As far as I can derive from people on the net, there are many opinions which cover the term of progressive metal but I'll try to mention the two most widely accepted.

The first opinion refers to progmetal as the genre of metal bands which are influenced by the 70s progressive rock. Hence according to this opinion progmetal bands are Dream Theater, Fates Warning and anything that sounds like them. Most of the times technical melodic power metal bands are included in this group of bands, as Stratovarius and Symphony X.

The second opinion thinks progressive metal means *experimental* metal. In other words prog metal band is a band which pushes boundaries and tries something new. Bands as Nevermore, Pain of Salvation, Psychotic Waltz(even their last two albums) are included in this group of bands. That's of course not a "genre" but a whole "philosophy".

I tend to think that people's mind is a bit comfused about the term "progressive" and most listeners "feel" progressive is a "combination" of the two explanations I just mentioned.

I quit thinking about all that and suggested to my mates on Epigram to add the header "Progmetal - A tribute to experimental and progressive metal". That's easier and covers them all! :O)

- MichaelM