ProgPower USA

The ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, which takes place every September, is a veritable progressive rock/metal dream come true! This was my 2nd trip to Atlanta, and I loved every minute of it! I will be there next year as well.....

I don't even know where to begin - they do this every year at this time in Atlanta, and this is the first time I was able to attend. All the bands were just spectacular! I also met some of the musicians playing the festival - some of the nicest people I've met! I will be there again next year for sure!

All in all a fantastic experience and one to recommend very highly. Tickets are expensive but when broken down per band run about $15-$20 per band...not bad. The venue is solid with plenty of good seating and excellent views, a large pit for those who wish to stand, and both food and drinks are available at the bar. ProgPowerUSA also allows exit and re-entry but no bringing in outside food or beverages. Digital cameras are allowed...videotaping is prohibited (but happens anyway). Every band did a signing session for the fans and many could be seen in the crowd or at the local hotels. Lots of vendors. And the bands...this year was incredible with Epica and Symphony X as the headliners. Ten of the 14 bands were making exclusive American appearances and many of them their American debut. If you love metal, ProgPowerUSA is the Holy Land! Capacity about 1100 so very intimate.

Glen and crew never disappoint! It was an amazing show with great bands from start to finish. Would absolutely recommend!

The festival was serious about staying on schedule. They set up great access to the bands. The venue was solid. It goes without saying that the talent was a rare treat.

ProgPower was GREAT! This was a motorcycle destination from MA via Blueridge and a lot of fun roads. I expected the ride to be the best part of the trip, but boy was I surprised by an awesome concert of great bands!

Overall PowerProg XII was an excellent show. However there were some down sides. Vanden Plas on the kickoff night was excellent but the last 30 minutes or so of their set was ruined for me when a florescent light that was covered by jacket was exposed. That's right. A boom-camera operator over on one side had a jacket thrown over a florescent light to keep it out of the audiences eyes and it fell off at one point and he didn't notice. Oh well. Following them, Evergrey was perfect. Sound was just right and they know how to give a show. Another downside was the sound quality on some acts: Red Circuit for example, at times I could see the fingers moving but couldn't hear what was being played, also thought they had a bit too much "everyone clap your hands now" and "sing with me" kind of stuff. Here and there is fine but on every song I start thinking I came to see you perform, so just play the songs. Voyager was fantastic. Ihsahn and Forbidden were just loud screaming garbage to me, and Sanctuary was too commercial, and not enough prog or power. I think the highlight though for me was Haken opening on the last day. I was thoroughly and pleasantly surprised. First, they don't look like a metal band, they look more like the IT department. But that didn't matter. These guys are musical wizards. I don't even think I could call them metal, they transcend. Definitely progressive but with a definite fusion sound, and a lot of jazz type coloration. The sound was crystal clear and I could hear every nuance; and the music was intricate enough that you wanted to. I actually went to the sound booth after their set and told the sound guy 'good job'. Therion, headliner on the last day. Wow! They gave two hours even though they were an hour behind by the time they came on and they were spectacular. Four operatic singers that sound like a choir. Creation's End and Darkwater also delivered but I was disappointed that Darkwater was cut from 45 to 35 minutes due to technical problems delaying their set. Also disappointed that Arcturus and Dream Evil cancelled, would have liked to have seen both; but they were replaced by the two 'loud screaming garbage' bands mentioned earlier. All in all though worth the drive from L.A.

Great mix of bands and great opportunity to mingle, get autographs and pictures!

It was such a great show for the ProgPower XII kick off night! As an Atlanta exclusive they did "In Search of Truth" in its entirety, as well as some other killer songs!

Every year I attend ProgPower, I'm left with great memories and stories to remember the rest of my life. Some bands I'm not that familiar with but become a huge fan after seeing them perform live at ProgPower.

Had a great time , alot of music ,some were awesome , others were good

The best music at the best festival! I suggest everyone attend this event each and every year. Different bands each year, but that's part of the charm!

This was my fifth year going to ProgPower, but my first time going to the Kick Off show. Amazing show. Already have my tickets for ProgPower XIII and will definitely be going to the pre-show again next year.

I will never miss this festival if I can help it. Glenn and Jen run the tightest ship out there. From the venue security, the festival staff and bartenders...and of course the amazing fans that attend....this is the most organized event I have ever and will continue to go to.

Best Music festival in the world! No other festival is run this well, on time, and with all the benefits that PorgPower USA is.

Unforgettable event, well worth waiting almost a year for.. Was dissapointed that so many bands on the original bill had to cancel, but others stepped in to fill the void! Angra and Jeff Scott Soto were my favorites of the two days i attended. Great venue, little run down but overall this was an experience i will never forget!

If you love Metal Prog, Power, and a sampling of other styles as well no indoor festival compares! A small intimate event for 1000 with fans that return year after year (a family really) this event is not to be missed! Great sound, great crew, best acts, fab location. 2 major day long events plus 2 nights prior offered as well. Can't recommend this event enough!

Can't go wrong with ProgPower USA! Sometimes, the kick-off shows are some of the best parts!

Such an amazing festival for Progressive and Power Metal fans. If you can get your hands on a ticket, you have to go! Not only are the lineups always have something for everyone, the venue itself is fantastic. You can either be in the general admission area or there are seats you can sit in. Not a bad seat in the house.

Saxon and Armored Saint still delivered as if it were 1985. Biff Byford a John Bush can still sing as well as they did 30 years ago. Paul and Doug are definitely among the greatest dual guitarists playing in a heavy metal band today. Great set lists of hits and newer material by both bands. Only got to see half of Dragonland, and missed the opening act completely. Not into that Euro festival metal chanting genre, but Dragonland was well received and had fans in the auidience. Great venue, easily accessible. Well ran event with good food and merch tables everywhere. Venue has an open floor and GA seating with great views of the stage. Crowd was cool consisting of passionate metal heads. Great hang and well worth the trip from Charlotte for me.

I went to see Saxon --a band I waited 36 years to see live-- and it was well worth it. Great show! The venue itself is good. Small enough to the point where no matter where you are sitting, you will have a great view of the stage. The crowd was fine. No funnny "scents" in the air, no fights, no violence of any kind. To me, that is important. I am too old to deal with that crap. The line up was very good and all 4 bands played great shows. I will be back next year.

I wasn't sure if I was still alive after the festival was over. My first time at ProgPower was fantastic! Bands we're great, you can be anywhere in the stage area and still see the stage well. I wasn't sure how the festival was going to be as it was my first time at a festival. (Not my first time traveling to see some bands though) Got to say I was really impressed. Just about everyone I met were very nice and informed me on different things I should consider including the after party, where to get merch signed, etc. Atlanta is also a great place far as I saw. using the Uber app made it 10x easier and possible for me to explore the different attractions the city has to offer. My reason for going was mainly Stratovarius. Everyone including bands I never heard of before were fantastic, and I shall hope to be going again next year with my brother.

Best showcase of progressive music and power metal in the world.

Large list of fantastic prog and power metal bands every year! Stage and sound quality is also amazing! Whether you're on the floor or in the seats, you'll usually get a great view!

We had a great time at ProgPower USA. No other concert lets you get one on one time with the talent like you can at this festival. There are no prima donnas at this concert, I walked up to the bar and stood next to Sean Tibbets from Kamelot, who was deep in conversation with another fan. All these performers are so down to earth and the music was outstanding.

From the great bands to the awesome people attending and the phenominal people who put this event on it is the greatest metal festival in North America. The venue is also one of the best places to see a show I have ever been.

I went for one band only and still enjoyed the entire show. Great way to see bands that don't often tour the US or even different sets from bands that do. The crowd that attends is always great as well with a large group of regulars who have been going for years.

Easily the best musical event I have ever been to! The lineup was awesome, and everyone had a great set. Only two bands out of 15 that I didn't care for. Truly an amazing experience! I will be going back again!

Thoroughly enjoyed this event. Very well put together. Very excited to purchase tickets and attend the 2015 event next year. The promoter did a fabulous job putting this together.

Decent performance from an excellent band to start things off form Draekon. DGM was outstanding in every way Pagan's mind played an over 3 hour masterpiece!

If you area fan of progressive music you owe it to yourself to come to Prog Power. You will see amazing bands in an intimate setting, discover new music, have a full-blown music store in the same building that sells cds, vinyl, dvds, shirts' etc., and best of all... The opportunity to meet every artist you see on stage, and then some! I have dozens of pictures and autographs from this year's festival and I didn't miss and of the performances in order to get them. I'm already looking forward to 2015!

I've wanted to make it out to this festival for years. Now that I have, I'm definitely going back every year. Wonderful venue, wonderful people, and amazing bands. Couldnt ask for more!

It was an amazing night. Nothing against the opening bands, which were good, but Pagan's Mind put on an EPIC show. It was wonderful on so many levels. DGM was also a great show. I enjoyed seeing them for the first time live. The only weak spot at the seats themselves at the venue. Many of them are in need of repair to be comfortable.

Attended the Pre show concert on Thursday night and was blown away. DGM gave a tremendous performance and held back nothing!!! Great Show Guys!!! Pagans Mind was the best show I have seen all year! They played 2002 Celestial Entrance from front to back then took 15 minute break (well deserved) They then crushed the newer material and gave another stellar performance. Well worth the drive to ATL for a great show!!! Cant wait until next year! My only disappointment if you call it that was Nils K. Rue looked ridiculous. But more than made up for that with the vocal performance! He gets a pass!

It was a show of a life time and I mean that. Being Pagan's Mind is from Norway, I never in a million years would have thought I would get the chance to see them play. progpower is to thank for this for sure, thanks guys. As far as the show goes, it was the best. can't say who had a better time, the fans or the band! its nice to see a band play without all the attitude and contempt that a lot of US bands show. Pagan's Mind just came out like they were in my living room and jammed. interacted with us like we were old friends. something not seen much these days.

Luca Turilli's Rhapsody soared to heights unimagined this night thanks to super vocalist Allesandro Conti, one of the best metal vocalists in the business. With a set list primarily from their debut album Ascending To Infinity, yet picking a few gems from Luca Turilli's early solo albums and Rhapsody of Fire. Luca Turilli's Rhapsody's brand of symphonic power metal had the crowd rockin'. They were flawless in execution although short 1 guitarist due to injury.

I've been going for nine years now, and this is the best festival experience you will get in the United States. If you're on the fence about going in the future, just go. If you enjoy power and prog metal, you won't beat the lineup, the atmosphere, or the venue (especially the venue). The venue is the perfect size, giving you the choice to sit down and watch or stand 5 feet from the stage. You won't regret it.

Writing this review in advance of this year's show (the 14th in its history,) but as an annual attendee since 2006 I hope you will grant me some latitude based on previous experience. Year after year, Glenn (along with Jen, his wife and and his extremely dedicated and talented crew ) organize and run this festival all out of the sheer love and appreciation of the music. It is truly a labor of love and one that I appreciate more than words can express. I should point out here that I write this review not as a paid employee and have no link to Glenn other than as a fan of his festival. The real attraction here is the family atmosphere he has built with many fans returning year over year as VIP Sponsors or on his limited "Gold Badge" list - both which come with added perks over the standard festival ticket. The fest is comprised of both the two-day main festival (Fri & Sat) and a Kickoff Show (Thurs.) In recent years a smaller "Midweek Mayhem" show has been added to Wednesday night to accommodate all of the early arriving fans. Let's not forget the bands... Bands that appear here are ones you are not likely to see on tour in the US if not for ProgPower USA. Many are exclusive US appearances simply because they haven't achieved a following or couldn't justify trying to make it on their own. Bands like Symphony X, Evergrey, Nightwish, Kamelot, Epica, Sabaton (to name a few) have all broken into the US bigger thanks to this little festival in Atlanta. Other European/Scandinavian bands are getting their first shot at an American audience. It's not just about going to the show and watching excellent performances in a relatively intimate 1200 capacity theater known as Center Stage. The social interaction and access to the bands themselves is second to none. Meet and Greets are scheduled, but you'll be as likely to find band members mingling/drinking/chatting with attendees in the lobby or in the courtyard of the nearby hotel. There is a vendor room set up where you can buy the latest CDs (and some hard-to-find rarities) that puts the "fest" in festival atmosphere. Don't be surprised if you engage in long conversations about Heavy Metal or just about any topic under the sun. The attendees are all massive fans - traveling from all four corners of the globe - but you will not find any "attitude" amongst them. This truly feels like a family reunion year after year, and we welcome new family members all the time. Do yourself a favor and take a chance on Visiting Atlanta for ProgPower USA - I guarantee you won't regret it!

Best concert ever. Every band was so enthusiastic and amazing. I cannot think of a better experience and I cannot wait for next year!

This is my fourth trip to ProgPower. Amazing every single time. Mystic Prophecy did an awesome show!! All the bands, even ones I never heard of, put on great shows. I'm never disappointed at ProgPower. The band Solution 45, informed us that this was the first time to the USA and their very first performance. How cool is that????

My buddy and I drove down from Washington D.C. to see Mystic Prophecy and Symphony X and stumbled upon an amazing metal festival. I truly wish I had know about this earlier. I highly recommend checking this out. Mystic Prophecy, come back to the states!

It was my first ProgPower USA. It was better than I expected x-D

Went there for solution.45 , other bands are great too. Really good show