From: gse9k@uvacs.cs.Virginia.EDU (Scott Evans)
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive
Subject: PLEASE READ: FAQ, beta version
Date: 15 Nov 92 23:38:01 GMT
Reply-To: thrash@virginia.edu (Scott Evans)
Organization: or lack thereof


Hi all...Shag and I have been working on a FAQ for this newgroup for
a while, and we'd like to get everyone's comments on it.  If you have
any ideas, corrections, additions, thoughts, comments, feelings, flames,
go ahead and post them.  We're hoping that this will help clear up some
of the common misconceptions about alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive.


scott





---------- ProgFAQ ----------

  * What is progressive metal?

 	Metal that's experimental, divergent, and cerebral.  It tends to
 	be characterized by unusual rhythms, unusual harmonies, and, in
 	particular, unusual content.  Progressive metal bands are often
 	compared to progressive rock bands (Pink Floyd, Yes, Rush), and
 	not other contemporary metal bands.  This isn't particularly 
 	surprising, as progressive metal artists tend to be strongly 
 	influenced by those bands.  Some good examples of progressive
 	metal are Queensryche, Fates Warning, Crimson Glory, King's X,
 	and Dream Theater.


  * What _isn't_ progressive metal?

 	Normal metal (Metallica, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Kiss)
 	Speed/thrash metal (Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, Slayer)
 	Pop metal (Poison, Slaughter, Mr. Big, Bon Jovi)
 	Progressive rock (Genesis, Yes, Rush, Marillion)
 	Grunge rock (Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden)  
	Industrial (Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Godflesh...)

	It's important to realize that the "progressive" in progressive
	metal is related to progressive rock, and _not_ to alternative
	music, which is sometimes referred to as "progressive music" or
	"college alternative music."  Therefore, bands like Soundgarden, 
	Godflesh, Ministry, and Pearl Jam don't fit the progressive 
	metal definition.  They are certainly hard alternative music, 
	but that's not the same as progressive metal.


  * Why was this group created?
 
 	Because progressive metal is not quite metal, according to some
	metal fans, and not quite rock, according to some rock fans,
 	people in the "rock" groups said (read: screamed) that it should
 	be taken to the "metal" groups,  and vice versa, and the people
	on the progressive music group said it should be taken to one or
	the other, but didn't say which.  This group was created so that 
	progressive metal fans could talk about progressive metal without 
	being lynched, or flamed repeatedly as "posers."  This group is 
	here for intelligent discussion with a much higher signal to noise 
	ratio than that of the other metal groups.

	The whole thing got its start when someone proposed a new group,
	alt.music.kings-x.  Someone else quickly proposed another group,
	alt.music.queensryche.  Since e-mail digests already existed for
	fans of both groups, several people suggested that instead, a
	general alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive group be created.  


  * Where can we get lyrics to progressive metal songs on the net?

	Dave Datta's music FTP area at cs.uwp.edu offers a huge amount 
	of lyrics for all types of music, and a variety of groups are
	represented.

	Shag's Queensryche FTP area at glia.biostr.washington.edu 
	offers lyrics to all Queensryche songs.


  * What else should we know?

	In addition to alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive, there are
	mailing lists or digests available for discussion of some
	progressive metal groups.  If your favorite group isn't being
	talked about much on the newsgroup, it might be that people are
	discussing it on a mailing list or in a digest instead.  

	Of course, if there isn't a mailing list or digest about a given
	group, anyone with time on their hands could start one.  (It
	does help to be fluent in at least one language and have a 
	machine with a smart mail program.)  

	Naturally, if a progressive metal band isn't really well-known, 
	it is usually better to discuss them on the newsgroup.  Digests
	are usually created for groups that generate a very high amount
	of discussion.  Currently the only progressive metal digests are:

	King's X 
	"Out of the Silent Planet" - n8846069@henson.cc.wwu.edu
  	Manager: pmadden@happy.helios.nd.edu : Pat

	Queensryche 
	"Screaming In Digital" - queensryche-request@pilot.njin.net
  	Manager: queensryche-owner@pilot.njin.net : Shag

	If you are interested in mailing lists or digests for other bands
	you should get a copy of the "Musical List of Lists."  To receive
	it, send mail to mlol-request@wariat.org and a copy will be sent
	to you automatically.

------------ The End (?) ----------
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive