.... I just spent a half hour typing all this out, and then the board logged me off and it all got erased :V
I'll add reasons and such later, top 5 bands are
#1 Haken
Reason: For their wild, intense, and extremely well played music; everything ranging from ragtime to some brutal growling. The lyrics hold a deeper emotional link and meaning than may seem. The story behind Aquarius is a sad one, but damn do I love this cd. The demos are good too, but that's not a concept album. New cd released in October
Songs: Celestial Elixir, The Point of No Return, Streams, Blind, Black Seed.
#2 Yes
Yes is yes. Crazy ass hardcore prog to a more lenient and modernized style of progressive. Theirs is a musical wonderland the likes of which hasn't been seen in a very long time. Intricate instrumentals, bizarre and wonderful lyrics, all wrapped around a peaceful, earth based core.
[removed] Songs: Heart of the Sunrise, Dreamtime, Homeworld, The Revealing Science of God, The Gates of Delirium, Soundchaser.
#3 Dream Theater
Prog metal, delicious, long, and intense. Dream Theater amply fills that position, leaving little room for competitors, and a lot of room for their own expansion and progress. With their ever changing style, exquisite solos, and among the best musicians on Earth, their music involves ever changing keys, time signatures, and instruments. Listening to Dream Theater is a wonderful way to get a little taste of everything that Prog has to offer, without sifting through dozens of gigabytes worth of music to find the style suited to you.
Songs: Octovarium, In the Presence of Enemies (pt. 1&2), Ministry of Lost Souls, Pull Me Under, A Change of Seasons.
#4 Höstsonaten
This is what I listen to while relaxing, nice, soothing orchestral centered around the seasons. The light, ambient style is well suited for studying, reading, sleeping... etc. In my opinion. I recommend this to anyone, I can hardly think of anyone that wouldn't like such a band.
Songs: Glares of Light, Night Swan II, Entering The Halls of Winter, Rainsuite, Under Stars.
#5 Frogg Café
Frogg Café is weird. Really weird. They're the only band I've ever seen to write a song warning about Absinthe. Their almost jazz-like style is such an abomination that it's good. Really good. It may be weird, but I'll be damned if it's not interesting. Frogg Café is only #5 on my list because I have to be in a very, very specific mood to listen to them. It's not easy listening, it'll take some getting into. Light, upbeat, and bizarre lyrics compliment an almost sinister, twisted sort of melody. The two shouldn't fit, but they do. Definitely give them a listen.
Songs: Terra Sancta, Under Wuhu Sun ( there are 3 parts ), Leave the Absinthe, Move Over I'm Driving, Belgian Boogie Board.
ugh that pisses me off
automatic logoff is terrible. I'll be back! I swear it!