This is by far Queen's heaviest song, and I would definitely count it as progressive metal. Right from the start, you know you're about to hear something very different, and I haven't really been able to find anything else that sounds like it.
Most rock bands that use synthesizers make it sound either like a video game, or more like pop. But the intro to this song just has one of the heaviest synthesizer sounds ever. Combined with the bass, it really creates an atmosphere where you feel the weight of it before the song even properly starts.
When it does start, the guitar sound just fits everything so well, and so does the choice of scales. The verses sound very dark, which matches the lyrics, while the choruses sound more epic, as if to give the energy to "keep on trying".
Then of course is the flamenco section and operatic section. Both of these are really quite unique, and they do fit the song unexpectedly well, especially when the electric guitar comes back and plays the solo that was played on acoustic guitar first. Also, it's impressive how many different sounds they managed to create using the Korg M1. It's not exactly known for its symphonic sounds, but it just goes to show the band's and producer's skills in programming the synthesizer.
The vocals throughout the song are also great, with both dynamic and tonal range, and the lyrics are very quite existential and somewhat critical of society in general, making them very relatable regardless of where or when you live.
The only reason I won't give this song a 10/10 is because Queen has of course already made a rock song with an operatic section in the middle, and although this one sounds very different and features some flamenco too, the concept itself doesn't really feel original enough to get a 10/10 from me. I really love the song though.
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