Kenziner - Biography
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1997-2000
Biography
Kenziner is the brainchild of 24 year old guitarist Jarno Keskinen of Riihimäki, Finland. Jarno composed all of the music, played all of the electric and acoustic guitars, bass and keyboards on the group's debut recording Timescape. Jarno first picked up the electric guitar at 11 and was immediately impressed with some of the popular heavy metal bands of the times such as Iron Maiden and W.A.S.P.. Later at around 16 as Jarno improved his abilities he became enthralled with classical greats such as Bach, Vivaldi, Paganini and Corelli. At this point Jarno became heavily involved with classical violin sequences, arpeggios, minor diminished chromatic runs and practiced heavily each and every day.
In 1994 Jarno sent a demo tape to Leviathan Records which caught the ear of David T. Chastain. David encouraged Jarno to continue writing and send in additional materials. In 1997 David decided to produce Jarno's first album stating: "There are a lot of great guitar players in the world but what sets Jarno apart from the rest is his incredible compositions." Joining Jarno on this recording are 2 musical greats in their own right.
Dennis Lesh (Trouble, Chastain, Stygian) handled the extremely complicated drumming. Dennis' experience helped add maturity to the intensity and reworked some of the original parts to make the release sound more heavy and less busy. On vocals is the very talented Stephen Fredrick. Stephen has been involved with many well known acts in the past such as MCA recording artist Billy The Kid, Producer/guitarist Brendan 0' Brien, Atomic Shelter Bruno Langer and David T. Chastain. Stephen comes from influences with more emotional content as opposed to just screamers. David says: "We auditioned singers from all over the world for this project but Stephen's emotional delivery fit the music absolutely perfect." Originally this record was planned to showcase Jarno, but halfway through the recording it was obvious to everyone that the vocals were equal in brilliance." Stephen can also play a little guitar so he understands the talents of Jarno and therefore there is a mutual admiration amongst all players. Jarno chose to play all the other instruments on the album other than drums. "No one we auditioned could handle the parts as well as I could in the "studio", Jarno states. "However we are now actively searching for a full time bassist and keyboardist for the next album and any touring for Timescape."
The band's second release The Prophecies followed in the same grand tradition. Jarno has upped the ante with his intricate musical passages that some would compare to modern Mozart or Beethoven gone metal. Stephen's vocals are very powerful and helps narrate the band's musical vision. Stephen's unique style incorporates many diverse influences that mesh together to form the perfect voice for the band.
Joining Jarno and Stephen on this release is 19 year old keyboard prodigy Mikko Harkin. Mikko also hails from Finland. His keyboard solos add an extra layer of texture to the band's sound that is rarely matched in today's music. Mikko began talking piano lessons at the age of 5 and his many years of study have helped him develop truly incredible abilities.
Playing drums on The Prophecies is Brian Harris. Brian has gained notoriety from his recorded work on CDs by My Own Victim and the new Zanister featuring guitarists David T. Chastain and Michael Harris. Once Jarno heard Brian's playing on the Zanister CD he was insistent upon having him on the new CD. Brian's intricate and precise playing should put him amongst the elite in metaldom's drum core.
One immediate difference between the band's 2 CDs is the new heavier guitar sound that Jarno is using. Jarno says, "Although the guitar sound on Timescape is great the new material just needed a heavier guitar tone to get the sound I had in my head for the music."
Kenziner has once again created music for the ages with the epic release of The Prophecies. Jarno, Stephen, Brian and Mikko have joined together to bring us another instant metal classic.
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Source: http://www.leviathanrecords.com/kenziner1.htm
In 1994 Jarno sent a demo tape to Leviathan Records which caught the ear of David T. Chastain. David encouraged Jarno to continue writing and send in additional materials. In 1997 David decided to produce Jarno's first album stating: "There are a lot of great guitar players in the world but what sets Jarno apart from the rest is his incredible compositions." Joining Jarno on this recording are 2 musical greats in their own right.
Dennis Lesh (Trouble, Chastain, Stygian) handled the extremely complicated drumming. Dennis' experience helped add maturity to the intensity and reworked some of the original parts to make the release sound more heavy and less busy. On vocals is the very talented Stephen Fredrick. Stephen has been involved with many well known acts in the past such as MCA recording artist Billy The Kid, Producer/guitarist Brendan 0' Brien, Atomic Shelter Bruno Langer and David T. Chastain. Stephen comes from influences with more emotional content as opposed to just screamers. David says: "We auditioned singers from all over the world for this project but Stephen's emotional delivery fit the music absolutely perfect." Originally this record was planned to showcase Jarno, but halfway through the recording it was obvious to everyone that the vocals were equal in brilliance." Stephen can also play a little guitar so he understands the talents of Jarno and therefore there is a mutual admiration amongst all players. Jarno chose to play all the other instruments on the album other than drums. "No one we auditioned could handle the parts as well as I could in the "studio", Jarno states. "However we are now actively searching for a full time bassist and keyboardist for the next album and any touring for Timescape."
The band's second release The Prophecies followed in the same grand tradition. Jarno has upped the ante with his intricate musical passages that some would compare to modern Mozart or Beethoven gone metal. Stephen's vocals are very powerful and helps narrate the band's musical vision. Stephen's unique style incorporates many diverse influences that mesh together to form the perfect voice for the band.
Joining Jarno and Stephen on this release is 19 year old keyboard prodigy Mikko Harkin. Mikko also hails from Finland. His keyboard solos add an extra layer of texture to the band's sound that is rarely matched in today's music. Mikko began talking piano lessons at the age of 5 and his many years of study have helped him develop truly incredible abilities.
Playing drums on The Prophecies is Brian Harris. Brian has gained notoriety from his recorded work on CDs by My Own Victim and the new Zanister featuring guitarists David T. Chastain and Michael Harris. Once Jarno heard Brian's playing on the Zanister CD he was insistent upon having him on the new CD. Brian's intricate and precise playing should put him amongst the elite in metaldom's drum core.
One immediate difference between the band's 2 CDs is the new heavier guitar sound that Jarno is using. Jarno says, "Although the guitar sound on Timescape is great the new material just needed a heavier guitar tone to get the sound I had in my head for the music."
Kenziner has once again created music for the ages with the epic release of The Prophecies. Jarno, Stephen, Brian and Mikko have joined together to bring us another instant metal classic.
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Source: http://www.leviathanrecords.com/kenziner1.htm