The following statement was posted on ProgPower USA's website:

American power metal giants Iced Earth have been confirmed as the headliner for ProgPower USA IX, which returns to Atlanta's Center Stage on September 26 & 27.

Iced Earth founder, Jon Schaffer had the following to say regarding the festival:"Well, it's been a long time coming, but things have finally lined up right for us to be able to do Glenn's festival. It's truly an honor for Iced Earth to play the ProgPower USA festival. I flew down several years ago to check it out and it is definitely a top notch operation. It's really a model for the way festivals should be run, good people with integrity make all the difference in any organization, and Glenn and his crew are all that and more. This is something that we've wanted to do for a long time and it's finally going to work out perfectly for our plans in 2008.Part 2 of the "Something Wicked" epic will be out right around this time and it will be a killer celebration! This will be very cool, and a good time will be had by all!We look forward to seeing you there!" I am beyond excited to have America's premiere metal band on stage at America's premiere metal festival" said promoter Glenn Harveston. I may be the promoter, but I'm just as big a fanboy as everyone else in wanting to see them here in Atlanta. I want to personally thank Jon Schaffer for believing in me and the festival.

ProgPower USA IX marks the first confirmed show with returning vocalist Matt Barlow to the group.

Joining Iced Earth at the festival are Florida's Jon Oliva's Pain, Poland's Riverside, Germany's Iron Savior, Denmark's Volbeat, Sweden's Andromeda, Italy's Elvenking, France's Spheric Universe Experience, Austria's Serenity, and Italy's Pathosray.

The second festival headliner is scheduled to be announced within the next few weeks.

Harveston also has announced a roster change, "I'm afraid that Astral Doors will not be able to make their scheduled appearance. This is 100% my fault as I knew there was a risk involved with booking them so early. I appreciate the professionalism the band has shown and can now announce that they are the first band confirmed for ProgPower USA X. Florida's Rob Rock has graciously stepped into their former slot."

Tickets for ProgPower USA IX go on sale March 1st and limited to 900 tickets.

Advance gold badges are sold-out for the seventh consecutive year.

Update:

Swedish metallers Astral Doors explains ProgPower VIII cancellation on their website:

"In agreement with the promoter of ProgPower USA (Glenn Harveston) as well as our management (Intromental), we have decided to turn down the offer of playing at PPUSA in Atlanta, Georgia this year. The reason is simply that we have to do some more European touring in 2008 before going to USA, and thus our economy won't allow us to make this trip yet. Instead we've made the great deal with PPUSA that we'll perform, come hell or high water, at the festival in 2009. Thanks to the promoter for helping us make this hard decision much easier for all concerned."

Source:	progpowerusa.com
Band profile:	Iced Earth
Event:	ProgPower USA IX