By Mark Gromen

While the Thursday pre-show isn't actually part of the two-day ProgPower USA festival, there were many early arrivals who entered Atlanta's Center Stage Live to see/hear for themselves the rejuvenated/reunited German metallers ACCEPT. Much like the NYC debut back in May (see report here), the set was long on classics, from the opening 'Metal Heart' through to the concluding 'Balls To The Wall', which received a standing ovation. Some called it the greatest ProgPower performance ever. However, many in the less than sold out crowd were only casual fans, unaware of 'Bulletproof', 'Son Of A Bitch' or 'Demon Night'. Onstage, the band was all smiles, particularly guitarist Wolf Hoffman and bassist Peter Baltes, who played off each other throughout the night.

The early part of the set strung together 'Midnight Mover', London Leatherboys' and 'Restless And Wild'. Following 'The Abyss', newly installed voice Mark Tornillo drummer Stefan Sshwarzmann and guitarist Hermann Frank has just flown in from Germany earlier in the day. True, as Frank was on my plane from Philadelphia, landing in Atlanta just a few hours before he was to be onstage (and a little frustrated having to check his carry-on guitar). 'Breaker', 'Losers And Winners', 'Neon Nights' saw HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak and CRIMSON GLORY mainman Jon Drenning either side of me, all of us singing along and headbanging madly. The guys from NOCTURNAL RITES, who played two days later, were also in the crowd. Lots of synchronized stage motions, three or even four abreast. 'Princess Of The Dawn' (the ultimate Udo Dirkschneider era track), 'Up The The Limit, with Tronillo now shirtless, 'Burning' and 'Fast As A Shark' rounded out the proper set. Only 'Teutonic Terror' and 'The Abyss' from the new Blood Of The Nations were aired, the album available for sale at ProgPower, prior to its official street date. Great album, superb live set (selections and execution) and fun time. Check out the North American whenever and wherever you can!

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