Heavy Prog

Heavy Prog definition

Heavy Prog defines progressive rock music that draws as much influence from hard rock as it does from classic progressive rock. In simple terms, it is a marriage of the guitar-based heavy blues of the late 1960s and 1970s - artists such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath - and the progressive/symphonic movement represented by King Crimson, Yes and Genesis.

The electric guitar, amplified to produce distortion (or 'overdrive') is a crucial element, providing the 'heavy' tone required for this aggressive style, and later for the British and North American heavy metal of the late 1970s and 80s. The primary rock format of drums, bass and guitar with keys and/or vocals on top is represented strongly in heavy prog. The presence of the Hammond organ with its deep, intense rumble was also common among harder progressive groups such as ATOMIC ROOSTER. Although certain other acts, such as King Crimson and Jethro Tull, utilize a heavy guitar, bass and keyboard sound, the bulk of their work over the years puts them in a different category.

Bands that represent Heavy Prog would include RUSH, PORCUPINE TREE, THE MARS VOLTA, URIAH HEEP, TEMPEST, BLACK WIDOW, DR. Z,ATOMIC ROOSTER, WARHORSE, BIRTH CONTROL, TILES.

"written bt Atavachron (David) at progarchives.com"

Progressive Rock Sub-Genres : Crossover Prog

Progressively Crossover.

Crossover Prog contains contains as a genre all the progressive rock musical pieces that hold a connection to comon popular music and is therefore a bit more comercial than many of the other sub-genres of Prog Rock. (Thought it is 100% progressive).

Whether it be the lack of emphasis on extended compositions, or an influence from mainstream music in addition to classical, jazz and folk, Crossover Prog combines both popular elements with the classical ones that originated the movement way back in time.

"Compositions, however, still exhibit a high degree of sophistication, sometimes outright complexity, and the musicianship and virtuosity is often on a par with established Prog acts. Much like their kin in the established prog sub-genres, these groups will incorporate many major parts of what defines prog rock: the fusing of rock with the structures and discipline of more traditional musics, the use of syntheisizers and new technologies, intelligent thematics, and the expansion of the form.

The defining characteristics of Crossover Prog are a pop music influence that is largely vacant in typical prog rock. Songs tend toward shorter, more concise presentations though still reach beyond the typical verse, bridge, chorus pattern, - wich makes them higly attractive to the popular listener - , while the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures may be more easily digested in Crossover while not losing the musical integrity that a prog listener expects. Whereas Prog Related bands are generally commercial groups with certain prog elements or players that were involved in prog acts, Crossover Prog artists are predominantly progressive with elements of popular music.

The most representative examples for this genre include The MOODY BLUES, SUPERTRAMP, DREDG, CINEMA SHOW, RADIOHEAD and SAGA.

Progressive Rock Sub-Genres: Symphonic Prog

Symphonic Prog.

Symphonic Prog Rock could be called the main sub-genre of Progressive Rock in general. It includes the most bands and in many cases it’s the musical equal of Classic Progressive Rock; this is because what for many was the first album to be qualified as prog rock, falls into this category: In the Court of The Crimson King.

Indeed even King Crimson, who expanded later on to more experimental music, made their debut with this Symphonic album, which, whether it was, or not, the first piece of Progressive Music ever, it was a cornerstone in the development of the genre.

The main element that defines Symphonic Prog is the musical inclusion of Classical Elements, and as in any other genre, different bands made a different approach on this; for example, Yes and Genesis turned out to be influenced by the Baroque and Classical periods, while ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) had a predilection for post Romantic.

The peak of the genre starts in 1969 and lasts until the mid/late 70’s, when it starts to blend mainstream influences that took it to the birth of Neo-Progressive. While this creative peak ended before the 80’s, during the 90’s new bands retook the principles and sounds bringing the genre back to life. (Anglagard and Par Lindh Project are a couple of examples).

General Aspects of Symphonic Prog Rock:

- Mixture of elements from different genres
- Complex Time Signatures
- Lush Keyboards
- Explorative and intelligent lyrics
- Longer format of Songs
- Non commercial approach
- Clear inclusion of Classical Music Elements
- Melody Progression