A brief note on the roster...

[PatrickHoyt]

"Let the masterpiece tell you what to do instead of telling the masterpiece what to do, or telling the composer what he should've done."
--Alfred Brendel

Just a little positive reinforcement on what I said on the first page of this thread.

here is to a kickass, diverse line-up that you won't hear this guy complaining about. I'm with J-Man 100% on what he said.

 

[rms]

I was sold on this roster when I learned that Iron Savior would be playing. The rest is just dessert to me.

If I dont make it to PPUSA, make sure they play Thunderbird

 

[...AndTimeBegan]

If it makes you feel any better, long-time attendees of the DEATH METAL FESTIVAL would be just as bummed as you are if Amorphis was announced as the headliner of their festival. "All those gay keyboards, guitar melodies, mid-tempo songs, danceable rhythms...bah, that's not Death Metal!"

Just think of it as Glenn doing some generous charity work. If all festival organizers were that restrictive about genres, the poor guys in Amorphis would never have a chance to play anywhere!

Neil

I wish that was true. While it is for some of the time, MDF for example has a million times more diverse of a fanbase/roster than ProgPower (and that's not a knock at ProgPower's lineup because I think it rocks, but I'm just sayin'). I mean, last year Cynic (more prog and "gay" than Amorphis by far ) headlined and nobody complained except when they canceled. This year Anaal Nathrakh (half black metal 1/4 grind and 1/4 death with some clean vocals thrown in) and Nuclear Assault (thrash) are headlining with little complaints. Ironic that death metal fans are more open-minded. And MDF got 1500 people last year (which is just a little bit more than ProgPower) and has only been around for 6 years before anyone asks.

 

[7thSaviour]

If I dont make it to PPUSA, make sure they play Thunderbird

Great tune!

 

[Magius]

I wish that was true. While it is for some of the time, MDF for example has a million times more diverse of a fanbase/roster than ProgPower (and that's not a knock at ProgPower's lineup because I think it rocks, but I'm just sayin'). I mean, last year Cynic (more prog and "gay" than Amorphis by far ) headlined and nobody complained except when they canceled. This year Anaal Nathrakh (half black metal 1/4 grind and 1/4 death with some clean vocals thrown in) and Nuclear Assault (thrash) are headlining with little complaints. Ironic that death metal fans are more open-minded. And MDF got 1500 people last year (which is just a little bit more than ProgPower) and has only been around for 6 years before anyone asks.

More open minded? You have a semi valid point; however, those would be oddball types of bands for that fest, but not totally out of charcter. The ProgPower attendees accept most oddball stuff in stride for the most part. Granted there is above average dissent when it comes to growling especially in regards to a headliner.
I wonder how well the reverse would go over at DMF. How do you think most of the DMF fans would react if Volbeat was thrown on the roster and Edguy named headliner?

 

[teri]

am i the only one who thinks this festival would be slightly more boring with only the standard-issue progressive and/or power metal bands?
i know there are a lot of people with diverse tastes, and progpower taps into that...
throw in some doom, some retro rock, some goth, some symphonic.... it is the "can't quite see these guys in the lineup" bands that make the festival fun...
but hey, i guess that is just me....

 

[...AndTimeBegan]

More open minded? You have a semi valid point; however, those would be oddball types of bands for that fest, but not totally out of charcter. The ProgPower attendees accept most oddball stuff in stride for the most part. Granted there is above average dissent when it comes to growling especially in regards to a headliner.
I wonder how well the reverse would go over at DMF. How do you think most of the DMF fans would react if Volbeat was thrown on the roster and Edguy named headliner?

My problem is that I judge based on forum reactions,which I guess I shouldn't. When I read what's said here and on as I exemplified earlier, Maryland Death Fest, the death metal fans seem to complain less about the bands on the roster. Obviously Edguy and Volbeat wouldn't go over well on a death/grind fest... but Rotten Sound wouldn't go over well at all at Prog Power either. My point is that there are bands that combine the best of both worlds that could fit on either bill and the death metal fans generally seem to be more open-minded about those bands. It's just speculation on my part.

For example, if Mastodon were to headline the next Prog Power, the complaint level would go through the roof. But if Enslaved headlined Maryland Death Fest the complaint level would be much lower. And as I said, people seemed pumped about Cynic headlining and they employ so few growls that they ended up using pre-recorded growls on their reunion tour in Europe. Their stuff is mostly clean vocals and Dream Theater- ish riffs.

 

[rms]

You cant compare Enslaved to PPUSA and Enslaved to a death fest, it's like 2 close 'heavy' subgenres and the other is completely lopsided.

 

[skyrefuge]

Ironic that death metal fans are more open-minded.

Yes, and not at all obnoxious or high-handed about their open-minded superiority!

Neil

 

[...AndTimeBegan]

You cant compare Enslaved to PPUSA and Enslaved to a death fest, it's like 2 close 'heavy' subgenres and the other is completely lopsided.

What? Dude that made no sense and makes me wonder if you read my argument haha. I didn't compare Enslaved to anything. I used them as an example. If an extreme metal band with progressive elements was booked for MDF people generally wouldn't care or at least know of or be a fan of the band. For some reason, ProgPower has a very devoted fanbase (at least on the forums) with people who expect very specific bands. It's a blessing and a curse.

edit: k now I kinda get where you were going with your post, but I still stand by mine. Enslaved has enough prog elements to satisfy all audiences.

Yes, and not at all obnoxious or high-handed about their open-minded superiority!

Neil

I don't consider myself either obnoxious or high-handed (or even superior... haha) for saying that death metal fans seem to be more open-minded (fyi I consider myself to be just as much of a death metal fan as a prog/power/jazz/hip hop/thrash/doom/post rock/ambient/video game soundtrack/you name it fan and have very little musical bias). I think it's obnoxious to bitch and moan about a band just because they have growls. Just because some people are close minded doesn't make them bad people, it's just a shame is all. Music is music nonetheless.


On another note, I wonder what the reaction was to Darkane for Prog Power Denmark. Hmm...

 

[Magius]

For some reason, ProgPower has a very devoted fanbase (at least on the forums) with people who expect very specific bands. It's a blessing and a curse.

That's true. However, the "some reason" is that by and large the Death Metal scene is pretty much alive and well in the US. Concerts for national tours and local shows are not particularly hard to find anytime or anywhere. I'll qualify that by adding I really have no clue how the scene may look in Iowa, but you get my point.

Not so with the Progressive, Power, Melodic, and Traditional Metal scene. ProgPower USA is considered by many to be the last bastion for these styles of Metal in the US. Consequently growling bands are considered an intrusion at this fest for those who have no tolerance for them.

I don't necessarily agree with that view point, but I understand where those who speak out are coming from.

 

[Claus / Intromental]

On another note, I wonder what the reaction was to Darkane for Prog Power Denmark. Hmm...

The reaction was VERY good. They really tore the place apart with a high energy show and lots of technicality (remember, they originally started out as a Watchtower cover band, so they have the chops needed). I didn't really hear anyone complain about them being on the bill. Then again, Denmark is more of a death metal country anyway ...

c.

 

[...AndTimeBegan]

The reaction was VERY good. They really tore the place apart with a high energy show and lots of technicality (remember, they originally started out as a Watchtower cover band, so they have the chops needed). I didn't really hear anyone complain about them being on the bill. Then again, Denmark is more of a death metal country anyway ...

c.

The reason I ask is because Darkane (at least the later stuff) would definitely seem like a weird/controversial choice for a ProgPower Fest band... moreso than Amorphis. I love 'em, and it's good to know they were well received.

 

[TheLongshot]

Glenn,

I'm glad you change up things, because personally it would get very stale with just the "standard" bands. Actually, that has been my frustration with ProgPower over the Progressive Rock festivals that I go to. There, you really do get some diversity and some unique acts.

This is why I'm very appriciated of your lineup this year. You really went out of your way to find bands with unique voices and that have something different to offer than just the standard fare. To be honest, I expect not to like every single band in the lineup (tho it is a nice bonus when that happens.)

More power to you Glenn.

Jason

 

[Prog_Muse]

Again, we have someone clinging to the notion that metal should be always formulaic and pigeonholed into a category, yet the word PROG is part of your screen name. You are entitled to your opinion of course, but being a progressive music fan, shouldn't that mean the music should progress and diversify and be done a tad outside the box with newer ideas? Your ideas are contrary to your screen persona. I won't say hypocrite because that's too harsh of a word for me to call you.

Pidgeonhole my ass, friend.
I don't think that prog should be limited to one specific "formula," just call it what it is.
To call me a contradiction or a hypocrite because I have the word "Prog" in my SN is not only stupid, it's embarrassing to you.
What a simply ignorant thing to say.
Clearly you must have confused "prog" with "technical."
Cynic, for example, were an early technical metal outfit that featured the growling vocal, but I can't think of a single original prog metal band that featured that snarling idiotic buffoonery known affectionately by most of you as "growling."
Just because a band changes their sound around every couple albums doesn't make them prog.
If that were the case, Madonna, Bon Jovi and Jewel are all prog bands.
I like what I like and I know why I like it, so next time you want to pick apart someone's online pseudonym based on their taste in vocal styles, might I suggest you look to someone who has NO IDEA what they're on about.

 

[Jim LotFP]

Clearly you must have confused "prog" with "technical."
Cynic, for example, were an early technical metal outfit that featured the growling vocal, but I can't think of a single original prog metal band that featured that snarling idiotic buffoonery known affectionately by most of you as "growling."

not only stupid, it's embarrassing to you.

 

[Prog_Muse]

:Smug:

 

[teri]

dont sweat it, prog muse... i am called the mistress of metal, but left to my own devices i listen to blues, indie rock, and classical just as often....
what's in a name?
yer right... you like what you like... i take crap ALL the time for not liking growlies ... ask pellaz, who constantly tries to get me to play Cradle of Filth on my show

 

[Kimavir]

I can't think of a single original prog metal band that featured that snarling idiotic buffoonery known affectionately by most of you as "growling."

Subterranean Masquerade and Loch Vostok are both prog metal bands that use harsh vocals. Not trying to be an ass, just pointing out that these bands are out there (probably a lot more since I was able to think these up in under 3 seconds). Not sure if you meant "original" as in not rip-offs or as in genre founders. In the latter case, my information is irrelevant.

So how about Volbeat? Anyone wanna place bets on how long until the crowd freaks out and starts oozing mushy love all over these guys? I give the guys 3 notes.

 

[Purveyor Of Evil]

Pidgeonhole my ass, friend.
I don't think that prog should be limited to one specific "formula," just call it what it is.
To call me a contradiction or a hypocrite because I have the word "Prog" in my SN is not only stupid, it's embarrassing to you.
What a simply ignorant thing to say.
Clearly you must have confused "prog" with "technical."
Cynic, for example, were an early technical metal outfit that featured the growling vocal, but I can't think of a single original prog metal band that featured that snarling idiotic buffoonery known affectionately by most of you as "growling."
Just because a band changes their sound around every couple albums doesn't make them prog.
If that were the case, Madonna, Bon Jovi and Jewel are all prog bands.
I like what I like and I know why I like it, so next time you want to pick apart someone's online pseudonym based on their taste in vocal styles, might I suggest you look to someone who has NO IDEA what they're on about.

First of all I didn't call you a hypocrite. I said I wouldn't call you that. Plus, you were way harsher on me than I was with you. That's fine if you felt the need for that. I don't get why you're ragging me for bringing up your screen name. You're the one who named yourself and for a reason I'm sure. Because you're a prog fan. Right? But, you did come off as wanting things to be formulaic and samey. Read again what you posted. Isn't what you're saying defying the logic of progressive?