The first prog metal song that ever caught my interest was Nightmare to Remember by Dream Theater. I've since listened to most of their discography and my favorite albums so far are:

• Images & Words

• Black Clouds & Silver Linings

• Systematic Chaos

Based on my heavier preferences, the last time I requested prog metal recs I got a lot of great one-off songs, but album-wise the best suggestion I got was Leprous and since then I'd say these albums are my favorites of theirs:

• Coal

• The Congregation

I haven't listened to anything from Pitfalls or Aphelion yet, do let me know if those match the vibe, Malina's kinda hit or miss for me.

With these albums in mind, what other bands/albums do you think I'd like?

I'm partial to heavier, fast tempo songs with creative vocal inflections, which does not include death metal growls and screamo-type stuff, so Meshuggah and Gojira are pretty much off my radar.

Thanks in advance and free karma to all recs!

EDIT: Will post my favorite suggestions when I give them a listen.