I have a theory on why people like prog metal/make prog metal. Maybe I'm reaching with this thought pattern but hear me out...

On the surface level we can all agree that there's just certain types of rhythmic patterns, tones, melodies, syncopation, Etc that really doesn't exist in mainstream music for the most part. That's the obvious answer and progressive metal and rock have filled those holes that we once didn't know existed.

But on a much deeper, philosophical coffee shop reddit brained douche take: I think some of us like it because we are selfish and view ourselves as higher intelligence and don't want to be associated with the mainstream demographics. It's a form of classism cope.

Going back to adolescence every child starts with a certain peer group of usually 4-10 children. You aren't going to completely fit in with all of them and a form of ostracization happens (not always traumatic) and you are either "downgraded" or "elevated" to different group of youth. You grow up a little more with this new peer group. You then start creating new realities and new parameters of what is worthy of your attention and what's considered cool.

It's hard to find a more nuanced elitist brand of music then Progressive rock/metal. I know that most people we all know who listen to this are great people and this is not meant to tear anything down or to scrutinize the behavior of the community but I'm wondering how we all got here? Is there a chance that a lot of us have been pushed out of peer groups and we have all coped by setting up parameters as to what is acceptable and what is truly of high understanding?

Saying all this I should mention that yes indeed I have been smoking weed and listening to fear of a blank planet