If you haven't heard of them go listen to some of their songs. NOW. ESPECIALLY if you like prog metal.

I almost always hear about three bands whenever prog metal is brought up. Those are Queensryche, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning. That's actually the order of commercial success they've had, too. Queensryche is the melodic ass kicking side of the genre while Fates Warning is the raw and heavy side. Dream Theater does a bit of both and has some jazz influences as well. Symphony X coincidentally is closer in style to Fates Warning but is unique in its own right as well.

The reason I bring up this band is just how awesome they are. I picked up Empire this past weekend and was utterly blown away by everything on the album except the opener. Great singing, great guitar playing, great use of backing vocals, practically great everything. I definitely recommend picking up Empire.

If anyone else has any of their albums aside from Empire and American Soldier, please make some recs. I'd love to know where else to start.

Picked up Operation: Mindcrime a week or two ago. Was amazing.