Some more honourable mentions.
Beyond the Bridge – The Old Man and the Spirit (2011)This is a great album, and considering that this is the band’s debut album, I was even more awed by this album. It features everything that makes good prog metal and nothing of those things that make it bad. The lyrics are very good, the musicianship is stellar, yet no-where does it become self-indulgent, the melodies are gorgeous and the interplay between male and female vocals is nothing short of amazing. This album is a grower as well, and it will probably make my list in a year’s or so time, but as it is, I’ve simply not known it for a long time enough, and of this time, it took a long time for this album to truly click with me, instead of just thinking that this was a good album. Anyone who doesn’t know this album should check it out right now.
Recommended tracks: The Call, The Apparition, World of Wonders, Doorway to Salvation, All a Man Can Do
Riverside – Second Life Syndrome (2005)This album is another grower, and I frankly wasn’t too impressed with this album the first time I heard it. I appreciated the musicianship, but the music did very little to me. But over time and repeated listens, I have slowly begun to appreciate how amazing this album is, with everything coming together. This album is still climbing in my ranking and it might make my Top 50 in the near future, or at least come very close to it. Great song writing, great playing and overall a very nice and atmospheric sound all wrapped up in a CD of very good prog metal that is easy to be underestimated.
Recommended tracks: Volte-face, Second Life Syndrome, Artificial Smile, Reality Dream III, Dance With the Shadows
Devin Townsend – Terria (2001)I’m not really that much a Devin Townsend fan as many of the people here, so it simply didn’t feel right to include two albums of his on my list, and Ocean Machine is slightly better than this album. But since my appreciation for the musical genius that is Devin Townsend continues to grow, this album is very likely to make future lists of mine. I have not yet listened to all of his albums, but this album is one of the best that he has ever released. Every song is a very interesting composition, even Olives, which many don’t seem to like all that much. It also contains some of his best tracks ever, though I find Earth Day to be a tad overrated, to be honest.
Recommended tracks: Deep Peace, Canada, The Fluke, Nobody’s Here, Tiny Tears
There's one more batch of HMs to come, but after that, I swear I'm done, don't worry.