Manticora officially confirmed for Progpower VI!

[JayKeeley]

So Ali, which Manticora have you been exposed to? I think 8 Deadly Sins & Roots of Eternity are far and away the standouts of their catalogue.

So far, 8 Deadly Sins.....

 

[General Zod]

Sad to hear that - the roster for me is already 50 times better than last year. But as we know, we'll have a great time regardless, but of course killer bands pull outstanding status out of great status.

I'm not worried. Even if when all is said and done, I think the line-up sucks ass, I'm still looking forward to it. That being said, I'm sure Glenn's got a few tricks left in his bag.

I think show wise, Strato will be high energy and full of enthusiasm and could have an Edguy or Angra like 2003 effect on the audience even if the studio stuff isn't all that appealing to you.

I agree that their music sounds like it will be much more fun live. However, I've heard that their not a very energetic band on stage.

I think one thing's for sure, they will pull some of their best songs out for a 45 minute set, I think it will be fast paced and generally "hit" for you at PP.

Don't get me wrong, I think Manticora is an awesome #1 slot band. Am I as pumped about them as I would be for Balance of Power, Pyramaze or a Zero Hour return? No. But I'm seriously looking forward to them.

I really enjoyed the mp3's I heard. I think my appetite for a band like this is at it's peak at a festival like this - so I'm really looking forward to them and have high hopes. About the #2 slot, I think the #1 and #2 slots are very interchangeable and Glenn decided to go with Manticora based on their ability to get the show off to a high energy, rocking start.

You may be right. But typically, it seems that bands go on in order of magnitude. Speaking of which, Magnitude 9 would be a hell of a choice!

I found this very interesting. I have a feeling that both Angra and Angel Dust were strong possibities at one point but that both fell through at various points in time (possibly even after one was confirmed and then had to back out). Angra would be the returning headliner that didn't work out and Angel Dust would be the returning number three that didn't work out. Obviously this is pure conjecture on my part.

I agree with your conjecture. I'm very disappointed if the band that fell through was Angra.

Man, Nevermore would be awesome. They of course wouldn't have the "rare" appearance factor, but they would more than make up for it in terms of bringing a killer live set. I just know it would be something special and I'll bet they'd pull some memorable old schoolers like "Optimist or Pessimest" out of their bag of tricks for the festival.

I'd be curious to know, if Nevermore was a five, how many people would leave.

Hmmm....you have any Pyramaze you can upload for me? That'd be killer. Thanks Greg.

They only have one CD out. Features Lance King, x-Balance of Power singer. He'll either make or break the band for you. He's got a high range, but a wide range as well. It will be on the site before the end of the evening.

Zod

 

[JayKeeley]

Apparently the other headliner is "bigger than Stratovarius"? Who could that be? I can only think of two bands bigger that Strato (from an album sales point of view) and that would be Nightwish or Helloween.

Would I be surprised if he got Helloween? I would not.

 

[General Zod]

I have this growing suspicion that this fest is going to be a complete strike out for me. I actually dislike Stratovarius, though I'll make the best of their performance. Therion does nothing for me. I have no desire to see Helloween, Rhapsody, Nightwish or Masterplan. I have a feeling we'll be seeing at least one of these bands.

The other band that could be the headliner is Accept.

Zod

 

[Dark One]

I have this growing suspicion that this fest is going to be a complete strike out for me. I actually dislike Stratovarius, though I'll make the best of their performance. Therion does nothing for me. I have no desire to see Helloween, Rhapsody, Nightwish or Masterplan. I have a feeling we'll be seeing at least one of these bands.

The other band that could be the headliner is Accept.

I think there will still be at least a couple bands that'll getcha going Zoddie. I'm surprised that you actually dislike Stratovarius instead of just being "indifferent" towards them. It seems like at worst they could be considered generic Euro power metal. Not that it's necessarily a good thing, but Strato were pioneers of the Euro-speed sound (along with Helloween and Blind Guardian of course). Hmmm...you actually like Hammerfall better? Legacy of Kings was one of the few "underground metal" cd's I've obtained and actually traded in for something else.

About Strato's live act - I saw them in Wacken in 2003 and thought they put on a helluva show. You are correct that they don't run around the stage like Tobbias Sammet, but I definitely felt the energy - and that was when they played like 3 or 4 songs from Elements Part 1 as part of the set.

Regarding Nightwish - I do find it interesting that all of a sudden they have their tour rescheduled for September. Believe it or not, I've never seen them live so it would actually be a treat for me.

 

[JayKeeley]

It won't be Nightwish because Glenn said the only returning band this year dropped out, right? Or did they reschedule the dates so they wouldn't have to drop out....? Hmmm...

Yeah, most people don't realize that Strat and Blind Guardian have been around since the 80's playing speed metal. "Fright Night" and "Battalions of Fear" came out in 1989.

If Strat played a setlist from "Infinite" backwards, the show will be just fine. They just need to dismiss "Elements" and both Kotipelo and Tolkki solo efforts, and pretend none of that shit ever happened.

 

[Dark One]

It won't be Nightwish because Glenn said the only returning band this year dropped out, right? Or did they reschedule the dates so they wouldn't have to drop out....? Hmmm...

Actually, something very cool could happen here according to Glenn. He's contacting the tour manager for Nightwish in an attempt to get them to reschedule their already rescheduled Sept. 15th show at the Masquerade to be at Earthlink instead of at the Masquerade to coincide with the Pre-party.

Yeah, most people don't realize that Strat and Blind Guardian have been around since the 80's playing speed metal. "Fright Night" and "Battalions of Fear" came out in 1989.

What are your thoughts on Strato Ali? I'm personally stoked to be able to witness their first U.S. gig.

If Strat played a setlist from "Infinite" backwards, the show will be just fine. They just need to dismiss "Elements" and both Kotipelo and Tolkki solo efforts, and pretend none of that shit ever happened.

I'm indifferent towards Infinite I like some of the songs but find much of the album to be filler material. Agreed on the "Elements" albums and the solo efforts.

 

[JayKeeley]

Actually, something very cool could happen here according to Glenn. He's contacting the tour manager for Nightwish in an attempt to get them to reschedule their already rescheduled Sept. 15th show at the Masquerade to be at Earthlink instead of at the Masquerade to coincide with the Pre-party.

So let me get this straight -- Glenn is trying to get Nightwish play at the pre-party? That would be ok. Otherwise, I have no interest in seeing this band whatsoever. I've never got into them, but I have Oceanborn stuck in my car because my 3 year old insists on listening to it.

What are your thoughts on Strato Ali? I'm personally stoked to be able to witness their first U.S. gig.

I actually like them. I would definitely be into seeing them live. I cannot deny songs like "Black Diamond", "Kiss of Judas", "Out of the Shadows", "Father Time", "S.O. motherfucking S". Hell, I even like "4000 Rainy Nights" in a Whitesnake kinda way.

It's pretty obvious they'll do a 'best of' set list so that will work well. I think Zod is going to be surprised to be honest. If Tolkki is on form (and not slitting his throat), he may just pull out "Speed of Light" and rip Zod's balls off. Or maybe not.

I'm indifferent towards Infinite I like some of the songs but find much of the album to be filler material. Agreed on the "Elements" albums and the solo efforts.

Yeah, there is good stuff on Infinite so I can't dimiss it entirely, unlike the Elements albums. Infinite had "Hunting High and Low", and "Mother Gaia". Yes, I like the latter, especially the instrumental section during the last half of the song.

Honestly though, I really need another good headliner to seal the deal for me. I don't want Nightwish, Helloween, Hammerfall....blah.

To me, it's got to be someone a bit less polished....say, Iced Earth. I need to hear Ripper do some of that stuff off Burnt Offerings.

 

[Dark One]

So let me get this straight -- Glenn is trying to get Nightwish play at the pre-party? That would be ok. Otherwise, I have no interest in seeing this band whatsoever. I've never got into them, but I have Oceanborn stuck in my car because my 3 year old insists on listening to it.

They would play the Pre-party, but in the main venue I'm sure. The Pre-party is right in the front bar at Earthlink, so they would probably be able to streamline everything perfectly. I think that scenerio would rule.

Honestly though, I really need another good headliner to seal the deal for me. I don't want Nightwish, Helloween, Hammerfall....blah.

To me, it's got to be someone a bit less polished....say, Iced Earth. I need to hear Ripper do some of that stuff off Burnt Offerings.

That would definitely rule. Someone with more of an American style power metal edge to them like a Nevermore or Iced Earth. I agree with a lot of folks who think Demons and Wizards would be perfect.

 

[JayKeeley]

That would definitely rule. Someone with more of an American style power metal edge to them like a Nevermore or Iced Earth. I agree with a lot of folks who think Demons and Wizards would be perfect.

I just don't see D&W being big enough. They have one album. Yes, they have Schaffer and Kursch, but it's still only one album of material (not including anything that might be in the works).

[By the way, if it was D&W, I would love it - "Fiddler on the Green" is one of my favourite songs ever].

What about Jag Panzer? They could be the returning band, no? They also have a new album out to promote.

 

[Dark One]

I just don't see D&W being big enough. They have one album. Yes, they have Schaffer and Kursch, but it's still only one album of material (not including anything that might be in the works).

You make an excellent point. I guess I'm looking at it from a "star power" standpoint. One thing I believe is supposed to happen, however, is the release of D & W's second album prior to Progpower. I think that's the case anyway.

[By the way, if it was D&W, I would love it - "Fiddler on the Green" is one of my favourite songs ever].

Completely agreed. I absolutely LOVE that album and "Fiddler on the Green" is exceptional.

What about Jag Panzer? They could be the returning band, no? They also have a new album out to promote.

That would be absolutely fine with me. I don't think they're big enough to headline, but would fill a number 3 slot nicely.

 

[JayKeeley]

Jag Panzer would make a phenomenal #3 slot, especially with their latest album being so cool and *memorable* (unlike all albums pre-Mechanized Warfare).

By the way, what happened to Evergrey? I thought Glenn made it clear that Evergrey would be guaranteed a spot every other year?

 

[Demonspell]

Either they have no touring plans, their appearance would no longer be exclusive after last year's tour, or he wanted to make the lineup a little less predictable (which it hasn't been this year, Strato excluded). I agree that Nevermore would make a great headliner, especially since their new one would coincide with PP.

 

[Dark One]

Jag Panzer would make a phenomenal #3 slot, especially with their latest album being so cool and *memorable* (unlike all albums pre-Mechanized Warfare).

Whoa Whoa Whoa - timeout. Have you ever heard Ample Destruction? It's extremely hard to come by (except in bootleg or re-recorded form). I feel it's one of the greatest slabs American style traditional metal out there and definitely Panzer's finest moment. If you need an upload, just let me know - I have two official versions of the cd as well as the re-recorded tracks released last year in the form of the Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat release.

For some reason Casting the Stones is just not grabbing me the way it's grabbing others. I'm not sure why - I do need to give it more spins though.

By the way, what happened to Evergrey? I thought Glenn made it clear that Evergrey would be guaranteed a spot every other year?

I'm sure if something else fell through and Glenn was in a pinch, Evergrey would be on the bill. Standing invitations aside, too much Evergrey is not a good thing if good options are attainable in the Number 3, 4 and 5 slots.

 

[JayKeeley]

Whoa Whoa Whoa - timeout. Have you ever heard Ample Destruction? It's extremely hard to come by (except in bootleg or re-recorded form). I feel it's one of the greatest slabs American style traditional metal out there and definitely Panzer's finest moment. If you need an upload, just let me know - I have two official versions of the cd as well as the re-recorded tracks released last year in the form of the Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat release.

I have Decade....maybe I'll pull it out again.

For some reason Casting the Stones is just not grabbing me the way it's grabbing others. I'm not sure why - I do need to give it more spins though.

Songs like "Feast or Famine" and "The Mission (1943)" will work wonders live. And then I listen to albums like Thane to the Throne and I fall into a goddamn coma.

I'm sure if something else fell through and Glenn was in a pinch, Evergrey would be on the bill. Standing invitations aside, too much Evergrey is not a good thing if good options are attainable in the Number 3, 4 and 5 slots.

Yeah, at this point, Evergrey and Symphony X are cop out choices. I think I must have seen Sy X on their Odyssey tour about 4 times.

 

[Dark One]

I have Decade....maybe I'll pull it out again.

DON'T. I mentioned that release as an alternative if you were interested - but you MUST hear the original version in it's entirety. It's not that "Decade.." is not enjoyable, but it is a little different in terms of the sounds of the songs. In addition, "Decade..." does not contain all of the "Ample..." tracks and puts them out of order as they toss in other re-recorded rarities as well.

I'll try and upload the original Ample Destruction when I get a chance. You definitely need to hear the original songs in their original form. The only reason Jag Panzer were not able to re-release "Ample.." on cd was due to licensing and rights issues caused by one of the former band members. "Decade..." was the only alternative the band (and Mark Briody in particular) had.

Songs like "Feast or Famine" and "The Mission (1943)" will work wonders live. And then I listen to albums like Thane to the Throne and I fall into a goddamn coma.

Agreed about Thane to the Throne except for "The Thane of Cawdor".

Yeah, at this point, Evergrey and Symphony X are cop out choices. I think I must have seen Sy X on their Odyssey tour about 4 times.

Completely agreed, I could do without Evergrey and Symphony X forever in terms of future Progpowers, even though I like both bands very much.

 

[General Zod]

I would love to hear this CD Dark One. If you rip it, could you make it a point to rip it at 192kbs? There's too much loss at 128. Thanks.

By the way, I posted Pyramaze for you.

Zod

 

[Dark One]

I would love to hear this CD Dark One. If you rip it, could you make it a point to rip it at 192kbs? There's too much loss at 128. Thanks.

By the way, I posted Pyramaze for you.

Zod

Will do - thanks for the Pyramaze Zod. Actually though, I have no idea what you are talking about with regard to the 192 vs. 128 kbs. It's like "geekspeak" to me. Is that simply an option I can find when ripping the cd to Mp3? Or is that an option that I can choose when uploading from Mp3 to the FTP site?

Was that a problem with the Manticora cd I uploaded? I can re-upload that one as well if necessary - just let me know as this stuff is all new to me. Thanks.

 

[JayKeeley]

DON'T. I mentioned that release as an alternative if you were interested - but you MUST hear the original version in it's entirety.

Too late. My ears fell off and ran away. Goddamn, it's like you're screaming at the stereo, "throw in a chorus NOW!!! NOW goddamnit!!!".

That's the problem with old Jag Panzer. It sounds like lots of verses, and no bridges, no choruses, some widdly soloing, and then more verses. You really have to blame the vocal melody lines. You would think that Conklin might have changed his scale/pattern/melody for the different parts throughout each song, but its like he sings the first line of each song over and over and over.

If you're a band with clean vocals, then use the dynamics of melody (attributes such as octaves, scales, harmonies, soft, scream, etc). Otherwise play death metal and be done with it. I feel they fixed this for Mechanized Warfare (somewhat), and most certainly Casting the Stones.

I'll try and upload the original Ample Destruction when I get a chance. You definitely need to hear the original songs in their original form.

OK, since it's an upload, no problem. Surprise me.

 

[General Zod]

Will do - thanks for the Pyramaze Zod.

NP. Let me know what you think after you've had some time to spin it.

Actually though, I have no idea what you are talking about with regard to the 192 vs. 128 kbs. It's like "geekspeak" to me. Is that simply an option I can find when ripping the cd to Mp3? Or is that an option that I can choose when uploading from Mp3 to the FTP site?

Understood. It's an option you set before you rip. Whatever software you're using to rip, just used the default (128). However, you select anything you like, between 96 - 320 with most software. The higher the bit rate, the bigger the file, but the closer to CD qualiy sound. The lower the bit rate, the smaller the file, the lesser the sound quality. 192 is kind of a standard for file trading.

Was that a problem with the Manticora cd I uploaded? I can re-upload that one as well if necessary - just let me know as this stuff is all new to me. Thanks.

No worried. The Mantora is fine, just at a lower bit rate. I'm sure most people have a good idea of what this band is about, and have a feel for whether that CD gets move to their "To Buy" lists.

If you ever have any technical questions, drop me an e-mail or call me on my cell.

Zod