As we stagger out of 2025, progressive metal and rock once again proved they are physically incapable of writing a “normal” song. This was a year where riffs multiplied, concepts got heavier than the guitars, and every band seemed determined to see just how many ideas could be crammed into a single album without violating the laws of spacetime. Genres were bent, broken, and duct-taped back together, emotions ran high, and at least one drummer somewhere is still counting. So grab your headphones, stretch your neck, and prepare your brain: here are 50 killer prog (or prog-adjacent) albums and EPs of 2025, guaranteed to twist time signatures, melt faces, and make you wonder why 4/4 even exists.
AGROPELTER – The Book of Hours
AGROPELTER is a Norwegian progressive rock project led by multi-instrumentalist Kay Olsen, blending classic prog influences (GENESIS, CAMEL, KING CRIMSON, ELOY) with the grandeur of classical composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff. The debut album “The Book of Hours” is a lush, vintage-leaning prog journey packed with Mellotron, Hammond and church organ, Moog and ARP synths, and symphonic arrangements, largely performed by Olsen himself, with key contributions from Jonas Reingold, Mattias Olsson, and Andreas Sjøen, alongside additional classical musicians.
Amorphis – Borderland
AMORPHIS returned in 2025 with “Borderland,” continuing their decades-long journey of blending progressive metal with melodic death roots and rich Nordic atmosphere. Drawing once again from Finnish folklore and melancholic melodies, the album balances heavy riffs, soaring leads, and Tomi Joutsen’s unmistakable dual vocals with refined songwriting and expansive arrangements. Borderland feels both familiar and forward-looking, reaffirming Amorphis’ status as masters of emotional, story-driven metal that evolves without losing its soul.
ANCIENT FRAGMENTS – Vestige
ANCIENT FRAGMENTS are a modern metal band rooted in the djent and progressive metal scene, blending crushing grooves with atmospheric interludes and sharp rhythmic precision. Their music thrives on contrast — pummeling heaviness colliding with moments of space and texture — all designed to keep listeners headbanging one second and drifting the next.
An Abstract Illusion – The Sleeping City
Swedish progressive death metal band AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION continue to blur the line between beauty and devastation on their new album “A Sleeping City,” crafting expansive compositions that balance crushing heaviness with haunting atmosphere. Known for weaving emotional depth into complex songwriting, the band moves seamlessly between ferocity and restraint, allowing melody and darkness to coexist without compromise. A Sleeping City unfolds like a dream on the edge of collapse — immersive, intense, and quietly devastating.
Arjen Lucassen – Songs No One Will Hear
Arjen Lucassen, best known as the mastermind behind AYREON, returns with his second solo album “Songs No One Will Hear,” a concept record centered on the final moments before the end of the world. Trading sprawling sci-fi operas for a more intimate and reflective approach, the album focuses on human emotion, quiet storytelling, and atmosphere, while still carrying Lucassen’s unmistakable progressive touch.
Asymmetric Universe – A Memory and What Came After
ASYMMETRIC UNIVERSE is an instrumental project formed in 2018 by brothers Federico and Nicolò Vese, built around the idea that complex music doesn’t have to be inaccessible. Blending modern prog metal with fusion, avant-garde jazz, ambient textures, and chamber-like orchestration, the duo explore a wide emotional and stylistic range without sacrificing clarity. Their 2025 debut full-length “A Memory And What Came After” captures that vision in full, presenting instrumental progressive music that is technically fearless, emotionally rich, and unmistakably their own.
AVKRVST – Waving at the Sky
AVKRVST returned with their second concept album, “Waving at the Sky,” continuing the haunting narrative of the bleak soul isolated in the cabin. Rooted in Norwegian progressive rock, the band expand their cinematic storytelling with darker atmospheres and heightened emotional tension, deepening the psychological weight of the story. The album also features a guest appearance by Ross Jennings of HAKEN on the track “The Malevolent,” adding an extra layer of dramatic intensity to an already immersive journey.
Benthos – From Nothing
Emerging from the Italian progressive metal scene, BENTHOS return with their InsideOutMusic debut “From Nothing,” released on April 11, 2025. The band’s sophomore album explores humanity’s positive and negative imprints on society, expanding on the aggressive, ethereal, chaotic, and jazz-infused modern prog metal that earned their 2021 debut II widespread acclaim. Featuring the exploratory single “Fossil” and the evocative title track “From Nothing,” the album blends technical intensity with poetic reflection, emphasizing the power of ideas, emotion, and legacy in shaping both music and meaning.
Between the Buried and Me – The Blue Nowhere
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME returned in 2025 with “The Blue Nowhere,” continuing their long-standing tradition of pushing progressive metal into unpredictable and often surreal territory. Blending extreme metal, prog rock, and moments of unexpected melody, the album unfolds as a labyrinth of shifting moods and sharp turns, balancing technical excess with strong thematic flow. “The Blue Nowhere” once again proves BTBAM’s ability to sound fearless without losing cohesion, offering a record that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.
Buried Realm – The Dormant Darkness
Solo project BURIED REALM dives deeper into melodic and technical death metal on “The Dormant Darkness,” blending sharp riffing, atmosphere, and emotive leads. The album balances aggression and melody, showcasing a focused vision that thrives on both intensity and precision.
Coheed And Cambria – The Father Of Make Believe
COHEED AND CAMBRIA continue their long-running sci-fi saga with “The Father Of Make Believe,” merging progressive rock ambition with hook-driven songwriting. The album expands the narrative universe while balancing cinematic scope, emotional weight, and the band’s unmistakable melodic flair.
Coroner – Dissonance Theory
Progressive metal legends CORONER return with “Dissonance Theory,” a sharp, cerebral record that leans into technical precision and dark, thrash-rooted intensity. It’s a tightly wound album that reflects the band’s analytical edge and uncompromising approach.
Danefae – Trøst
Danish progressive metal band DANEFAE blend heaviness with Nordic atmosphere on “Trøst,” weaving folk elements, melody, and modern prog sensibilities into a deeply emotional listen. The album balances power and vulnerability with a strong sense of identity.
Primaluce – Dark Mirrors
PRIMALUCE explore a moody intersection of progressive metal and atmospheric rock on “Dark Mirrors,” focusing on texture, melody, and introspective songwriting. The album unfolds gradually, favoring immersion over immediacy.
Dawn Of Ouroboros – Bioluminescence
On “Bioluminescence,” DAWN OF OUROBOROS fuse progressive death metal with post-metal atmosphere and blackened intensity. The album thrives on contrast, shifting between crushing heaviness and expansive, luminous passages.
Defecto – Echoes of Isolation
DEFECTO return with “Echoes of Isolation,” delivering polished modern prog metal built on tight grooves, soaring vocals, and emotional themes. The album emphasizes clarity and songwriting while retaining a strong rhythmic backbone.
Dream Theater – Parasomnia
Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER explore darker psychological territory on “Parasomnia,” blending technical virtuosity with unsettling atmospheres and conceptual depth. The album balances classic DT complexity with a renewed focus on mood and tension.
Esoterica – Ether Metal
ESOTERICA present a bold, genre-blurring statement on “Ether Metal,” fusing progressive metal with electronic textures and experimental songwriting. The album thrives on atmosphere and unpredictability rather than traditional structures.
Everon – Shells
Veteran prog rock band EVERON return with “Shells,” offering melodic, emotionally driven progressive rock rooted in classic songwriting traditions. The album emphasizes warmth, narrative flow, and refined arrangements.
Fallujah – Xenotaph
With “Xenotaph,” FALLUJAH continue refining their blend of technical death metal and expansive atmosphere. The album pairs futuristic aggression with melodic depth, pushing their sound further into cinematic territory.
Feather Mountain – A Liminal Step
FEATHER MOUNTAIN craft dreamy, melodic progressive rock on “A Liminal Step,” focusing on texture, atmosphere, and emotional nuance. The album feels introspective and fluid, favoring mood over technical excess.
Fractal Universe – The Great Filters
French prog death metal band FRACTAL UNIVERSE return with “The Great Filters,” blending technical precision, jazz-inflected passages, and philosophical themes. The album sharpens their complex style while remaining surprisingly accessible.
Green Carnation – A Dark Poem, Pt. I: The Shores of Melancholia
GREEN CARNATION begin a new chapter with “A Dark Poem, Pt. I,” delivering melancholic progressive metal steeped in atmosphere and emotional weight. The album unfolds patiently, emphasizing mood, narrative, and slow-burning intensity.
Hei’An – Kiss Our Ghosts Goodbye
Slovenian metal band HEI’AN blend modern metal, alternative influences, and expressive songwriting on “Kiss Our Ghosts Goodbye.” The album balances groove, melody, and experimentation with a strong emotional core.
Ihlo – Legacy
IHLO return with “Legacy,” expanding their cinematic approach to modern progressive metal with lush soundscapes and powerful rhythmic drive. The album leans heavily into atmosphere while maintaining a sharp sense of momentum.
Jack the Joker – The Devil To Pay in the Backlands
Brazilian prog metal band JACK THE JOKER deliver a vibrant and theatrical experience on “The Devil To Pay in the Backlands,” blending heavy riffs with bold melodies and narrative exploring the metaphysical backlands.
Jinjer – Duél
On “Duél,” JINJER sharpen their progressive groove metal attack, balancing technical precision with raw emotion. The album highlights dynamic songwriting and Tatiana Shmayluk’s unmistakable vocal versatility.
Joviac – Autofiction Pt 1 – Shards
JOVIAC explore identity and fragmentation on “Autofiction Pt 1 – Shards,” blending modern prog metal with atmospheric rock and cinematic touches. The album feels introspective and carefully layered.
Kardashev – Alunea
KARDASHEV continue defining their “deathgaze” sound on “Alunea,” merging extreme metal with lush ambience and emotional depth. The album emphasizes flow, texture, and immersive songwriting.
Katatonia – Nightmares As Extensions of the Waking State
KATATONIA delve further into introspection on “Nightmares As Extensions of the Waking State,” blending progressive metal with brooding melodies and restrained heaviness. The album thrives on atmosphere and emotional subtlety.
Keoma – A New Beginning?
KEOMA present a reflective take on modern progressive metal with “A New Beginning?,” combining groove-driven riffs, melody, and thoughtful songwriting. The album suggests both renewal and uncertainty.
Lux Terminus – Cinder
Instrumental prog trio LUX TERMINUS explore dense textures and dynamic arrangements on “Cinder,” blending modern prog, fusion, and cinematic elements. The album is technical yet expressive, favoring atmosphere as much as precision.
Maestrick – Espresso Della Vita: Lunare
Brazilian prog band MAESTRICK continue their conceptual journey with “Espresso Della Vita: Lunare,” blending theatrical prog metal, melody, and storytelling. The album balances humor, drama, and ambition.
Magic Pie – Maestro
Norwegian prog veterans MAGIC PIE return with “Maestro,” delivering classic progressive rock infused with modern production and strong melodic hooks. The album feels playful, ambitious, and rooted in old-school prog spirit.
MENDEL – La Séance Nocturne
Guitarist Mendel bij de Leij returns with EP “La Séance Nocturne,” a darkly atmospheric instrumental album blending progressive metal with cinematic and gothic tones. The focus is on mood, texture, and expressive guitar work.
Nailed To Obscurity – Generation of the Void
NAILED TO OBSCURITY deliver a bleak and emotionally charged statement on “Generation of the Void,” blending melodic death metal with doom-laden atmosphere and progressive touches. The album emphasizes despair, weight, and melody.
Psychonaut – World Maker
Belgian trio PSYCHONAUT expand their cosmic progressive metal vision on “World Maker,” combining sludge, post-metal, and spiritual themes. The album feels expansive, heavy, and deeply immersive.
Rioghan – Kept
RIOGHAN craft emotionally driven progressive metal on “Kept,” blending heaviness with vulnerability and dynamic songwriting. The album thrives on contrast and expressive vocal performances.
Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil
With their self-titled release, RIVERS OF NIHIL reimagine their sound, leaning into progressive and atmospheric elements while retaining their extreme metal roots. The album feels exploratory, layered, and introspective.
Royal Sorrow – Innerdeeps
Finland’s ROYAL SORROW explore dark, modern progressive metal on “Innerdeeps,” blending electronic textures, groove-driven riffs, and emotional depth. The album balances polish with intensity, with catchy songs like “Release Your Shadow” and “Evergreen.” One of the strongest progressive metal records from the Nordics this year.
Scardust – Souls
Israeli prog metal band SCARDUST return with “Souls,” delivering a dynamic blend of symphonic elements, heavy riffs, and virtuosic vocals. The album is ambitious, theatrical, and emotionally charged.
Seventh Station – On Shoulders of Giants
SEVENTH STATION offer melodic, story-driven progressive metal on their EP “On Shoulders of Giants,” blending classic prog influences with modern production. The album emphasizes songwriting and thematic flow.
Senna – Stranger to Love
SENNA‘s debut album, “Stranger to Love,” leans into melodic, modern progressive metalcore, focusing on emotional accessibility and strong hooks. An excellent debut with a masterful blend of raw energy, technical precision, and catchy hooks across eleven stunning tracks.
Sleep Token – Even In Arcadia
SLEEP TOKEN continue defying genre boundaries on “Even In Arcadia,” blending metal, pop, ambient, and R&B influences into a deeply emotional experience. The album thrives on atmosphere, intimacy, and dramatic contrast.
Snooze – I Know How You Will Die
Mathy and unpredictable, SNOOZE blend emo, prog, and experimental rock on “I Know How You Will Die.” The album is playful, technical, and emotionally raw.
Teramaze – The Harmony Machine
Australian prog metal band TERAMAZE return with “The Harmony Machine,” delivering hook-driven, melodic prog metal with technical polish. The album emphasizes clarity, energy, and strong songwriting.
Tiktaalika – Gods of Pangeae
Led by HAKEN‘s Charlie Griffiths, TIKTAALIKA deliver a riff-heavy, old-school-inspired prog metal assault on “Gods of Pangeae.” The album channels classic metal energy through a progressive lens.
Unprocessed – Angel
UNPROCESSED continue evolving their modern prog metal sound on “Angel,” blending djent precision, pop sensibility, and technical flair. The album feels sleek, heavy, and forward-thinking.
vianova – Hit It!
VIANOVA inject youthful energy into modern metal on “Hit It!,” combining progressive, groove-driven riffs, electronic elements, and catchy hooks. The album is vibrant and unapologetically modern; best summed up as beautifully organized chaos.
VOIDCHASER – Trust
VOIDCHASER deliver cinematic progressive metal on “Trust,” blending atmosphere, heaviness, and emotional themes. The album focuses on immersive soundscapes and steady tension.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
