Meanings
- uncountablea subgenre of heavy metal with progressive rock influences
The “progressive metal” movement began in the 1990s with the group Dream Theater.
2001, Pat Browne, The guide to United States popular culture, Popular Press, page 3732 more examples
In 1988 they reached their true breakthrough both as a progressive metal band and as a commercial force with Operation Mindcrime, a concept album whose progressive elements were supplemented by symphonic arrangements played by a live orchestra.
2003, Daniel Bukszpan, Ronnie James Dio, The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal, Barnes & Noble Publishing, page 106Formed in 1987 by guitarist Kevin Heidbreder and bassist John Emery, St. Louis' Anacrusis grew from a talented thrash outfit to one of the most highly respected progressive metal bands in the United States.
2005, Joel McIver, Extreme Metal II, Music Sales Group, page 25
Translations
Finnish progressiivinen metalli
- progressiivinen metalliheavy metal subgenre
French metal progressif
- metal progressifheavy metal subgenre
Portuguese metal progressivo
- metal progressivoheavy metal subgenre
Cite this entry
progressive metal. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/progressive%20metal
“progressive metal.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/progressive%20metal. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “progressive metal,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/progressive%20metal.
Source: progressive metal on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.