Atlanta, Georgia, is a second dwelling for tons of of music followers across the globe. For the previous twenty years, ProgPower USA has welcomed metalheads and misfits to this multi-day celebration of energy and progressive steel. After a summer season return in June of 2022, the pageant has as soon as once more returned to the sweltering September weekend it had been held for years. With certainly one of its heaviest lineups but, and exquisite climate predicted to shine over Middle Stage, there was no scarcity of pleasure for the festivities to start.
The pageant kicked off with a shifting set from The Reticent. Hailing from North Carolina, this opening act proved probably the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower historical past. With lyrical themes that targeted on Alzheimers, dementia, and suicide, vocalist and guitarist Chris Hathcock introduced a pallor of emotion over Middle Stage. The band performed cloaked in shadows and deep blue lights, practically invisible to the eyes of the group, whereas pictures performed throughout a big display. Included within the movies have been scans of suicide letters, black and white movie, and documentary clips of Alzheimers sufferers. Regardless of being the opening act on day one, The Reticent acquired a standing ovation from the seated viewers, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the home.
Elvenking adopted for a drastic change of tone. This Italian powerhouse rained symphonic fireplace down from elven heavens, with frontman Damna incessantly stoking the group. A whole bunch of voices joined in refrain for acquainted songs similar to “Silverseal,” and fists have been raised to the sky for the anthem “Elvenlegions.” Awash in yellow and crimson lighting, and with signature markings painted throughout their face, this efficiency was nothing in need of visually breathtaking. The entire band’s power was completely incessant, and so they introduced much-needed power to a mid-afternoon viewers. It was additionally the primary time Elvenking has carried out within the US because the launch of their defining opus The Pagan Manifesto, and in addition the primary because the Reader of Runes album duo.
The tempo slowed with the next two acts, starting with Cynic. These old-school prog metallers had simply completed a trek throughout North America with compatriots Atheist, and this observe from being on the street was obvious as they shredded their means by seminal album Focus. On stage was the paintings from the current reimagining, ReFocus, and the colourful purples have been matched by comparable lighting. A quick pause got here midway by the set in remembrance of Sean Malone and Sean Reinert, each of whom left us in 2020. All through the set the viewers was reminded of those members’ absence, as banners adorned with their pictures have been positioned on both aspect of the stage, and remaining founding member Paul Masvidal referenced them incessantly.
Swallow The Sun was slower nonetheless, however no much less heavy than the previous. They shredded by doom-laden and gothic fare from throughout their discography, leaning closely on most up-to-date launch Moonflowers. The band has toured on this album for a while, and their on-stage chemistry displays this frequent observe, notably with the ceaseless motion of guitarist Juha Raivio throughout the stage. Such poetic melancholy was actually welcome as a final reprieve earlier than the star-studded headliner to return.
Hailing all the best way from Germany was heavy steel’s one and solely queen, Doro Pesch. With a profession that spans a long time, and a fame that has shone brightly for simply as lengthy, Doro’s look at ProgPower USA actually didn’t disappoint. Attendees have been handled to ninety minutes of old-school heavy steel bliss. There have been acquainted anthems within the setlist that inspired the viewers to sing alongside, and there was additionally the looks of newer materials so as to add a better air of pleasure. Additionally serving to the electrical ambiance was the presence of guitarists Invoice Hudson and Tommy Bolan, who tore up the stage between verses. Each have been completely relentless, operating back and forth, sliding on their knees, and even lifting Doro atop their shoulders as they performed. It was dynamic, explosive, and completely enthralling. Doro’s vibrant smile and countless gratitude actually endeared her to ProgPower USA for time immemorial.
Progpower USA XXII – Day One Picture Gallery
Day Two stored the heaviness rolling, starting with Floridian energy metallers Seven Kingdoms. This band is not any stranger to ProgPower USA, with guitarist Camden Cruz and vocalist Sabrina Cruz retained as longtime members of the pageant’s crew. For about an hour, these two have been capable of take a step again from their demanding duties, and as an alternative labored on wowing the group with tales of aliens and capturing stars. No Seven Kingdoms set could be full with out Sabrina‘s customary hamburger slippers and assortment of hamburger plushies adorning the drum risers. It was a well-needed dose of excellent enjoyable to start out the day, and it embodied the spirit of the day to return.
Zero Hour might have dialed again the tempo, however this veteran act stored up the depth as they soldiered by a few of their heaviest fare. Following this progressive excellence was a few of Sweden’s best melodic loss of life steel. Doused in inexperienced lights and thoroughly positioned shadows, The Halo Effect delivered auric bliss with a set that surprised longtime followers and newcomers alike. Stylized banners, a charismatic presence from frontman Mikael Stanne, and the aura of veteran musicians introduced The Halo Effect to the subsequent stage.
VOLA’s efficiency was not only a mere recitation of well-liked album Witness: it was a full-body expertise. Brilliant traces of white gentle pulsed with the drum, bass reached deep into the bones of the viewers, and angelic vocal tones stretched upwards in the direction of the heavens. Drummer Adam Janzi rained down thunder from behind the equipment and provided the rhythm part with its strong spine. This efficiency introduced a few of the biggest ranges of crowd participation but, with folks singing together with each track from “24 Mild-Years” to “Inside Your Fur.” A mosh pit stirred in the back of the ground all through the period of the set.
The crown jewel of Day Two was headliner Beast in Black. Hearts raced, jaws dropped, and pure excellence led to a mass transcendence. They actually knew find out how to please, notably with a setlist that leaned on fan favorites like “Blind and Frozen” and “One Night time in Tokyo.” On stage have been copious set items, together with the centerpiece android that adorned the duvet of current album Darkish Connection. It was unimaginable to look away from the stage between the visible feast of set items, electrifying lighting, and the demanding presence of vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos. His cape swept behind him as he prowled the stage and howled together with his immense vocal energy. There isn’t any query as to why these energy steel champions earned a headlining spot at America’s premiere energy steel pageant.
Though Day One and Day Two fell in the midst of the week, the particular ambiance and intimate expertise that The Halo Effect delivers introduced crowds flocking to Middle Stage. The seats weren’t simply full, however the pit was alive with power, and numerous horns have been raised to the sky. With the tantalizing promise of Day Three and Day 4 to return, The Halo Effect got here to its official midway level with Beast in Black‘s last bow.
Particular due to Samantha Buckman for her writing contributions to this article.
Progpower USA XXII – Day Two Picture Gallery
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