32-461: ProgPower USA is a progressive and power metal festival held annually in the United States since 2001. Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXIV is scheduled to take place on September 3–6, 2025. The festival's band selection process focuses on quality over quantity. In addition to the emphasis on the power and progressive metal genres, the festival has branched out into other genres with
64-439: A jazz influence, with extended solo sections that often feature "trading solos". Orphaned Land from Israel debuted as a melodic death-doom / melodic death metal band that fused middle eastern rhythms and melodies into their music with a progressive edge. The band knew they wanted to create a new subgenre of metal from the very beginning, a style they would dub " oriental metal ," and were always viewed as progressive due to
96-691: A 40-minute concept album consisting of a single track, brought the band critical acclaim and was heralded as one of the first extreme-metal forays into a progressive rock-esque concept album, featuring death-metal vocals and heavily distorted guitars, with guest vocals and lead guitar from Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt . Dan Swanö produced Opeth's first release, Orchid (1995), which was unique for its combination of death metal vocals and instrumentation, melodic guitar harmonies, and acoustic passages, but it wasn't until their hallmark record Blackwater Park (2001) that they received critical acclaim. Steven Wilson , progressive rock icon and frontman of Porcupine Tree ,
128-1238: A Kick-Off and Mid-Week Mayhem, Nightwish and Kamelot performed Wednesday and Thursday night before the festival, September 12–13, 2012. ProgPower USA XIV took place on September 6–7, 2013, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 5, 2013, at Center Stage ) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 4, 2013, at The Loft at Center Stage ) in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA XV took place on September 12–13, 2014, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 11, 2014, at Center Stage ) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 10, 2014. ProgPower USA XVI took place on September 11–12, 2015, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 10, 2015, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 9, 2015, at The Loft at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA XVII took place on September 7–10, 2016, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting in 2016, ProgPower USA became
160-549: A distinct musical style, was primarily advanced by members of the American heavy metal scene of the mid-1980s, particularly Queensrÿche , Savatage , Fates Warning , Watchtower and then later on, Dream Theater and Symphony X . It has since developed in a non-linear fashion, with countless groups demonstrating innovations in personal ways. The origins of the genre date back to the very beginning of heavy metal / hard rock and progressive rock when some bands began to merge
192-1189: A full four-day event. The Mid-Week Mayhem (Wednesday) and Kick-Off (Thursday) shows are now known as Days 1 and 2 respectively of the new format, while the traditional ProgPower USA Friday and Saturday shows are now Days 3 and 4 respectively. Days 1 and 2 (September 7–8, 2016) took place at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. Day 2 (Thursday show) was called the Promoter's Pick night. There were four bands per day. Days 3 and 4 (September 9–10, 2016) took place at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. These days are considered to be main event with six bands per day. ProgPower USA XVIII took place on September 6–9, 2017 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Days 1 and 2 took place on September 6–7, 2017, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia, with four bands on Wednesday and five bands on Thursday. Days 3 and 4 took place on September 8–9, 2017, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia, with six bands per day. ProgPower USA XIX took place on September 5–8, 2018 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Progressive metal Progressive metal (often shortened to prog metal or prog )
224-566: A home in the growing U.S. thrash metal movement, influencing popular heavy metal bands like Megadeth , with its acclaimed album Rust in Peace (1990), together with Metallica and its famous album ...And Justice for All (1988). Among the other pioneering thrash metal bands, one of the most important is Canada's Voivod , with their complex and experimental style, full of psychedelic dissonances ( Dimension Hatröss , 1988; Nothingface , 1989). "Math-metal" pioneers Watchtower, from Texas, took
256-484: A more direct and heavier approach than the well-established English progressive rock sound. 1984 brought full-length debut albums from American bands Queensrÿche from Washington state, and Fates Warning from Connecticut. Both expanded their music to include more progressive elements ( The Warning , 1984; The Spectre Within , 1985) – some through sound experimentation and compositional refinement, others through extremely complex structures and atypical riffs – up to
288-512: A more traditional progressive metal/rock band, devoid of extreme metal elements. Between the Buried and Me , who started as a more straightforward metalcore band, also began to incorporate both progressive metal and death metal into their music on their 2003 album The Silent Circus , a landmark album in the progressive metalcore genre. They would later add avant-garde elements as well on releases such as The Great Misdirect (2009). In
320-603: A would-be double album. Their next release, Ghost Reveries , became an "instant classic," followed by Watershed , their last "heavy" album, both of which have had significant influence on the progressive metal genre, along with other "extreme metal" bands like Meshuggah . This style of progressive metal is often referred to as "extreme progressive metal," or "extreme prog," for short. Later bands who would play in this style are Ne Obliviscaris , Disillusion . Porcupine Tree would later be influenced by this style, and in particular from Opeth, while Opeth would subsequently switch to
352-500: Is a broad fusion music genre melding heavy metal and progressive rock , combining the loud "aggression" and amplified guitar -driven sound of the former with the more experimental, cerebral or quasi-classical compositions of the latter. The music typically showcases the extreme technical proficiency of the performers and usually uses unorthodox harmonies as well as complex rhythms with frequent meter changes and intense syncopation . The rhythmic aspects are especially emphasized in
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#1732783042303384-449: Is eclecticism. In between the riffs, choruses, and solos typical of rock and metal songs, prog metal bands often include sections inspired by jazz , classical and Middle Eastern music , among others. Progressive metal is difficult to define specifically, since most bands labeled under the genre have considerably different musical influences when compared to each other. Similarly, bands such as Dream Theater , Planet X and Puya have
416-533: The djent subgenre. Although the genre emerged towards the late-1980s, it was not until the 1990s that progressive metal achieved widespread success. Watchtower , Queensrÿche , Dream Theater , Tool , Symphony X , Shadow Gallery , King's X , and Fates Warning are a few examples of progressive metal bands who achieved commercial success. Soon after the rise of the genre's popularity, other thrash and death metal bands started to incorporate elements of progressive music in their work. Progressive metal, as
448-463: The 2010s, due to the rapid growth of djent led by bands such as Periphery and After the Burial , progressive metal saw an increased interest with a large number of newcomers to the genre. Some of the newer progressive metal bands that have gained popularity since the 2010s are Haken , Plini , Vola , and Caligula's Horse , among others. One of the hallmark musical qualities of progressive metal
480-577: The Electric Castle (1998) and The Human Equation (2004), performed by many different members of prominent metal bands. Pain of Salvation was always working towards a more or less unusual style, demonstrated by the eclecticism and anti-conformism found on One Hour by the Concrete Lake (1998), and BE (2004). Forerunners of a more experimental and alternative approach include Thought Industry , as seen in their album Mods Carve
512-534: The Pig: Assassins, Toads and God's Flesh (1993). Puerto Rican band Puya rose to prominence in the late '90s with their innovative fusion of jazz , salsa , and progressive metal, evident on their 1999 album Fundamental . Some of the first bands to pioneer the combination of progressive rock and extreme metal influences were Dan Swanö 's Edge of Sanity , and Opeth , both bands hailing from Sweden. In particular, Edge of Sanity's Crimson (1996),
544-685: The concept of time-changes to a new level, combining thrash metal, syncopation and prog in their albums Energetic Disassembly (1985) and Control and Resistance (1989), giving rise to an extremely technical approach based on the rhythmic deconstruction typical in jazz fusion . This same direction in prog metal would be later integrated into death metal by bands such as Atheist ( Unquestionable Presence , 1991), which would become known as technical death metal or progressive death metal . Bands which also explored fusion-inspired prog metal include most notably Death and Cynic . The major US bands that contribute to further delineating and developing
576-525: The djent movement, Dream Theater having been one of the earliest progressive metal bands to incorporate seven-stringed guitars into their music. Proyecto Eskhata, a Spanish band, has received much press coverage in Spain for its fusion of progressive rock and rap metal , which journalists have described as "progressive rap metal". Progressive doom is a fusion genre that combines elements of progressive metal and doom metal . Bands include King Goat, Below
608-741: The festival. ProgPower XXI is notorious for being delayed twice by the COVID-19 pandemic and being the first edition to be held in June. ProgPower USA I was held at J.J. Kelley's in Lansing, Illinois , on February 23–24, 2001. ProgPower USA II was held at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, Georgia on November 9 & 10, 2001. ProgPower USA III was held at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 15–16, 2002 The ProgPower USA III Pre-Show Party
640-731: The genre are Psychotic Waltz and Dream Theater . The former, with an approach halfway in between Watchtower and Fates Warning, produced A Social Grace (1990), melding their signature sound with the psychedelic Into the Everflow (1992), while the latter explored the legacy of the bands that preceded them while advancing their personal style with When Dream and Day Unite (1989). Both albums focused on keyboards and band members' instrumental skills. As for Dream Theater, their efforts resulted in two fundamental albums, which helped institutionalize classic progressive metal — Images and Words (1992) and Awake (1994). Among European pioneers of
672-580: The genre are Germany's Sieges Even , who, starting out of technical thrash stylistically significant to Watchtower, explored the more technical and angular side of progressive metal with The Art of Navigating by the Stars (2005). Among the bands of the late 1990s who brought innovation to the genre are the Dutch Ayreon (a project by Arjen Anthony Lucassen ) and Swedes Pain of Salvation . Ayreon focused on theatrical and melodramatic rock operas Into
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#1732783042303704-561: The inclusion of the "oddball" slot that does not fit the normal motif. ProgPower USA gives bands that have never performed in the States a chance to perform in the country. The festival has been described as a cultural experience for fans with autograph signing sessions, guest appearances, reunions, and meet-and-greets. The festival has hosted over 70 bands' USA debuts including Blind Guardian , Gamma Ray , Nightwish , and Stratovarius . ProgPower USA began in 2001 . The very first festival
736-606: The late 2000s, bands such as Periphery, Tesseract , Animals as Leaders and Vildhjarta popularized the "djent" style of progressive metal in a sound originally developed by Meshuggah . It is characterized by high- attack , palm-muted, syncopated riffs (often incorporating polymeters ), as well as use of extended-range guitars. Extended-range guitars also feature in other forms of progressive metal; artists including Dream Theater, Devin Townsend , Dir En Grey , and Ne Obliviscaris have used seven-string guitars without being part of
768-709: The nature of the middle eastern elements of their music, which is known for using time signatures that are uncommon in the west , expansive song structures, and microtones . As their career developed, they would later play in a more traditional progressive metal style, comparable to Opeth, Symphony X, and the like, while maintaining their "oriental" edge. Steven Wilson, who lived in Israel for some time playing in Blackfield , found Ophaned Land to be "something special" after listening to Mabool and, would end up producing and engineering The Never Ending Way of ORWarriOR . In
800-510: The roster scope diversified with the intent of reaching a larger fan base. The brand's international success is based upon an unofficial partnership with ProgPower Europe . The festival overcame early hardship from an attendance perspective due to the tragic events of September 11 at ProgPower II and flourished with multiple sell-outs over the next 13 years. In the program for ProgPower XIX (as well as repeated posts on social media), Glenn announced ProgPower XXV (in 2025) will be his final year of
832-686: The two different approaches. 1960s pioneers King Crimson maintained their musical innovation while incorporating a harder approach, using dissonance and experimental tones, yet still maintaining a relationship to the power chords of hard rock, with the main example being " 21st Century Schizoid Man ". Canadian trio Rush are widely recognized as bridging the gap between hard rock, English progressive rock, and pure heavy metal. Initially influenced by Led Zeppelin , they evolved to combine established progressive rock technique with blues-based power chords. Records such as 2112 (1976) showcased technical expertise and complex compositional skill while still utilizing
864-565: The two seminal works in 1986: Rage for Order and Awaken the Guardian . In the following years the two bands, while following different paths – more basic and simple the first, more articulate and complex the latter — explore and expand the technical refinement and sonic finesse of their music, continuing to lay the foundations of the genre with important works such as Operation: Mindcrime (1988) by Queensrÿche, and Perfect Symmetry (1989) by Fates Warning. Progressive metal also found
896-517: Was February 23–24, 2001, in Lansing, Illinois , just outside Chicago , at J.J. Kelley's . The subsequent events have been held in Atlanta, Georgia , at Center Stage Atlanta (formerly Earthlink Live). Festival founder and promoter, Glenn Harveston's notion of ProgPower USA began over dinner among friends after attending the Powermad festival in Baltimore, Maryland. As the festival progressed,
928-568: Was a collaboration of members of various bands who performed throughout the weekend playing familiar classic metal songs. The Showcase took place on Thursday October 4, 2007, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. From 2007 forward all Showcases (now called the Kick-Off) take place at the main Center Stage theater. ProgPower USA IX took place on September 26–27, 2008 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. This Kick-Off for this year
960-1525: Was billed as the Hellish Rock World Tour as Manticora, Gamma Ray and Helloween were on tour at the time and used the Showcase date as a regular tour stop. This event took place in the main Center Stage theater on Thursday September 25, 2008. The first Mid-Week Mayhem at ProgPower USA was held at The Loft (above Center Stage on Wednesday September 24, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA X took place on September 11–12, 2009 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 10, 2009, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA XI took place on September 10–11, 2010 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 9, 2010, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 8, 2010, at The Loft at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA XII took place on September 16–17, 2011 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kick-Off took place on Thursday September 15, 2011, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mid-Week Mayhem took place on Wednesday September 14, 2010, at The Loft at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA XIII took place on September 14–15, 2012, at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Instead of
992-408: Was given a copy of Opeth's prior record Still Life (1999) from a friend, and, after listening, noted that the experimental music he had been after had drifted into extreme metal . Being mutual fans of each other's work, Steven ended up co-producing Blackwater Park along with Opeth's frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt, and would go on to co-produce Deliverance (2002) and Damnation (2003), together
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1024-1092: Was held Thursday November 14, 2002, at The Riviera Club in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA IV was held on September 5–6, 2003, at Center Stage (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, Georgia. The ProgPower USA IV Pre-Show Party was held September 4, 2003, at The Riviera Club in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA V took place on September 17–18, 2004, at Center Stage Atlanta (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Showcase took place on Thursday September 16, 2004, at The Eleven50 Club. ProgPower USA VI took place on September 16–17, 2005 at Center Stage Atlanta (then called Earthlink Live) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Showcase took place on Thursday September 15, 2005, at The Loft (above Center Stage ) in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA VII took place on September 15–16, 2006 at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The Showcase took place on Thursday September 14, 2006, at The Loft (above Center Stage ) in Atlanta, Georgia. ProgPower USA VIII took place on October 5–6, 2007 at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The All Star Jam
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