“Prog-esque” = prog rock = progressive rock 
I wasn’t really suggesting turning this into a metal track as such, but rather just having a “metal moment” as it seemed the guitars where pretty much pushing things in that direction anyway. Not sure how the drum track was composed… Jamstix? If so you could always experiment with a different drummer selection during this section… if you felt so inclined.
got a lot of songs like this but can’t finish them because I’m a useless musician, hence I end up with the “Kevin sound”…
Well, I’m in the same boat too really… sub-mediocre guitarist and piano/keyboard, but really you just learn to work within your limitations and make the most of what you can do - and do it well. And remember some of the greatest music was created by mediocre musicians - e.g. the Beatles were never considered to be great musicians. 