Psychedelic Prog Rock Groups That Use Heavy Synths

Looking for a new psychedelic prog rock group to check out? Here are some of our favorites that make use of heavy synths to create their unique sound.

Psychedelic Prog Rock Groups

Psychedelic Prog rock is a subgenre of progressive rock that is known for its heavy use of synthesizers. This type of music often incorporates elements of psychedelia and other trippy effects to create a sound that is both mind-bending and innovative. If you’re a fan of prog rock, then you’re sure to love these psychedelic groups that are pushing the boundaries of the genre.

King Crimson

Progressive rock, also called prog rock or prog, is a rock music subgenre that originated in the United Kingdom and United States throughout the mid- to late 1960s. Psych-prog is a subgenre of prog that incorporates elements of psychedelic rock. King Crimson is considered one of the earliest and most important progressive rock bands. Formed in 1968 by guitarist, singer and songwriter Robert Fripp, they are known for their innovative musical style and use of heavy synthesizers.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd was an English rock band formed in London in 1965. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. Distinguished by their use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, extended compositions, and elaborate live shows, they are one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in popular music history.

Yes

Yes is a psychedelic progressive rock group that was formed in 1968. The group is best known for their use of heavy synthesizers, which help create their unique sound. While they have undergone several lineup changes over the years, the current members include Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Geoff Downes (keyboards), and Alan White (drums).

Heavy Synths in Psychedelic Prog Rock

Psychedelic prog rock was a subgenre of progressive rock that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a combination of psychedelic rock and progressive rock. The genre is characterized by the use of heavy synths, which create a dense and textured soundscape.

Mellotron

Mellotron is an electro-mechanical, polyphonic tape Replay keyboard originally developed and built in Birmingham, England, in 1963. It evolved from Keyboard instruments that used steel reeds which were struck by hammers connected via mechanical linkages to a tape motor which played a pre-recorded message on a loop of tape. The instrument’s distinctive sound was created by the original design of the playback head, which had individual non-adjustable tape heads for each key, so that when a key was pressed its tape head was lowered onto the loop and one or more previously recorded sounds were played back. The instrument quickly became popular among rock and psychedelic bands of the mid-to-late 1960s such as Strawberry Alarm Clock and Abbey Road era Beatles for its ability to create bold new sounds not possible on traditional keyboard instruments.

Today, Mellotron sampled sound modules are used in some electronic keyboards to recreate the original instrument’s unique sounds.

Moog

While most psychedelic prog rock groups use a variety of different instruments, there is one that stands out in particular for its use of heavy synths – Moog.

Moog is a German band that was formed in the early 1970s. They are known for their innovative use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, which they use to create a unique sound that is both psychedelic and progressive.

While Moog is not the only psychedelic prog rock group to use heavy synths, they are certainly one of the most famous and influential. Other groups that have been influenced by Moog include Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Hawkwind.

Psychedelic Prog Rock Groups That Use Heavy Synths

Prog rock is a genre that is often overlooked, but it is one of the most interesting and unique genres out there. Psychedelic prog rock groups often use heavy synths to create a sound that is both ethereal and otherworldly. These groups often explore themes of mental illness, drug use, and the occult. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, then check out some of these psychedelic prog rock groups.

Genesis

Formed in 1967, Genesis is a Psychedelic Prog Rock group that uses heavy synths. They are considered to be one of the pioneers of the Prog Rock genre. Their early work was very experimental, and they were one of the first groups to use synths in a Rock context. They also experiment with other genres, including Jazz and Classical music.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Formed in 1970, Emerson, Lake & Palmer was one of the first supergroups of the rock era. The trio brought together three already-established musicians: keyboardist Keith Emerson (of the Nice), bassist/vocalist Greg Lake (of King Crimson), and drummer Carl Palmer (of Atomic Rooster). Although the members had all achieved success in earlier bands, ELP was even more successful, selling over 40 million albums and headlining massive arena tours. The group’s self-titled debut album was released in November 1970 and reached the Top Ten in both the U.K. and the U.S.; it also included their hit single “Lucky Man.” ELP’s second album, Tarkus, was an even bigger success, reaching number two in England and number seven in America; it featured the side-long title track, which became one of their signature tunes.

Rush

Their use of synthesizers and other electronic effects was innovative and helped them stand out from other progressive rock groups of the time. The group’s signature sound was a combination of heavy drums, bass, and guitar with dense layers of keyboards and synthesizers.