What kind of
expectations do you have for the very first ProgPower Scandinavia?
Claus -
Our hope is to create a festival unlike anything that has ever been organised in
Denmark before. A chance for fans of the “sub-genres” progressive metal and
power metal to get together and see bands that they otherwise wouldn’t have the
chance to see here in Denmark. Seeing that the ProgPower brand for 10 years now
have been regarded as a force to be reckoned with on the metal scene, first
through the Dutch festival and later on by identical festivals in USA and UK, we
feel it’s about time we also have one of those here in Scandinavia.
How pleased are
you with the line-up?
Claus -
We’re VERY pleased with it. Considering it’s the first year our budget can’t
afford huge high-profile bands, but we’ve managed to get some awesome bands on
here, three of which have never played in Denmark before (Spheric Universe
Experience, Machine Men and Eldritch). Our headliners Mercenary and Orphaned
Land should be the “names” in terms of attracting audience, as they both have
performed at The Rock before with sold-out crowds (Mercenary on their own, and
Orphaned Land as support to Paradise Lost). We’ve got some exciting new blood in
there (Spheric Universe Experience, Circus Maximus and Machine Men), some old
classic bands within the genre (Eldritch, Threshold), some “newer” rising stars
(Mercenary, Andromeda, Firewind) and some bands that really are able to
crossover into other genres (Orphaned Land, Darkane). For our first year we are
definitely happy about this line-up.
Which band(s)
do you personally look forward watching live on stage?
Claus -
I personally, am probably looking most forward to watching Machine Men, Eldritch
and Spheric Universe Experience, simply because those 3 are the only ones on the
bill I’ve never seen live before. But from a musical p.o.v. Orphaned Land and
Threshold are two of my very favourite bands, so it’s going to be fun, seeing
them again.
When do you
consider ProgPower Scandinavia to be a success?
Claus -
We actually do see it as a success right now. We’ve got a lot of media and fan
attention for this festival worldwide. We have fans coming over from as far away
as USA, Hungary and Spain to see the bands and experience the festival. Of
course we would prefer a sold out festival, but we also know how difficult that
is to do here in Denmark. We have to build things up slowly.
Can we expect a
ProgPower Scandinavia again next year?
Claus -
Yes!!! This is just the beginning, and with the help from our venue (THE ROCK),
our sponsors, the media and most importantly the fans who buy tickets we will
make this festival an annual event for many years to come.
Please visit:
www.progpowerscandinavia.com
for more info on all the bands – or join us on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/progpowerscandinavia.
There are still
tickets left, and they can be pursued through:
www.billetlugen.dk.
Interviewed by Kenn Jensen. | 