Damn it!! I'm so pissed right now!!! :-(
I just spent considerable time typing up a response because, in short, yes I have heard most of these bands now and I'm blown away by the line up! Quality bands!!! However, I can't believe I even did this, but I mistakenly click on a link on the page which took me away from it and I lost EVERYTYHING!!! I can't even bring myself to start over at this moment, I will have to come back and try again to write up a little blurb about each band again another time.
I think there is something for everyone and with much crossover. I actually think I will be entertained the entire time! Even the bands that are the weakest to me, I think will be great to watch.
Fuck it people! Just get off your asses and come! Where else can you come every year and see so many friends and make new ones? Where else do you get such an intimate experience with most of the bands? Especially bands of this caliber? Seriously?!?! People were just treated to 21 bands over 4 days - 13 at the main festival and people had a GREAT time! And listening through this lineup, there is no way someone can tell me that if they actually sat in the room and listened to these bands that they aren't going to enjoy a good bit of them. Of course you haven't heard of these bands or not as much! That is the very nature of this scene and is what brought us together in the first place!!
Sorry, I'm only 41 but I heard Sancuary from the beginning and have them on vinyl and CD. I used to cover a song from them and it kicked ass! They kick ass and were part of the early days and influence to progressive and power metal. I saw them with Fates Warning at Hammerjacks. They begat Nevermore. So yeah, they belong there and yeah, as headliner. People with enjoy their show if they get in that room. Or they will bitch outside instead. Like others, I hope Warrel hits the notes. I'm sure he'll make a valiant effort. If not, well it still will be fun. As far as the newer bands that no one has heard of? GREAT!!! Personally, as a guitarist in Odin's Court, I think its great that there is a festival that will actually give an unknown band a chance and perhaps help to break them. One can hope, can't he? ;-) The thing here is that this fresher blood is some damn good shit! These are people who have worked hard to hone their craft to the point that can handle the ProgPower stage and give a good performance. Whether we like the style or not, these bands are good and appeal to someone - just without the brand name. But again, isn't that what this scene and very festival has been about?!?!
Heard of any of these?
Symphony X
Evergrey
Pain of Salvation
Edguy
Blind Guardian
Brainstorm
Circle II Circle
Pagan's Mind
Circus Maximus
Rainstorm
Freak Kitchen
Riverside
Yes, these bands existed, but really got a nice push from playing PP. Evergrey was new for me. Circus Maximus? Remember when they were unknown? Michael Erickson is a household name on this forum now. People went nuts over Rainstorm (not me but I understand the appeal). They were basically unknown. Remember when it used to be cool that no one else heard of these bands? What changed? Tell me, what changed? Don't like new music anymore? Stuck with the same 5-10 groups? Dream Theater has been my favorite band for close to 20 years, but I like to listen to more than DT. There is room for more. Used to be if it was good, we liked it. Now it has to be popular?
I GUARANTEE you - When Heaven Wept will take the stage and destroy the place. People will talk about their performance and their music for years to come. Had I heard of this (local to me) band a week ago? No! Judging a band by it's name - did I think I would like this band's music? Honestly? No. However, because I gave it a chance and actually listened I found that I love this disk! Judging by other's reactions already, I can tell that I'm not alone in being pleasantly surprised and really digging it!
I just can't imagine anyone coming to this festival not having a phenomenal time. Great music and great people! Open your minds and let some new talent take the stage. Let some older bands that people have been dying to see for the first time take the stage. Let some bands that just haven't really made it much around the states take the stage. You will be entertained - PERIOD. You will get your money's worth - NO DOUBT! You will have the time of your life - NO QUESTION!
Whew! I didn't realize I had that much built up. I guess I've just enough negativity over the past few days and had enough. But I just knew I wouldn't be disappointed. And now that I've actually listened, there is no doubt that we are in for a treat. And if there is a band that you really don't like and you've seriously given them a chance. GREAT! At least you have a time you can go eat. Just back so you can see the next band!
