Images and words by Mark Gromen

Sweden's EVERGREY returned "home" to ProgPower USA, a venue and promoter who have nurtured the band's profile domestically. Frontman/founder/guitarist Tom Englund is so at home that he teases, "If you could pick one song, what would it be?" Only to answer, "Blinded?' Sorry, wrong guitar," before switching axes to appease the masses. Looking a little scruffy facially, but dapperly attired, Englund 's re-vamped group performed for the second night in a row, following up an all acoustic Wednesday show. Thursday was an exclusive run through of In Search Of Truth, followed by a short set of "greatest hits.' Initially, there was very little interaction from Englund, but this was a love-fest, everyone knowing what came next!

Following the CD play-through, Englund, in full leather regalia (jacket with dual red stripes on the left sleeve) came alive, ad libbing, "We've got a few more songs before you go to bed." As they ran through the the extras, he added, "This is the gold selling single ('Wrong')'. Prior to 'Recreation Day', he offered, "We're gonna be here a few days, getting drunk off our asses." Anyone that thinks Evergrey can't rock out, needs to hear 'Frozen'. If this is how "prog" is going to sound, sign me up, as it was one of the set's true headbanging moments! Prior to 'Touch Of Blessing', Tom joked with the crowd, giving thumbs up, or down, to new guitarist, Marcus Jindell as well as the choice of beer/whiskey. No telling who was more popular at that juncture. As the encore approached, Englund announced, "This should be the last song, we want to drink beer with you guys!"

Evergrey is ontour throughout October, with SABATON, check 'em out when they hit your town!

ProgPower USA XII is being held at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia until September 17th.