I don't know if it is yours though.
The three links you provided hardly define what makes a progressive rock band.
You see, prog-rock, prog-metal are derived from Eastern Europe. The Progressive Rock you pointed to was the name of a record company and magazine, just because they focis on prgressive rock/metal doesn'tmean that all the bands they represent are. THey do mention bands from Sweden, which I will agree with wholly. But unless you've been to Europe and seen the REAL progressive metal scene that is not bastardized for NOrth America, you really have no idea. I'm not saying this to be a jerk but there's a massive difference in Notrh American music flavours and labels.
You made a note of saying Iron Maiden are not talented, yet in Europe, Japan, Brazil etc. They are known as the pioneers and unbeaten leaders of progressive metal. This tells me right away that your definition of what is progressive and what isn't is only based on the bands you've followed and therefore limited.
I understand what you're saying and SOME of the bands I will agree are somewhat progressive, RUSH rightly being at the top of your list.
THis doesn't mean anything long winded is considered progressive music. Change and new sound mixed into a long epic of a sonf is progressive, not just playing a 20 minute song. Preogression is just that, moving forward and trying something new, starting with a basic 4/4 and working through multiple tempos, volumes and sounds to achieve an overall work, like Pink Floyd, Malmsteen, Shenkle, Maiden etc.
You have some ood points but the vision is very narrow and only uncludes a spit in the oicean of what being a progressive artist is about.
Tune into Sweden, Germany, Spain or Japan and you will see a whole new and modern progressive world. Not some antiquated, been there done that music.
The links you posted were sorta interesting but very small companies, they would cover Iron Maiden on the cover each month if they could.
They do everywhere else.
Overall, it's not your fault you have been victimized here. I get the same crap up in Canada. If a band comes here now, they won't play a gig in North America for double the money. It is a waste of time, music here is completely restricted, manufactured and falling fast.
I've tried to book New Years gigs and they just won't have it, I had to get a local cover band that is starting to write and produce themselves to play instead.
Now the bands I manage aren't exactly the calibre of Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, but they have toured with them and are getting quite big in Europe.
Speaking of drummers, you didn't leave room for Mickey Dee? Now there's an anchorman.
Anyhow, haec a good one, take care and keep kicking.
