Lord

Once again, another fantastic festival. Can't give enough praise!

What a great line-up this year, from top to bottom. I've never been to ProgPower before, but I would go back sometime, depending on the bands that are announced. The real reason I went was to see The Gentle Storm and Stream of Passion, both started by Arjen Lucassen (I love Ayreon) with musicians he holds in high regard. Both bands delivered fantastic performances! That was worth the price of admission for me. It was great that the bands were willing to do signing sessions at tables in the lobby. I had two items for Stream of Passion band members and got a picture with Marcela. Although The Gentle Storm performed on Friday, they did their signing on Saturday, but we sold our Saturday tickets to get back home by Sunday, so unfortunately I didn't get to visit with them. I love that between each performance, people are free to come in and go out of the main theater as they please. If you have a favorite band coming up, get down to the floor after the previous one ends and you will get a great spot near the stage. For other bands you don't know, sitting up in the seats is not a bad option at all. We sat higher, we sat lower, there's not really a bad seat other than the ones on the side right next to the stage. Certain areas will also get more stage lights in your eyes than other areas. It was great that the venue allowed in and out privileges which allowed you to get signed items from and back to your car or hotel. The venue also did a great job of having really good food on-site, and they kept the main theater pretty cool temperature-wise. It was warm in the lobby but comfortable once you got in your seat. If you value your hearing, take your earplugs!

Sound was too loud to listen to without ear-protection. It averaged 107 db on day one and 110 db on second day. That level will damage your ears over the length of time each act played. I wore ear plugs the whole time as did my much younger friend. Audio professionals who mix FOH for a living recommended 95 db-97db max for Metal music. The bass was cranked up much more than vocals or any other instruments. The voices were lost unless the band backed off of their instruments as part of a song. I removed my earplugs for 10-15 seconds to confirm this with each act. Band selection was good and repore with audience was good. Just wish I could have heard them without earplugs. They sound great on You-tube at home. Venue had ample parking. Inside was easy to navigate had seats been assigned. Prices for food and drink were okay.