Sometimes you move forward by going back. Metric was a relatively under-the-radar gem of a band prior to the release of 2009’s exceptional “Fantasies” album. The project was comprised of infectious synth-driven songs with powerful percussion.

The creative breakthrough, which straddled the accessible with the adventurous, was one of the finest albums of 2009. Metric’s breakthrough work featured the lean “Gold Guns Girls,” which was a minor hit.

The catchy “Sick Muse,” the quirky, poppy gem “Help I’m Alive,” and “Stadium Love,” which is a larger-than-life blast of pop-rock, scored airplay as well.

“We were surprised we actually made it to radio with some of those songs from ‘Fantasies,” vocalist-keyboardist Emily Haines said. “We were kind of shocked that we made it to that certain level. We knocked down some personal doors. It’s good looking back to where we were when we made that album. But we couldn’t stay there. We had to move forward. You always have to move forward.”

Metric, which also includes guitarist James Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead and drummer Jules Scott-Key, accomplished that with 2012’s “Synthetica.” That album is loaded with big choruses and half the cuts are anthemic while some tunes are deep, dark ballads.

Metric has taken a page from its “Fantasies” and “Synthetica” heyday with “Romanticize the Dive,” which was released in April. The band has also reunited with Canadian producer Gavin Brown (The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies) for “Romanticize the Dive.” Brown was also behind the board when the group created “Fantasies” and “Synthetica.”‘

Metric’s 10th album features some cool elements from its prior albums. The synths can’t help but induce hips to shake while the reverb-drenched guitar coats the songs in a sonic glaze. And then there are the melodies all over “Romanticize the Dive,” which is one of Metric’s finest albums.

Metric, which will perform Tuesday at the Greek Theatre, has regained its stride nearly 30 years after forming in Toronto. Many of Metric’s peers are already riding a nostalgia wave playing classic albums front to back. But Metric has retained its muse with a collection of songs that are clever, powerful and emotional.

“We keep striving to make our music better each time out,” Haines said. “We keep pushing it.”

It’s evident how Haines and her band never rest on their laurels not just in the studio but live. Haines is a charming frontperson, who engages the audience. It’s curious why Haines hasn’t become a pop icon since she possesses an ethereal set of pipes and has charisma to burn.

Perhaps this is because Haines is reminiscent of hard candy, glossy on the inside but with an underlying toughness and a welcome mystery. Haines doesn’t reveal everything in chats or songs. But there’s enough there for fans to latch on to with Metric.

Part of the appeal is that no band is quite like Metric. There are an iciness and an edginess to the group’s tunes. Metric avoids crafting songs that only induce smiles and are capped with a bow on top of a pretty box.

“We really don’t have to be that way,” Haines said. “We have no problem going the other way.”

Metric has opted to navigate the road less travelled, but it certainly works even in an era in which recording artists openly appropriate from their peers.

Metric is unique, stylish and bold. Each of those attributes is in short supply in the music world. “We like doing things our way,” Haines said. “We’re not into chasing trends.”

Metric with Broken Social Scene and Stars

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16

Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles

Cost: $35, $94 and $142 and $274

Info: 844-524-7335, lagreektheatre.com