General comments:
* headliners were top-notch and were at the top of each day for very good reasons
* variety of food was decent and appreciated throughout the event by friends, although I personally am picky AF so I pretty much stayed with the low grade pizza.
* It's kinda sad that the Vinyl vendor room is somewhat neglected by the general public. There were some cool things down there that many missed out on, just wish they had bigger sizes of shirts to pick from.
* Official merch was outstanding, great variety and I loved the PPUSA specific shirts even though I only bought one.
* I'm not one for doing the autograph signings but I do love the general joy I see from those who get the chance to meet/greet their heroes. Having said that, I did participate to see/chat with the Night Demon guys as the line was not that long.
* Hardly a dry eye in the house when promoter Glenn was introducing his final roster video and hugging his video artist Wayne Joyner (his last year as well). Similar sentiments when Sir Russell Allen stated a glorious toast to Glenn who was in the photo pit right in front of him.
I will note that I watched each band at least for 3 songs. Here are my personal rankings separated by Loved - Liked - Tolerated - Not My thing:
LOVED:
Symphony X - One of the main reasons why this fest exists in the first place and did not disappoint in the least. Not a weak link in the whole outfit.
Night Demon - They are my fave live band right now and have been pimping them to be here for years. Old school teaching new students how to do it live!
Eclipse - Love this kind of melodic anthem stuff. Tech issues threatened to derail them, but they kept the train on the track.
VOLA - My fave of the newer modern melodic prog metal. Lucky again to have them again bring their own on-stage light show, and the sound was massive.
Orden Ogan - stepped up big-time when vocalist Seeb couldn't make the trip last minute. "Prog, power and beer" on the back of the PPUSA themed shirt!
Sonata Arctica - Tony Kakko still delivers the goods on vocals after all these years. Wonderful headlining set.
Visions of Atlantis - Loved the set pieces on stage to set the mood for the pirates at sea, and Clementine is delightful.
Progject - This late replacement was a love letter set for us old farts. Sure, it was cover tunes but done at a high caliber. My heart was warm and fuzzy.
Majestica - Top notch speedy power metal done right. Tommy brings the heat and the band was outstanding.
Aries Descendant - vocalist Nicklas Sonne was on fire, blew me out right out of the gate. Hoping for more from this crew.
LIKED:
Secret Sphere - standard, brought what I expected.
Cemetery Skyline - liked the tunes and sound, but somewhat lackluster stage presence. I was ok with it due to the strong songs.
Lux Terminus, Sometime In February - 2 instrumental bands given opening slots, but was thoroughly entertained by each.
Maestrick - standard, brought what I expected.
Alterium - standard, brought what I expected.
Green Carnation - tech issues almost prevented them to perform. Only had a chance to play new stuff.
Novembers Doom - first time seeing them even after living in Chicago for most of my life. The only growlie band to move into "Liked"
TOLERATED:
Saigon (Soto) Kick - I understand it's their thing to joke around between songs, but would prefer to hear more tunes.
Rivers Of Nihil - Growlies
Be'lakor - Growlies
NOT MY THING:
Skáld - I get why they were there due to the Nordic viking thing (or whatever). I gave it a chance, but went and got food.
Anciients - thrash and growlies
