progressiverock

Progressive rock, commonly referred to as prog rock, is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and 1970s, principally in the United Kingdom. It sought to extend the boundaries of rock through longer, more complex compositions, conceptual or thematic albums, and encouragement of virtuoso performance. Inspired by classical music, jazz, folk, and avant-garde traditions, prog rock expanded instrumental textures and recording techniques, incorporating synthesizers, Mellotron, complex time signatures, and multi-part suites.

Origins and notable acts: Early practitioners included King Crimson, whose 1969 album In the Court of the Crimson King helped define the style; Pink Floyd, whose ambitious albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) blended accessible songcraft with studio experimentation; Yes, Genesis, and Jethro Tull also contributed to the movement. The Canterbury scene and art rock are closely related in some contexts.

Characteristics: Emphasis on extended compositions, concept albums, virtuoso musicianship, classically influenced arrangements, unusual rhythms, orchestral textures, and inventive production.

Key albums and artists: In the Court of the Crimson King (1969); Close to the Edge (1972); Fragile (1971); Tarkus (1971); Selling England by the Pound (1973); The Dark Side of the Moon (1973); Wish You Were Here (1975); Animals (1977).

Legacy and evolution: Prog rock waned commercially in the late 1970s with the rise of punk, but influenced many later genres. In the 1980s revival, neo-progressive rock emerged with bands like Marillion, IQ, and Pendragon. In the 1990s and beyond, bands such as Porcupine Tree, Tool, and Opeth fused prog with metal and alternative rock, expanding the style; subgenres include progressive metal and symphonic prog.