Artension
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Vitalij Kuprij |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Fate | Dissolved, reunited in 2016 |
| Headquarters | North America |
| Products | Progressive metal music albums |
Artension is a progressive metal band from North America, known for its neoclassical style, established in 1993 by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij. The group produced seven albums between 1996 and 2004 before dissolving, but they reunited in 2016 to develop an eighth record.
History
Around 1992 or 1993, while studying classical music in Switzerland, Vitalij Kuprij met guitarist Roger Staffelbach at the Lucerne Jazz School. Together, they created "Atlantis Rising," performing instrumental shows and recording demo tracks. Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records showed interest but suggested incorporating vocals into their music.
To strengthen the lineup, Vitalij recruited drummer Mike Terrana, who had experience touring with Yngwie Malmsteen, and bassist Kevin Chown, elevating the band's technical proficiency. The ensemble adopted the name Artension. Varney also recommended vocalist John West, whose commanding voice paired with Vitalij’s and Roger’s virtuosic guitar work to establish Artension’s distinctive neoclassical and intense sound.
Current members
- Roger Staffelbach – guitar (1993–2005, 2016–present)
- John West – vocals (1996–2005, 2016–present)
- Chris Caffery – guitar (2016–present)
Former members
- Vitalij Kuprij – keyboard (1993–2005, 2016–2024; deceased)
- Mike Terrana – drums (1996–1998, 2001–2005)
- Kevin Chown – bass (1996–1998, 2001–2004)
- John Onder – bass (1999–2000)
- Shane Gaalaas – drums (1999–2000)
- Steve Di Giorgio – bass (2004–2005)
Discography
- Into the Eye of the Storm (1996)
- Phoenix Rising (1997)
- Forces of Nature (1999)
- Machine (2000)
- Sacred Pathways (2001)
- New Discovery (2002)
- Future World (2004)