A 2018 Prog magazine feature, republished by Louder, traces the rise of progressive metal in the 1980s and 90s through bands such as Dream Theater, Voivod and Watchtower, arguing that far from being a fallow period for progressive music, the decade saw a distinct new scene take shape across the US and Canada that endures today. The piece uses first-hand recollections from musicians involved, including Voivod drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, to chart how the genre emerged and eventually broke into the mainstream.

The article opens with Langevin recalling Voivod's first support slot for Rush on 20 March 1990 in Edmonton, Alberta, during Rush's tour for their album Presto. It contrasts the two bands' trajectories: Rush were paring back the synth-heavy sound of their previous decade, while Voivod, who began as a raw thrash metal act, were moving towards more complex, progressive song structures. The feature goes on to describe how bands in this scene achieved unlikely mainstream success, including radio and MTV exposure for an eight-minute song, a feat not seen since the era of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.