he's devy metal of course!

In the true meaning (IMO) of the term 'progressive' I would say that is exactly what Dev's music is - it's original, has 'progressed' into it's own sound etc etc....but then you've also got the 'metal strongly influenced by prog rock' type meaning....which would be a less fitting term

It's progressive music, yes. To me it's not "progressive metal" though, not because it weren't metal (well...), but because "progressive metal" is used to signify bands like Dream Theater who have a) nothing in common with the DTB sound and b) annoy the hell out of me.

the dev solo/band records are distributed by insideout in europe

a prog label, no?


but yes, devy metal works for me

It's progressive music, yes. To me it's not "progressive metal" though, not because it weren't metal (well...), but because "progressive metal" is used to signify bands like Dream Theater who have a) nothing in common with the DTB sound and b) annoy the hell out of me.

That was exactly my point before. The term "progressive" in the label "prog-metal" has been completely abused to pigeon-hole bands into a specific category, when the term itself is synonymous with evolving. I really wish the label prog-metal would disappear and people would use a different label for bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, etc. I personally use the term wanker-metal, because it's all about instrumental masturbation.

Devin's solo stuff definitely has roots in metal, especially the first three albums, OM, Infinity and Physicist. So, I don't see why it can't be called progressive metal. Not so much as a label but more as a general description of the music.

I call it "Emotionally progressive metal". It's the only way I can explain it to people and have it make some sense. I would call it prog though, but I doubt it matters.

I'd call it prog metal indeed, because he uses big lush production, much melody as well as musicianship and outer space sorta textures. But Dev is a fair bit more emotional than most prog I've ever heard.

If I had to explain someone the style I'd also say prog metal, but I'd add as well it's something totally different to it, though.

Anyway, the best way to explain someone the style of a band, is playing him a very characteristic song, IMO.

Prog metal is quite a wide category, and IMO Devin's stuff is prog metal if something really is. Dream Theater-like wankery stuff is just one side of prog metal. It's so sad everything with fast solos or more than 3 minute long songs is called prog by so many people.

How about nerdy punk wankery and slapping your strings while playing randomly? Is that progressive?

Shall we call it "evolutive metal"?

Devin's music pushes the boundaries beyond what we currently understand is "metal". Therefore, his works are "Progressive"

I've always thought of it this way:


Progressive = Any kind of music, be it metal or electronic that goes somewhere and is somewhat nerdy/complex and seethes with incredible virtuosity (subgenres = progressive rock, progressive metal, progressive techno...)

Progressive Rock = bands like Racer X. You can hear the traditional classic rock and roll influence, but it's got tons of shred and operatic singing throughout.

Progressive Metal = Heavy Metal with progressive overtones.. Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and so forth. Not Rock and Roll influenced, but definitely metal.

Progressive Techno = any kind of electronic music that goes places.. has progressive overtones.. i like to think of "Tranceport" by Paul Oakenfold as a prime example of progressive techno. It's trance, sure.

So when I hear "Progressive" it's more or less a cloudy grey area.. and so where would i put devin's music? I'll be happy with saying Progressive. If i were to define it, I would just go with "Devy Metal" because it is a mixture of emo/numetal but with definite traditional heavy metal/classical structures that fill a progressive framework. It's not defineable because it exists in a genre all its own.

However.... Isis' Panopticon and Devin's Ocean Machine have been categorized as "Ocean Metal." I think it would be awesome if there was a popular genre called "ocean metal.." how kick ass is that?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Devin's music is not Progressive Metal. It doesn't matter if the music is progressive in many ways based on what progressive can encompass, but by the definition of Progressive Metal or Progressive Rock or whatever it does not fall into the category.

Now, I know a lot of people hate labels and bands being categorised given that a lot of bands can cross the borders from category to category (how good are Ephel Duath!) but there are reasons for the categorisation. Now, if a Prog Metal fan asks if Devin is Prog Metal and you say yes then you are giving a false representation of what to expect.

Of course, that doesn't mean Devin doesn't have a progressive element in him, just be wary of how you explain that to others

Incidentally A-Daamage - I like instrumental masturbation!!! Nothing wrong with a band blatantly showing off if they have the ability to do so. It's why I love Steve Vai when many consider him emotionally vacant.

PROGRESSIVE: SOMETHING GOING SOMEWHERE...
SOMETHING GETTING SOMEWHERE... SOMETHING DONE THAT HASNT BEEN DONE BEOFRE WOULD BE PROGRESSIVE... DEVY METAL HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE... THEREFORE YES... I'D SAY hEVY DEVY IS THE MOST PROGRESSIVE RECORD LABEL ON THE PLANET...
bUT IN TERMS OF THE RECORD COMPANIES... EPEICALLY NOW ALIEN WILL B OUT... i'D CALL IT cyber_metal