The band you use to explain Prog/Power metal?

[KingsGene]

...
me: "Take Rush and mix them with Metallica"
rl: "ok"

I will use this same combination if the newbie is not familiar with Dream Theater. I almost always recommend DT's Images and Words and work from there. That CD is a good starting point...you can go more power or prog based on what the listener likes and doesn't like.