KENZINER – Phoenix

Finnish Power Metallers Kenziner is Back!

With their last release coming out in 2014, it’s great to see the return of Finnish Power Metal masters Kenziner with their new masterpiece Phoenix. Originally formed back in the late 90s by guitarist Jarno Keskinen and having success with their first 2 releases Timescape (1998) and The Prophecies (1999), Phoenix brings the band into the 2020’s with a new vibrancy and sound that reminds one of where Power Metal all started with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.  With new vocalist Peter “Zinny” Zalesky (previously of Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord and Dragon’s Eye) added to the mix, the band has stepped it up a notch with an even stronger sound and production.

Phoenix Rising

Great classically based Power Metal has typically been with the 5 piece line up of guitar – keys – vocals – bass – drums as laid down by the great bands like Rainbow, so Kenziner is following in the footsteps of giants by capturing the very mood and sound that exemplifies the genre. Phoenix is a concept album based on ancient Egypt, working quite well as a body of songs that takes us on a journey to a magical time and place. The opener “Eye Of Horus” kicks off the album with a beat like Helloween’s “I Want Out” and has a nice, haunting melody against harmony guitars and keys, add to that dueling solos by each and you have a great start to the album.  “Listen to the Devil” follows with increased speed and frenetic energy as Keskinen shreds over this well conceived and performed 2nd song. One of this reviewer’s favorite tracks is “Shadow of the Moon” with it’s emotional vocal lines and great arrangement that captivates and moves you from start to finish. Other top tracks include “Osiris Rising” with it’s mystical sounds and mood, along with the heavy and anthemic “Phoenix Rising”.

Final Notes

The production is top notch. The musicianship is masterful, and the album is well executed. The songwriting is strong and all in all Kenziner has put together a very good album. From experiencing this album, it would be exciting to see the band live and experience their full power and charisma in person. Phoenix is a rock solid release and an album that any Power Metal fan would be proud to have in their collection.

Lineup

Jarno Keskinen – guitars
Peter “Zinny” Zalesky – vocals
Jupi Hjelt – bass
Ariel Perchuk – keyboards
Make Lievonen – drums

Phoenix – Tracklist

1. Eye Of Horus
2. Listen To The Devil
3. Shadow Of The Moon
4. Tears Of Destiny
5. The Mirror
6. Osiris Rising
7. Curse Of The Pharaoh
8. To Hell And Back
9. Phoenix Rising
10. The Miracle

Total Playing Time: 42:29 min