New Band Announcement

I think some of you might be missing my point.
Yes, of course with ANY genre of metal, there will be originators that get overlooked.

Also, of course there is nothing wrong with Pagan Fest being folks first exposure to certain bands. I am sure Prog Power was many power metal fan's exposure to prog bands and vice versa.

Look, I understand that Turisas came to Glen.
And from a business perspective, it would have been foolish to not consider it.

It comes down to this for me. I have always had a TON of respect for Prog Power because they were one festival that helped bring amazing bands who were underexposed in the states, in addition to developing newer bands. I am a business man myself, so I can certainly understand and appreciate that with declining CD and ticket sales, the fest has to branch out to reach new audiences. Just seems to me that this goes against what made the fest special to begin with . That's all I am really saying.

Sorry if I seemed to have attacked or insult anyone personally, because that was not my intent.
 
They will follow Tyr on Friday. Stormwarrior will move to Saturday. Full details to come.

And I have already read one post on the ATL metal forum from a person who confirms they are now attending.

Ok, I didn't get the impression that you were going to rejigger the lineup based on the new band. Personally, I think it is a good idea to put them back to back. Those who don't like that sort of stuff can take a long break and those who do will be very happy.
 
Truthfully, not a lot of these Pagan bands are THAT popular. A lot of them I think run together in terms of sound. TYR and Turisas don't fit that though in my opinion and am glad to see them on the tour. Turisas is destined to be the show stealer to be honest. He's absolutely 100 percent he said that they are high energy.

As far as Stormwarrior and Leaves Eyes goes, I don't get how anyone can call them pagan metal outside of the lyrics really. Stormwarrior is pure speed/power metal a la Gamma Ray, the only difference is the lyrics. If you take away the lyrics they're just another power metal band (by no means is that an insult by the way. I love Stormwarrior.) Leaves Eyes is the same thing except they're more the "gothic" female fronted band with some pagan lyrics. To me, Pagan bands have to have that foreign sound to them, whether it's different instruments or the melody or foreign lyrics. I don't even really consider Amon Amarth pagan. They're just straight death metal with viking lyrics.
 
I believe you are one of the most intelligent armchair quarterbacks on this forum when it comes to your critique. However, I also feel that no matter what I book or stretch the boundaries, you are still not going to attend for whatever reason. I could book Manilla Road, Cathedral, and five of your other favorite bands that wouldn't draw 100 on their own...and you still would not attend.

Glen,
I personally think this lineup is VERY solid.

There have been many lineups that appeal to me that would make me want to come. Hell, I would happily come to PP even if I didn't care 100% based alone on my respect for the fest, and from other's testimonies.

While I would love to attend PP, the reality is for me personally, it probably won't ever be in the cards (IE - will seem lame to many in the same boat as me, but family, work, kids, etc) Just my reality. I miss many shows here in Chicago for the same reasons. Going to shows just isn't a main part of my life anymore.

I am extremely passionate about music in general, and am always open to giving my honest feedback, as harsh as it might seem.

I think TURISAS are a good band and I heard they are great live. As I have said before, I just never really would think a flavor of the month genre would be so prevalent at Prog Power.
 
The 'viking metal' bands that are finding success are those who are bringing the energy to their albums and live shows. I like Einherjer and many other lesser known bands, but they aren't as 'fun' as bands like Turisas.

Also, those other bands couldn't seem to draw enough people for that awesome Heathen Crusade festival. Jasonic did you ever go to that?
 
Not one of the bands I was guessing. They're not my favorite type of stuff, but they put on a fun show for sure. Now that there are two PaganBands, the PaganFans should start coming out in droves. :)
 
This clinches this year's PPUSA as the finest in its history. If PPUSA does not sell out, with more begging, shame on you!
 
I think some of you might be missing my point.
Yes, of course with ANY genre of metal, there will be originators that get overlooked.

Also, of course there is nothing wrong with Pagan Fest being folks first exposure to certain bands. I am sure Prog Power was many power metal fan's exposure to prog bands and vice versa.

Look, I understand that Turisas came to Glen.
And from a business perspective, it would have been foolish to not consider it.

It comes down to this for me. I have always had a TON of respect for Prog Power because they were one festival that helped bring amazing bands who were underexposed in the states, in addition to developing newer bands. I am a business man myself, so I can certainly understand and appreciate that with declining CD and ticket sales, the fest has to branch out to reach new audiences. Just seems to me that this goes against what made the fest special to begin with . That's all I am really saying.

Sorry if I seemed to have attacked or insult anyone personally, because that was not my intent.

I personally don't feel you're really attacking the fest, but I don't see how this would hurt the fest's credibility. For one, this is one band I think a lot of the people that go to progpower would enjoy. While they may have gotten more popularity than the average progpower band, I would actually have to disagree with Glenn in that they have wider appeal. I think the reason they are where they are is simply because they got lucky in that they were promoted by both Nuclear Blast and the Paganfest tour in addition to the Dragonforce tour. By no means am I saying they're a bad band that didn't deserve it but there are many bands that are as good as them that don't get the light of day. Nowadays it seems that for bands to be successful they need to be on a successful tour that people will see and/or a label that actually cares about their artists. This is what happened with Turisas.

I think bands like TYR and Turisas, while they aren't easy to pinpoint as either power or prog, they are both and fit the fest. If nothing else, they're no more different than some of the oddball picks Glenn has chosen in the past.

Let's be honest. By no means is Turisas a mainstream band. Had Glenn been approached by a band like Soilwork or Shadows Fall for example I think it may have hurt it, but this wasn't the case.
 
This rules. When I went to Paganfest, it was definitely more for Turisas than Ensiferum (although I have shifted quite a bit into the Ensiferum camp since!). I will definitely be in a better mood for my last couple of weeks in this craphole.

Thanks Glenn.
 
I believe you are one of the most intelligent armchair quarterbacks on this forum when it comes to your critique. However, I also feel that no matter what I book or stretch the boundaries, you are still not going to attend for whatever reason. I could book Manilla Road, Cathedral, and five of your other favorite bands that wouldn't draw 100 on their own...and you still would not attend.

So while I respect your opinion totally, I put a lot less emphasis on pleasing this type of fan given the conditions that are already affecting ticket sales that I have no say over.

I'd also still point out the number of bands making their U.S. debut on the roster this year to counter your feelings.

Amen, glad i decided to not put this in my response earlier. ;)
 
The only thing I have against having Tursias this year is that I would have LOVED to see them next year. This festival already is jam packed full of great bands. If we have all the great bands this year, what bands are left for next year (and the year after that, etc.)? Like I said before, this festival will whoop my sorry ass cuz I don't know if I can really handle 18 bands over three days!! :lol:
 
Flavor of the month? Really? Just because something is growing in popularity due to increased exposure doesn't make it a fad. I'm no scholar on the subject but I'd venture to claim that all genres start the same way. A few people get an idea, more people hear it and embrace it, then try to spread the word through exposure to new fans who will also embrace the sound. I'm not saying "viking metal" will be the next worldwide radio phenomenon, but to call it a flash-in-the-pan fad that will disappear as soon as the next thing comes along is a bit of an exaggeration. As is claims that the festival is jumping on some "hip" bandwagon with no consideration to musical talent. Quick popularity doesn't doom it to a quick death.
 
Complaining because there are too many awesome bands is akin to bitching you have too much money or juggling too many women. Nothing wrong in my book with an excess of riches!!!

Keep 'em coming, Glenn. I'll have plenty of time to sleep when I am dead. :kickass:
 
Complaining because there are too many awesome bands is akin to bitching you have too much money or juggling too many women. Nothing wrong in my book with an excess of riches!!!

Keep 'em coming, Glenn. I'll have plenty of time to sleep when I am dead. :kickass:

seriously, it is an embarrassment of riches!!
 
Complaining because there are too many awesome bands is akin to bitching you have too much money or juggling too many women. Nothing wrong in my book with an excess of riches!!!

Keep 'em coming, Glenn. I'll have plenty of time to sleep when I am dead. :kickass:

I'm with you. I don't get people that complain that there are too many bands and the show will run too long. If you get worn out a bit, take a break at some point. I mean, there are 30 minute breaks between bands and I don't know about everyone else but for me there is usually at least one band for the festival I could care less for. This year for me it's Nocturnal Rites. As Glenn said, in and out privileges are your friend.
 
Im going to enjoy this set!! Metal is the key word for me. Thrash Metal, Viking Metal, Power Metal, Dark Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Black Metal, Black Thrash Metal, NWOBHM, I want to see some Fucking Skull Crushing live Metal!! And Turisas is going to bring it! I am glad that me and my Friends chipped in.:kickass: