Explore the Most Iconic Ballads from 11 Influential Progressive Metal Bands!
Having previously examined the most unforgettable ballads from several renowned progressive rock bands, it’s only right that we turn our attention to nearly a dozen remarkable progressive metal bands. These artists may often deliver intense and chaotic sounds, but they also possess the ability to slow down and reveal their innermost feelings through their music.
Just like our earlier list, we won’t completely dismiss tracks that are lengthy and complex, which is a hallmark of progressive music. As long as the songs are more subdued and tender, focusing on emotional arrangements and poignant lyrics—whether they delve into themes of love, loss, self-doubt, or other relatable experiences—they qualify as ballads in our book.
DISCOVER MORE: The Evolution of Progressive Metal Through 21 Influential Albums
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into showcasing the most memorable ballads from 11 of the most significant progressive metal bands that have ever graced the scene!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your favorite prog metal ballads too! Feel free to share if you think we’ve missed any key tracks or if you disagree with our selections in the comments below!
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Discover the Top Ballads from 11 Iconic Progressive Metal Bands
Mariano Regidor, Redferns / Iwi Onodera, Redferns / Bryan Rolli, Loudwire
Mariano Regidor, Redferns / Iwi Onodera, Redferns / Bryan Rolli, Loudwire -
Porcupine Tree’s Haunting Ballad: “Collapse the Light Into Earth”
Porcupine Tree has produced numerous captivating ballads, including “I Drive the Hearse,” “Stop Swimming,” “Half-Light,” and “The Rest Will Flow,” which predominantly feature a few chords and straightforward melodies. It’s this very simplicity that renders them exceptional, and the closing track from their acclaimed 2002 album In Absentia serves as the finest example of this.
While seemingly disconnected from the album’s overarching serial killer theme, “Collapse the Light Into Earth” allows Steven Wilson to deliver a deeply emotional performance, characterized by a simple yet impactful piano motif. This minimalist approach amplifies the song’s haunting essence, as its ethereal echoes and somber tones express a profound acceptance of sorrow and loss.
Wilson seems to offer a half-hearted reassurance to a loved one, reflecting on their separation as the day fades away. The relatable lines (“I won’t heal given time / I won’t try to change your mind / I won’t feel better in the cold light of day / But I wouldn’t stop you if you wanted to stay”) resonate universally. The lush strings and angelic harmonies that emerge towards the end enhance the song’s poignant beauty.
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Mastodon’s Emotional Journey: “Cold Dark Place”
Mastodon is celebrated for their unpredictable excursions through prog, psychedelic, and stoner metal, which makes “Cold Dark Place” a standout, given that their discography features only a few ballads. The title track of their 2017 EP brilliantly showcases their underrated ability to convey vulnerability and anguish through sophisticated and evocative art.
According to former lead guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, this entire four-track collection encapsulates “the concept of living and how painful it can be to exist.” Hinds crafted the “dark, beautiful, spooky, funky, ethereal, melancholy music” as a means of coping with a “painful breakup,” which is particularly evident in “Cold Dark Place.”
His typically powerful Southern drawl transforms into a voice of desperation as he yearns for the intimacy they once shared. The lyrics are remarkably poetic and personal, and although Mastodon injects their characteristic intensity towards the end, “Cold Dark Place” predominantly revolves around rustic guitar arpeggios and haunting textures that perfectly capture Hinds’ lovesick despair.
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Opeth’s Profound Reflection: “Patterns in the Ivy II”
Previously recognized as the best non-‘epic’ song from Opeth’s groundbreaking album (2001’s Blackwater Park), “Patterns in the Ivy II” rightfully claims Opeth’s spot in this list. Even when compared to their other remarkable ballads, including “Burden,” “Still Day Beneath the Sun,” “Isolation Years,” and “To Bid You Farewell,” “Patterns in the Ivy II” remains unrivaled.
This exquisite track builds upon the atmosphere established by its instrumental predecessor (which did appear on the official version of Blackwater Park). “Patterns in the Ivy II” serves as a beautiful testament to how the simplest melodies can be the most impactful. Band leader Mikael Åkerfeldt embodies sorrow through stunningly melancholic lyrics and gentle acoustic guitar work.
Åkerfeldt opens with, “Without you, I cannot confide in anything / The hope is pale designed in light of dreams you bring,” and continues to weave a chillingly beautiful lament filled with ethereal harmonies. This song solidifies his status as one of the finest songwriters in his genre and generation. Although “Patterns in the Ivy II” is brief, its emotional impact is undeniably everlasting.
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Symphony X’s Epic Ballad: “Paradise Lost”
It might come as a surprise that a band’s most powerful ballad appears later in their discography, but that’s precisely the case with Symphony X’s title track from their seventh studio album, released in 2007. While it may not be their most celebrated track from their strongest era, “Paradise Lost” is a profoundly stirring composition co-written by the dynamic duo of guitarist Michael Romeo and keyboardist Michael Pinnella.
With its foundation built on looping piano patterns, acoustic guitar strumming, and divine string arrangements, the song provides a perfect backdrop for Russell Allen’s powerful vocals and romantic lyrics (“My yearning is silenced by angelic skin of white / Love conquers all, though heavens fall this fateful night”). “Paradise Lost” encapsulates familiar elements that define Symphony X, yet they blend into a particularly welcoming, graceful, and powerful result that exemplifies their commitment to exceptional songwriting and fitting accompaniments over flashy displays.
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Haken’s Captivating Ballad: “Somebody”
Haken’s 2013 album The Mountain stands out as one of the best progressive rock/metal albums of the 2010s, featuring a collection of fantastic songs. The album closes with the emotionally charged “Somebody,” a track that leaves listeners in awe.
Frontman Ross Jennings expresses a haunting and elegant sense of despair, his soaring falsetto accompanied by backing vocals that convey a delicate and isolated sense of misery. The bandmates envelop his stunning vocals with equally tasteful and poignant instrumentation. The piece has a haunting quality, and even as Haken introduces some signature quirks, heaviness, and complexity in the second half, including Gentle Giant-like interlocking vocal patterns, “Somebody” maintains its sensitive core.
Additionally, the acoustic reimagining titled “Nobody” is equally impressive, showcasing the band’s versatility.
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Dream Theater’s Touching Anthem: “Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On”
Similar to Opeth’s “Patterns in the Ivy II,” this emotional masterpiece from the 1999 album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory has been recognized as Dream Theater’s best non-“epic” song. Our opinion remains unchanged, with “The Spirit Carries On”—written by guitarist John Petrucci—standing as the band’s finest work in crafting a poignant composition that resonates with every listener.
The soothing piano chords, steadfast drumming, reflective acoustic guitar strumming, and wistful yet hopeful sentiments combine perfectly to conclude the album’s profound narrative. Its power transcends the album’s concept, with frontman James LaBrie’s reflections and encouragements (“Move on, be brave / Don’t weep at my grave / Because I am no longer here / Please never let your memory of me disappear”) striking a deep emotional chord with anyone who has faced personal tragedy.
Drummer Mike Portnoy even dedicated this track to his late sister, Samantha, during an October 2024 concert, creating one of the most touching moments in Dream Theater’s extensive concert history.
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Queensrÿche’s Timeless Classic: “Silent Lucidity”
While Queensrÿche’s standout track is often considered to be “Eyes of a Stranger,” it doesn’t quite fit the ballad category. So, we’ll highlight the Grammy-nominated “Silent Lucidity,” which remains a significant reason why Empire is regarded as the pinnacle of Queensrÿche’s output in the ’90s and one of the best albums of that decade, propelling the band into mainstream success.
Interestingly, despite its massive popularity, “Silent Lucidity” wasn’t the lead single from Empire. Instead, it was the third track released independently. According to former lead singer Geoff Tate, guitarist Chris DeGarmo was inspired to write the song after reading Creative Dreaming by Patricia Garfield, contemplating the wonders of lucid dreaming and how to connect with the subconscious.
This explains the song’s dreamlike quality, both vocally and musically, characterized by gentle fingerpicking on the guitar, subdued rhythms, and Tate’s unique blend of somber observations and passionate cries that culminated in a hit. Although it’s unusually soft and radio-friendly, this does not diminish its comforting brilliance.
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Between The Buried and Me’s Serene Ballad: “Desert Of Song”
Similar to Mastodon, Between the Buried and Me has a limited number of ballads in their repertoire, making the choice for their best ballad straightforward. The country-tinged “Desert of Song,” featured on the 2009 album The Great Misdirect, stands out as their finest offering.
This track features a rare co-lead vocal performance from guitarist Paul Waggoner, exuding the warm, dry atmosphere that characterizes much of the album. Waggoner’s more assertive singing, combined with leisurely acoustic strumming and slide guitar, creates a pastoral ambiance, while his vocal timbre complements the expressive voice of keyboardist Tommy Rogers exceptionally well.
Although “Desert of Song” gains intensity as it progresses, it remains predominantly mellow throughout. Despite its somewhat abstract nature, Rogers’ lyrics offer grounded insights (“The radios stopped tuning / This static is forbidden / The chords quit strumming / But we found our new home… Here, we’re awake in the desert of song / The silence is broken”). While BTBAM’s brilliance often lies in their challenging compositions, “Desert of Song” remains an accessibly serene piece.
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TesseracT’s Emotional Masterpiece: “Tourniquet”
If there’s one band on this list recognized for their emotional depth, it’s the progressive metal titans TesseracT. It’s no surprise that their finest ballad, “Tourniquet,” hails from their most acclaimed album: 2015’s Polaris.
Using the titular medical device as a metaphor for how love can “stop the bleeding” and assist singer Daniel Tompkins in “containing the pressure” that surrounds him, this song is a serene tapestry of contemplative soundscapes and heartfelt promises. Tompkins’ angelic falsetto shines with unmatched emotional intensity, especially when layered with the band’s intoxicating instrumentation.
“Tourniquet” also showcases TesseracT’s penchant for djent, but only towards the end, allowing the heavier elements to enhance rather than overshadow the song’s prevailing poignancy.
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Devin Townsend’s Heartfelt Ballad: “Ih-Ah!”
Genre-bending Canadian artist Devin Townsend is undoubtedly the most versatile musician on this list, effortlessly transitioning between mind-bending concepts, playful humor, intense heaviness, and introspective, transcendental blissfulness—all within the same album! He has crafted numerous beautiful ballads throughout various projects, including “Lady Halen,” “Divine,” “Why,” and “Storm.”
Though many contenders vied for this spot, the heartfelt sincerity of “Ih-Ah!” from The Devin Townsend Project’s 2009 album, Addicted, best exemplifies his talent for extracting beauty from steadfast, albeit sentimental, affection, wonder, and commitment.
Featuring invaluable backing vocals from Susanne Richter, “Ih-Ah!” encapsulates Townsend’s unique blend of philosophy and pragmatism as it tenderly (yet operatically) portrays love between two individuals—or even a broader love for all life in the universe. Its unpretentious music amplifies its spiritual intensity, encouraging listeners to appreciate the present while embracing the uncertain future.
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Riverside’s Emotional Anthem: “I Believe”
Despite often exploring lighter themes and instrumentation, Poland’s Riverside has delivered their share of ferocious highlights since their inception in the early 2000s. Their songwriting and vocal prowess—particularly the full-bodied yet vulnerable singing of Mariusz Duda—have never shone brighter than in this heartbreaking track from their 2004 debut album, which is also the inaugural chapter of their “Reality Dream” trilogy, titled Out of Myself.
“I Believe” is an acoustic ballad characterized by gentle nuances and thematically rich sound effects, where Duda’s lead vocals and layered harmonies encapsulate regret and longing in its purest form. The surrounding arrangement enhances his emotional delivery, especially with late guitarist Piotr Grudziński’s Gilmour-esque accompaniment, creating a breathtaking listening experience.
Riverside has produced countless stunning odes throughout their 20-year career, but none resonate as deeply as “I Believe.”
