Rick van der Linden

Synth prog is a branch of progressive rock that centers the synthesizer as its primary compositional voice. It combines the long-form structures, odd meters, and thematic development of prog with the timbral palette of analog and early digital synths—pads, sequenced ostinati, modular textures, and soaring mono leads. Unlike synth-pop (which prioritizes song-form hooks) or purely electronic kosmische/progressive electronic music (which may abandon rock rhythm sections), synth prog keeps the rock ensemble—drums, bass, and often guitar—while letting keyboards, sequencers, and sound design drive the harmony, counterpoint, and narrative arc. The result spans from symphonic grandeur to spacey minimalism, often moving through multiple moods in a single piece.