Kevin Zugschwert
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Kevin Zugschwert

Centennial, Colorado, United States

Centennial, Colorado, United States
Band Metal Rock

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"Kevin Zugschwerts 'Over The Limit' reviewed"

Instrumental progressive rocker Kevin Zugschwert adds more fantastic guitar solos than he has consonants in his name. The lead guitar is by far the spotlight on the album. Anybody with a guitar and amp and a love for guitar acrobatics would by far want to listen in. - J-Sin/Smother.net


"Kevin Zugschwerts 'Over The Limit' reviewed"

Kevin Zugschwert is a marvelous, metal guitar virtuoso with a keen ear for song structure, melody and atmospherics. Not to mention the almighty riff itself. This is high quality instrumental rock with a powerful rhythm section; keen to back up the gorgeous lead and palpable riffs with a tight backdrop. The fast paced, catchy as hell opener; ‘Into The Night’ features a marvelous intro/chorus melody that drives the song’s appealingly haunting aggression - contrasting well with the atmospherics of the far darker; ‘Love Hate’.

‘Fire Dance’ is a very progressive song with strong drumming and teasing guitar licks whereas the piano led; ‘Pearl In The Sky’ offers a sanctity with it’s “calm in the eye of the storm” intermission slot and demeanor. There are plenty of 80’s metal influences - Some accessible, some less so. ‘Chasing A Dream’ is one of the more accessible, with powerful lead guitar that harkens back to the 80’s block busting movie ‘Top Gun’.

With songs like the haunting, almost Latin flavoured; ‘Black Rose’ in attendance; Kevin Zugschwert has produced an instrumental record that could even convert those amongst us completely loathed to sit and try and enjoy 10 tracks of instrumental fannying about. However Zugschwert has struck a balance between catchy structures, power house riffs and an entertainment factor that defies the need for vocals and lyrics. If you are a fan of the timeless alternative metal/rock sound - checking out this record is a must; you will be utterly gob smacked at just how engaging and on occasion relaxing this talent filled album can make you - with such a mix of beauty; ‘Sandras Song’ and aggression; ‘Fire Dance’ there really is a song for every occasion.

Standout Tracks: ‘Into The Night’, ‘Fire Dance’, ‘Pearl In the Sky’ & ‘Black Rose’. - Liam Thomson/State Of Emergency.net


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Bio

Kevin Joseph Zugschwert, was born in Westminster, Colorado, on February 26, 1977. The youngest child in a household that included his mother Ann, father Ron, and brother Brian. Kevin had interest in music at an early age. He started taking private piano lessons at a local music school and progressed very quickly performing at recitals and churches.

After the release of Van Halens ‘1984’ album he became increasingly interested in synthesizers and rock guitar styles. Seven year old Kevin watched in amazement as Eddie Van Halen went from synthesizer wizardry to legendary guitar techniques. The day Eddie Van Halen played on MTV, the guitar-playing Kevin emerged.

Applying genuine desire and motivation to first an old Gibson Les Paul replica and then a Fender Stratocaster replica, Kevin obsessed over the music of such artists as Ozzy Osbourne and spent long hours practicing to learn their songs. His admiration for Randy Rhoads, and later Zach Wylde left him with a constant thirst for knowledge and the art of music performance. By age 12, he began to spend most of his time studying and composing music. At this time, Kevin composed his first piece for piano and guitar which he was invited to perform at a large wedding ceremony. Soon after, he began studying with Neil Haverstick, popular for his microtonal guitar innovations. His mother and father became aware of his musical talent and gave him encouragement. Kevin later received as a gift from his mother, a custom made Jackson King V. His playing began to progress rapidly.

In his mid teens, Kevin’s older brother, Brian, brought home a collection of audio tapes, notably Yngwie Malmsteen, and Dokken with George Lynch. The outcome was enlightening and Kevin realized the potential of combining the precision of speed metal with the soaring melodies of arena rock. Neil introduced Kevin to a local musician named Todd Keehn, who among many accomplishments took first place in a Colorado guitar competition during the late 80’s. Under Todd’s wing, Kevin began to delve deeper into the intricate details of guitar construction, tunings, creative exploration, and computer based digital recording.

Around this time, Kevin began playing in a band built around a group of guys nearly twice his age who were enthralled with his ability to play none other than Eddie Van Halens ‘Eruption’. After playing as Doctor Cherry at several unsuccessful battle of the bands type venues the group fell apart.

By age 18, Kevin and two remaining members of Doctor Cherry rejoined and formed Isolation. Once again unsuccessful gigs led to the eventual breakup. Soon after, Kevin turned to the idea of recording a demo in order to gain exposure. With brother Brian on drums, he recorded a three song demo and used it to recruit for a new group to continue under the Isolation name.

While still with Isolation, it became clear that to fully develop as a professional guitarist, Kevin would have to go solo. Kevin’s first instrumental solo album, Over The Limit received excellent reviews, and sold well on the local level. Recruiting Eric Lockwood on bass and drummer Rob Higdon, who was soon replaced once again by Kevin’s brother Brian, the trio played several shows and enjoyed a loyal following. Kevin’s second album, Subject To Change (also instrumental), did just as well, with great reviews and good sales locally.

After taking some time off, Kevin is currently working on his third record to date and should be releasing it toward the end of the year (2009).