Epics

In order to be considered an epic, the song must be very close to or over 20 minutes in length. It must show definitive structure throughout, and is not simply an extended "jam." The overall structure is very important, and should progress in stages (a unique opening, story, instrumental sections that compliment the content of the song, and a significant ending).The song's content should either explore a certain concept or tell a story.

This is my list. Keep in mind that songs that are farther down the list are by no means of poor quality; they just aren't the best of the best. ("Title" - Band (Length))

  1. "A Change of Seasons" - Dream Theater (23:09)
  2. "2112" - Rush (20:33)  
  3. "Thick As a Brick" - Jethro Tull (43:30)
  4. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" - Pink Floyd (25:54)
  5. "Karn Evil 9" - Emerson, Lake, & Palmer (29:38)
  6. "A Passion Condensed" - Finch (20:09)
  7. "Supper's Ready" - Genesis (22:53)
  8. "Octavarium" - Dream Theater (24:00)
  9. "Nine Feet Underground" - Caravan (22:44)
  10. "Echoes" - Pink Floyd (23:31)
  11. "Duel With the Devil" - Transatlantic (26:44)
  12. "In the Presence of Enemies" - Dream Theater (25:38)
  13. "Sleeping in Traffic" - Beardfish (35:44)
  14. "All of the Above" - Transatlantic (30:59)
  15. "The Count of Tuscany" - Dream Theater (19:16)
  16. "Hemispheres" - Rush (18:08)
  17. "Tarkus" - Emerson, Lake, & Palmer (20:39)
  18. "The Revealing Science of God" - Yes (22:37)
  19. "Dogs" - Pink Floyd (17:04)
  20. "Moon In June" - The Soft Machine (19:08)
  21. "The Odyssey" - Symphony X (24:16)
  22. "38th Floor" - Hourglass (21:22)
  23. "Stranger In Your Soul" - Transatlantic (30:00)
  24. "Hymn to Him" - Mahavishnu Orchestra (19:18)
  25. "Lizard" - King Crimson (23:23)
  26. "Where Are They Now?" - The Tangent (19:13)
  27. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" - Iron Maiden (13:09) -Despite its briefer length, it's still 100% epic.
  28. "Send a Message From the Heart" - Karmakanic (19:32)
  29. "Close to the Edge" - Yes (18:43)
  30. "Atom Heart Mother" - Pink Floyd (23:44)


Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
  • "In Darkest Dreams" - The Tangent (20:01)
  • "The Ikon" - Todd Rundgren's Utopia (30:26)
  • "The Gates of Delirium" - Yes (21:56)
  • "Hamburger Concerto" - Focus (20:20)
  • "Islands" - Singularity (20:27)
  • "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" - Symphony X (20:40)
  • "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" - Fates Warning (22:05)
  • "Morning" - T2 (21:12)
  • "Of Longings, Suitors, Deities And Quests..." - Nathan Mahl (24:07)
  • "El Regreso (The Return)" - Nexus (27:50)
  • "Minds Of Mortal Men (Meander Tales)" - Simon Says (25:40)

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