Digital cameras are now allowed for everyone.

Tri-pods and large camera bags are still prohibited. Furthermore, I will be a much bigger asshole to those that I catch recording. You will be tossed out without mercy.

I’d like to personally thank the sponsors for giving their blessing to this. They truly understand that anything we can to do to generate a positive vibe about the festival is a good thing in the long run.

Details of the “fan” photography contest will be posted in August.

cheers,

Glenn

Reformed German metal legends, Accept, have been confirmed as the headliner of the ProgPower USA Kick-Off on September 9th in Atlanta, GA. This will be their first headline show in Atlanta in over 20 years of their illustrious thirty year career.

The band’s lineup consists of:
Mark Tornillo – Vocals
Wolf Hoffmann – Guitars
Herman Frank – Guitars
Peter Baltes – Bass
Stefan Schwarzman – Drums

“Blood Of the Nations” is the first ACCEPT studio album in over a decade and the first to feature Mark Tornillo on vocals. It was recorded over the winter of 2009-2010 at Backstage Studio in Derbyshire, England with celebrated British producer, Sabbat guitarist and long-time ACCEPT fan Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Nevermore). It is currently scheduled for an April release.

Read the rest of this entry »

MIDWEEK MAYHEM FINAL LINE-UP CONFIRMED!

Swordlord Productions and Intromental Management are proud to announce that the Wednesday September 8, 2010 pre-pre-party show for ProgPower USA, also known as “Midweek Mayhem”, will be a three-band concert featuring the most exciting bands on the US metal scene. The show will be held at The Loft, Atlanta, GA (www.theloftatl.com).

Headlining the event will be none other than New York band ROSS THE BOSS.

SwordLord Productions is proud to announce a very special event for ProgPower XI. Master guitarist and founding member of Manowar, Ross The Boss along with the legendary Manowar drummer Scott Columbus will take the stage at the Loft on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 for a very special performance of classic Manowar songs along with material off of Ross’ smashing debut “New Metal Leader”. September 8 will be the first day of music in a four day event known as ProgPower USA. Ross and company will officially kick-off the event followed by a showcase performance of other acts on the 9th and the mainstage event on the 10th & 11th. Columbus and Ross have not shared the stage together in nearly 22 years. This will be a one-of-a-kind evening of music for fans of hard-driving, face-melting heavy metal. Ross The Boss has rarely played in the United States. Previously he has mostly played on festivals throughout Europe. These performances were enthusiastically received and featured an energized and triumphant Ross playing in top form. “I am overjoyed to be producing this very special show for ProgPower fans and the east coast metal scene,” says Promoter, Nathan Block of SwordLord Productions. “I have been a Manowar fan for many years but I never had the opportunity to see Ross play until last year. I cannot wait to share this unforgettable experience with the ProgPower community!”
www.ross-the-boss.com

In the middle-slot of the night we have Oklahoma’s progressive metal band VANGOUGH.

Following hot on the heals of their well-received debut album, “Manikin Parade”, Oklahoma’s VANGOUGH are now working on their second AND third album. With the second disc, “Game On”, being a self-financed and self-released intermediate release of progressive metal versions of classic 80’s video/arcade game soundtracks to be released on vinyl in February 2010, the band has already begun recording their third, as of yet untitled disc, which will be made available worldwide through a still undisclosed record label right in time for ProgPower USA. The combination of progressive metal, symphonic rock, huge atmospheric parts and a nod to the 80’s computer game soundtracks all blends together into on unique sound that can only be described as that of Vangough. Without a doubt, VANGOUGH should appeal to all fans of the intricate sounds of Pain Of Salvation or the sheer force of Evergrey.
www.myspace.com/officialvangough

Opener of the show will be Florida’s power metal rising star SEVEN KINGDOMS.

Although only 3 years into their career SEVEN KINGDOMS already have performed more than 50 shows in the south east, including prestigious support gigs for bands such as Soilwork and Circle II Circle. Fronted by the charismatic Sabrina Valentine, Florida-based power metallers SEVEN KINGDOMS impresses with a slab of extremely versatile high-octane-metal and big sing-along-anthems. Musically SEVEN KINGDOMS is a must for any fan of Blind Guardian or Iced Earth.
www.sevenkingdoms.net

We’re also thrilled to announce that we have entered into a co-operation with the globally respected metal publication Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles (www.bravewords.com) for the promotion of this show. Please visit their homepage for all the latest news from the metal world.

Ticket sales will be announced in the upcoming month.
In the meantime, check out more information on www.twitter.com/MidweekMayhemPP and connect with other fans.

Thank you once again to Glenn Harveston of ProgPower USA for letting us put on this show. We’re hoping to see as many of you there, for a night of real loud heavy metal, fun and friendship.

On behalf of Swordlord Productions and Intromental Management,
Nathan Block & Claus Jensen

Swordlord Productions: www.myspace.com/SwordLord
Intromental Management: www.intromental.com
ProgPower USA: www.progpowerusa.com
Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles: www.bravewords.com