Is there a good definition of progressive rock?
Blue Mammoth band is releasing its first CD in august 2011. A style name is normally a way to give a previous idea about a new group's sounds for curious public. Nevertheless, most of time saying that we are a progressive rock band has brought more doubts than certainties, more shadows than light. On the one hand, progressive became a so embracing denomination that no wonder this happen. On the other hand, "progressive rock" turned into a style for such a specific public that most people simply don't know what this denomination is about.
Also called or related to the art rock term, the style appeared in the early 70's. It was a rare "chance" for musicians and bands to exercise a free artistic imagination and still be in the market and make a living from music. At least at that time, there was a public that has made this possible. Does this public still exist? We believe yes. Or perhaps, it could exist. The development of industry methods has restricted the art explicitly available to some simpler styles. It's cheaper, easier and less risky. We are not against any style. But the art of music can give more than that! And the new generations deserve a chance to know that! We meet many young people who have never heard anything about this amazing style, or have a vague idea about it. And plenty of them got surprised and amazed about an imense universe they were apart. We bring here a little bit of progressive rock bands, genres and history; and the hope that the journey hasn't finished yet!
Sub-genres related on next pages
70's Art rock The middle 70’s were the golden years of progressive rock, when many bands reached their peak of popularity...80's Neo-prog After a decline in popularity at the end of the 70's, some bands promoted a revival of the progressive rock style in the 80's...
Prog Metal ...many metal bands have incorporated prog elements. They became part of the sub-genre, usually called prog metal...
90's progrock ...Leaving aside the concern about selling records and belonging to the mainstream, some bands made another revival of progressive rock style in the 90's.
Prog related bands Although not being considered “progressive” in its essence, some rock bands do incorporated prog elements on their sound...
Italian progrock ...important scenes emerged in certain european countries, which ended up yielding very particular musical approaches...
South American bands ...In the 80's and on, we could see some good quality productions and some bands achieved good penetration...
Prog rock history
| BBC documentary - an Observation in Three Movements |
