10 Most Underrated Progressive Rock Albums Of All Time
The forgotten classics.
Tired of the late '60s emphasis on blues rock, King Crimson set the music world on fire with one of the strangest albums the world had ever heard. 'In the Court of the Crimson King' was as eclectic and inventive an LP as one could find, blending jazz, acid rock, symphonies and all manner of madness for a mindblowing sound.
Impressed by the innovation, a tidal wave of bands followed suit, taking rock into once unthinkable territories. The subgenre swelled with audience fascination, eventually conquering the charts and permanently changing the face and limitations of rock and roll.
While the genre's moved more into cult favourite status in the decades since, its '70s peak remains a key moment in music history. In amongst prog giants like Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull and Rush, there was an army of top tier groups experimenting audaciously with their sound.
Despite garnering some acclaim, many of these artists had first class LPs slip through the mainstream's fingers. Falling under the radar, these somewhat buried gems have gone on for years not garnering the acclaim and recognition they deserve. Considering the general renewed interest in prog rock at the moment, it's time for some quiet greats to get their just desserts.
10. Ozric Tentacles - Swirly Termination
For a contractually obligated LP the band wanted nothing to do with, 'Swirly Termination' is a surprisingly compelling, typically odd bit of output from the Somerset favourites.
Released in 2000, the album is a compilation of various, previously undiscovered gems from the group's '90s work. The only reason it was ever released was because their contract with Snapper Music demanded one more album before they could move on. Beyond the troublesome politics, however, this is an intriguing assortment of psychedelic treats.
The album kicks off with a bang thanks to 'Steep', a guitar-driven, surprisingly heavy by the band's standards, track. From there, it passes through a worldly arrangement of electronic and space-influenced rock. Initially a fun bit of extra listening for longtime fans of the group, it's gained a quiet cult following in its own right.
One of the torchbearers of prog rock throughout the '90s and '00s, a period where the genre's once titanic popularity had otherwise sunk, the enigmatic group have proven themselves revolutionary in all areas. From their impact on the British festival scene to the manner in which they've promoted their inventive, often opaque music, the band have gone from strength to strength.
In many ways, 'Swirly Termination' is a perfect showcase of their power. There are few bands who could ever get stuck putting out songs they didn't want to release and have the LP turn out this great.