut album showcases a blend of progressive sensibilities akin to the peak eras of the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT and OPETH, while also channeling the power and precision of MESHUGGAH and GOJIRA. The result is a somber, atmospheric, and modern take on metal that highlights the band’s undeniable talent.
Wheel – Charismatic Leaders
WHEEL’s upcoming third album, “Charismatic Leaders,” was released on May 3rd, 2024, via InsideOut Music, is their heaviest studio effort yet. This new installment marks another bold step in the band’s evolution, continuing to surprise and exceed expectations. Known for constantly pushing their creative boundaries, WHEEL’s latest work builds on their progressive metal foundation while delivering fresh, unexpected twists that will no doubt leave fans eager for more.
Leprous – Melodies of Atonement
LEPROUS‘ latest album, “Melodies of Atonement,” released on August 30, 2024, via InsideOut Music, marks an exciting shift in their sound. The band takes a bold detour from their previous works, such as “Pitfalls” and “Aphelion,” offering a heavier, more experimental experience. While the absence of cello and orchestration may surprise some, the stripped-back approach highlights their exceptional songwriting. The album retains LEPROUS’ cinematic and emotionally powerful qualities, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to the unique elements that define them.
Jon Anderson & the Band Geeks – True
Jon Anderson & the Band Geek‘s “True” feels like a natural continuation of “The Ladder” and “Magnification.” It truly gives the impression that Jon Anderson had an abundance of songs just waiting to be written after his departure from YES. So, this album is exactly what I’ve been hoping for from Jon Anderson!
Simone Simons – Vermillion
“Vermillion” is a perfect marriage of the musical worlds of Arjen Lucassen (AYREON) and Simone Simons, with hints of their shared influences and tastes, like for instance, the apparent RAMMSTEIN influence in “R.E.D.” Lucassen’s influence is unmistakable, but it’s clear he crafted this album with great respect for Simone’s background and vocal abilities, allowing her to shine in every single aspect.
Octoploid – Beyond the Aeons
OCTOPLOID‘s debut album, “Beyond the Aeons,” resonates with a unique air of its own, featuring a wide array of vocalists and combining elements from vintage prog, death metal, black metal, and psychedelia. (JL)
Ihsahn – Ihsahn
As it happens, the highly anticipated eighth solo endeavor by Norwegian metal sage Ihsahn bears “Ihsahn” as its title – and, released on February 16th, 2024, via Candlelight Records, it is a conceptual double treat comprising two versions: one prog-tinted extreme metal offering, one fully symphonic, cinematic interpretation.
Gardenhead – Gardenhead
GARDENHEAD‘s self-titled debut is a tour de force of ultra-tight bangers with enough progressive nooks and crannies to satisfy the needs of prog aficionados everywhere. (JL)
Caligula’s Horse – Charcoal Grace
Modern Aussie prog bands have this one trait in common: the vocals may rip your heart out of your chest and, still, you just have to put the songs on repeat. So, it might take a while to finally get to CALIGULA’S HORSE‘s 12-minute epic from “Charcoal Grace” doing the honors of bringing closure to this sonic journey. (JL)
Azure – Fym
AZURE, the UK-based modern progressive rock band, released their latest album, “Fym,” on May 23rd, 2024. Known for their dynamic and often frenetic style, the band blends elements of classic prog, pop, metal, jazz, and even fantasy and musical theater into a unique and vibrant sound. “Fym” promises to continue their tradition of pushing boundaries, delivering a captivating and eclectic mix that will keep listeners on their toes.
Almo – Reconciliation
Benjamin Almö Thorsell, formerly of FROZEN REALM, has released his debut solo album “Reconciliation” under the moniker ALMO. Drawing influence from HAKEN and NOSPŪN, the album combines intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and powerful vocals, marking a bold step forward for Thorsell in the progressive metal scene.
The Omnific – The Law of Augmenting Returns
The Omnific returned with their bold sophomore album, “The Law of Augmenting Returns,” following the success of their debut. The album delves into the idea that greater artistic effort leads to greater rewards.
Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness
After more than three decades, Gothenburg’s legendary metal band, EVERGREY, continues to push forward with no signs of slowing down. Fronted by founder Tom S. Englund, the band’s fourteenth studio album, “Theories of Emptiness,” was released on June 7th, 2024, via Napalm Records. This powerful new release is one of their most dynamic works yet, showcasing the band’s evolution and creative ambition throughout their storied career.
glass beach – pastic death
“plastic death” is the second studio album from Los Angeles indie rock band GLASS BEACH, released on January 19th, 2024, through Run for Cover Records. Marking a significant shift in sound, the album moves away from the emo influences of their debut, and delves into the realms of progressive rock. This bold evolution highlights the band’s growing musical ambition and willingness to explore new territories.
Octohawk – Determinist
Norwegian progressive sludge band OCTOHAWK released “Determinist,” the highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed debut, “Animist.” Slated to appeal to fans of THE OCEAN, MASTODON, and IGORRR, this album delivers an expanded sonic palette, packed with heavier riffs and even more of the band’s signature intensity.
Night Verses – Every Sound has a Color in the Valley of Night – Part II
Progressive metal innovators NIGHT VERSES have released the second part of their ambitious double album, “Every Sound Has A Color In The Valley Of Night,” on March 15th via Equal Vision Records. This release follows the success of Part I, which made waves in September 2023, marking the band’s dynamic return after a five-year hiatus. Fans will now experience the full album in its entirety for the first time.
Hippotraktor – Stasis
Belgian progressive post-hardcore band HIPPOTRAKTOR has announced their second full-length album, “Stasis,” was released on June 7th via Pelagic Records. “Stasis” stands as a modern metal masterpiece, seamlessly blending progressive songwriting, atmospheric post-metal textures, and powerful djent riffs with precision and skill. This album promises to deliver a captivating sonic journey, showcasing the band’s ability to craft intricate, dynamic music.
ERRA – Cure
“cure” is the sixth studio album by American progressive metalcore band ERRA, released on April 5, 2024, through UNFD. Produced by Daniel Braunstein, this album marks the band’s first with guitarist Clint Tustin. “cure” continues to push ERRA’s signature blend of intricate metalcore and progressive elements, showcasing their evolving sound with fresh energy and intensity.
The Pineapple Thief – It Leads to this
THE PINEAPPLE THIEF’s “It Leads to This” continues their tradition of emotive, atmospheric prog rock. Bruce Soord’s introspective lyrics and delicate arrangements create a contemplative experience, blending subtle complexity with deeply personal themes.
Casagrande & Hanysz – Liminal
Despite recently joining the ranks of SLIPKNOT, drummer Eloy Casagrande, also had time for his other project: CASAGRANDE & HANYSZ. The duo released a new album, “Liminal,” in 2024. They attempt to portray the incoherence of their emotions through experimental sounds influenced by experiences and dreams.
Sgàile – Traverse the Bealach
After the release of their debut album “Ideals & Morality” two years ago, SGÀILE returned with their latest work, “Traverse The Bealach.” This new album tells the tale of a lone wanderer journeying through a post-apocalyptic Scotland, seeking to understand his destiny while navigating harsh conditions and battling personal demons. The inspiration behind the album draws from the challenges of the pandemic, the ongoing fight against climate change, and a profound fascination with the endurance required for long-distance hiking.
Triton Project – Messenger’s Quest
TRITON PROJECT‘s “Messenger’s Quest” is a progressive rock/metal concept album that tells the story of a solitary messenger on a vital mission assigned by the king. This album is an epic, keyboard-driven prog-power journey that emphasizes intricate musicianship and a strong narrative.
Ethereal – Downfall
ETHEREAL‘s new album, “Downfall,” was set for release in 2024, blends heavy prog and doom metal with emotional lyrics and powerful, melancholic riffs. Hailing from Portugal, the band delivers a deeply atmospheric and introspective sound, filled with haunting melodies and crushing heaviness.
Resuscitate – Immortality Complex
RESUSCITATE‘s third full-length album, “Immortality Complex,” delves into the dangers of humanity’s insatiable craving for power, wealth, and technological progress, exploring how these desires could ultimately be our undoing. Marking a significant departure from their earlier “-core” influences, this fifth release sees the band embrace a more progressive metal sound, drawing comparisons to bands like BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and NATIVE CONSTRUCT.
Exist – Hijacking the Zeitgeist
EXIST’s latest album, “Hijacking the Zeitgeist,” pushes the boundaries of their signature blend of extreme metal precision and ethereal atmospheres. The record dives deep into the complexities of modern existence, tackling themes of digital labyrinths, societal paranoia, and the shared facets of the human experience.
Cobra the Impaler – Karma Collision
If you’re seeking a band that blends progressive elements with intense heaviness, COBRA THE IMPALER is the perfect choice. The Belgian group released their highly anticipated second album, “Karma Collision,” in May 2024, promising a powerful mix of intricate songwriting and crushing riffs.
Job For a Cowboy – Moon Healer
Released on February 23rd, 2024, through Metal Blade Records, “Moon Healer” marks JOB FOR A COWBOY’s highly anticipated return after a nearly nine-and-a-half-year hiatus, making it their longest gap between albums. This fifth studio release is a masterclass in progressive technical death metal, blending precision and power to perfection.
Dvne – Voidkind
DVNE, a five-piece metal band hailing from Edinburgh, draws from a diverse range of genres, including post-metal, doom, and progressive rock, to craft their unique sound. Their highly anticipated album, “Voidkind,” is set to be released on April 19th, 2024, promising a captivating blend of atmospheric heaviness and intricate musicianship.
Anciients – Beyond the Reach of the Sun
In 2018, ANCIIENTS received the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Rock just after waking up in Vienna, exhausted from another intense show on their European headlining tour. Their journey to creating a new album has been far more challenging than anticipated. However, after six years of reflection, the band has triumphantly returned to the forefront of progressive me”tal with Beyond the Reach of the Sun,” a powerful and deeply emotional record that marks their long-awaited comeback.
Kyros – Mannequin
KYROS, the UK-based prog-synth-rock band, released their fourth studio album, “Mannequin,” on February 2nd. The album offers an energetic mix of pop, prog, and lively soundscapes, creating a vibrant, modern musical adventure.
Vipassi – Lightless
Building on the foundation of their debut “Sunyata,” VIPASSI’s sophomore album “Lightless” explores the timeless theme of light versus dark. Named after the twenty-second Buddha, the band channels his aura of clairvoyance through their exceptional technical musicianship, solidifying their place as instrumental trailblazers in progressive metal. Lightless showcases a profound evolution in their sound, with each instrument weaving together a narrative that transcends words.
Teramaze – Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace
Australian progressive hard rockers TERAMAZE are back with their eagerly awaited album “ELI – A Wonderful Fall From Grace.” This release delivers a captivating blend of accessible, melodic prog, occasionally veering into pop territory with its infectious choruses and dynamic sound.
Ever Forthright – Techinflux
EVER FORTHRIGHT has quietly earned a devoted following within the djent community. Their early demos hinted at their potential, and their self-titled debut album made a strong impact, helping to shape the genre’s evolution. After a period of silence, the band returns with a fresh burst of energy, with their new full-length album, “Techinflux,” offering a sound that is as technical as it is accessible. Their music stands out for its intricate complexity, memorable hooks, and innovative approach, bringing something new and exciting to the djent scene.
Albion – Lakesongs of Elbid
The debut full-length album from British progressive/folk metal act ALBION, “Lakesongs of Elbid,” offers an enchanting and immersive experience. With this release, ALBION have crafted a mesmerizing collection of songs that captivate and draw listeners in. “Lakesongs of Elbid” is a remarkable showcase of the band’s exceptional talent, delivering an hour of music that is nothing short of awe-inspiring and guaranteed to give you chills.
Dark Oath – Ages of Man
Hailing from Portugal, DARK OATH blend symphonic elements with death metal to create music that is both powerful and emotionally resonant. Known for their storytelling prowess, the band’s sophomore album, “Ages of Man,” explores the vast scope of Greek mythology.
Notochord – Aegis
A fresh force in the progressive djent and sludge metal scene has arrived from Madison, Wisconsin. With their debut album, AEGIS, released in early 2024, this new band is making a bold statement, blending complex rhythms with heavy, atmospheric soundscapes.
Exocrine – Legend
Dive into “Legend,” the sixth album from EXOCRINE, France’s most innovative and technically masterful death metal band. The album delivers complex, otherworldly guitar passages that seamlessly intertwine with punishing drum patterns, creating an intense and visceral experience that will have your heart racing to a rhythm like no other.
Ghost Atlas – Dust of the Human Shape
GHOST ATLAS, the melodic alt-rock project from Jesse Cash of ERRA, returns with “Dust of The Human Shape,” releaseD on January 26th, 2024 via UNFD. This highly anticipated album delves deep into Jesse’s personal world, capturing intense emotions and life experiences through 12 tracks that invite listeners to find their own meaning in its raw and heartfelt exploration.
OU – 蘇醒 Frailty
Chinese progressive metal band OU released their sophomore album, “蘇醒 Frailty,” exploring the fleeting nature of life through its captivating sound. Produced and mixed by Devin Townsend, who also appears on the track “Purge,” the album offers a transformative experience with its blend of hypnotic, intricate metal.
Madder Mortem – Old Eyes, New Heart
After a challenging journey marked by turmoil and loss, MADDER MORTEM released their 8th studio album, “Old Eyes, New Heart,” on January 26th, 2024. The album, which follows 2018’s “Marrow,” is a deeply personal reflection on hope, disappointment, and emotional complexity. Musically, the album spans from post-metal heaviness to Americana grooves, showcasing the band’s versatility and unique sound, all while staying true to their roots.
Chapel Of Disease – Echoes of Light
CHAPEL OF DISEASE’s latest album, “Echoes of Light,” pushes the boundaries of their sound by embracing freedom from genre limitations. The album features six tracks that explore a range of moods, blending contrasts into a cohesive, dynamic soundscape.
Ὁπλίτης – Παραμαινομένη
“Paramainomeni” is an avant-garde black metal album from a single artist, HOPLITES, in China, uniquely themed around Greek mythology and spoken almost entirely in Ancient Greek. Blending black metal and progressive elements, it stands out as an impressive, if unconventional, project. While not the first of its kind, it’s undeniably one of the most intriguing and distinctive offerings in the genre, even without considering its unusual context.
Turbulence – Binary Dream
What do you get when you mix Philip K. Dick themes, prog-metal mayhem à la DREAM THEATER, and the occasional jazz-fusion and djent flourishes? You get something very close to the organic grooves of the up-and-coming prog bunch, TURBULENCE. Released on March 8th, 2024, via Frontiers Music, their sophomore studio album “Binary Dream” narrates an overarching story of an awakening consciousness across the ten new songs. The catch in this wild tale is that the protagonist is a robot called 8b+1. (JL)
Transit Method – Othervoid
TRANSIT METHOD’s “Othervoid” is a bold, ambitious prog-metal album that showcases the band’s growth and resilience. The seven tracks explore a range of influences, from the dueling guitars of “Psychometry” to the harmonies and rhythms of “The Outside.” The album culminates in the nine-minute epic “Frostbite,” inspired by the 2021 Texas freeze. Produced by Charles Godfrey, “Othervoid” is a powerful blend of bludgeoning riffs, infectious melodies, and intricate songwriting.
Whom Gods Destroy – Insanium
On their debut album “Insanium,” released on March 15th, 2024, progressive metal supergroup WHOM GODS DESTROY embraces the genre’s most extravagant elements. The album offers a thrilling journey through indulgent, complex compositions, all while maintaining a polished and captivating sound that showcases the band’s technical prowess and flair for creativity.
The Aristocrats – Duck
On “DUCK,” THE ARISTOCRATS—Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller, and Marco Minnemann—bring their signature rock/fusion sound to a quirky concept album about an Antarctic island native escaping to New York City. With inventive arrangements and emotional depth, the band delivers their most ambitious work yet, blending virtuosity and humor to tell a wild, musical story.
Charlotte Wessels – The Obsession
On “The Obsession,” Charlotte Wessels blends bombastic songwriting with dark, melancholic elements and heavier progressive soundscapes. The album’s storytelling adds depth, making it her most mature and captivating solo work to date.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
