[dying_serin]

I was just wondering. It seems that Tool gets hushed off
by some of the metal and hard rock crowd and called
"neo-prog" or a "wanker band" or "rush"-esque. But at the
same time, ... it doesn't seem like Tool has been fully excepted
into the "prog" crowd despite touring with King Crimson.
I'm not saying they're a progressive rock band... or that
they should deserve to be seen as "hardcore" in the hard rock
crowd. But... I just want to know what proggers think of TOOL
basically. I personally think they're creative and that
Maynard is a pretty smart guy. Sure, they do not write
any huge amazing epics like Yes and King Crimson do.
But I think they're respectable...

Well anyway.... thoughts.... something a proggie may enjoy?
Or just some mediocre hard rock?

And... what do you think of Mars Volta?
They try... I hear they like to extend songs and jam away
at their concerts. They seem to be a little hectic and a bit experimental at times with their music. But again... they're
also a mainstream band with another genre being a possible
foundation... emo/punk rock. ...

Well anyway, opinions of some of these new not quite prog bands? (although I'd say they're as progressive as Rush are)