The German jazz-metal quintet Panzerballett around guitarist, composer and arranger Jan Zehrfeld has gained a cult status in the prog/math/djent/tech-metal but also jazz-fusion scene worldwide.
The band’s original compositions and covers (“starkifications” [German: “Verkrassungen”], as they call it) of well-known pieces have become a distinctive trademark. The music is humorous, mathematically constructed and organically reconstructed. In an alternating bath of virtuoso force and casual airiness, complex riffs and jazzy improvisations are performed with breathtaking precision and joy of playing at the highest musical level, according to Zehrfeld’s motto “headbanging with brains”.
Virgil Donati‘s drumming has been a world leader for several decades, and his composing and orchestrating skills are also highly regarded. Always exploring the possibilities beyond the norm, he has broken through traditional genre boundaries as an introspective free spirit.
He has toured and recorded with Planet X, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Tony MacAlpine, Kiko Loureiro, Bunny Brunel, Scott Henderson and Steve Walsh, among others.
Panzerballett will present a mixture of still unheard material and Panzerballett “evergreens” alongside the current album Planet Z.
Some quotes about the band
“Panzerballett is the first band I’ve heard that really leads Music into the 21st Century!” – Randy Brecker
“Very well done. Normally, I don’t like people re-arranging my father’s music but this was a pleasant surprise.” – Dweezil Zappa
“What you are doing is truly innovative and refreshing, not to say ingenious.” – Mattias IA Eklundh, Freak Kitchen
“Hart Genossen von ABBA bis Zappa – My favourite record 2009.” – Bård Torstensen, Clawfinger
Band Line-Up:
Jan Zehrfeld [guitar, comp.]
Virgil Donati [drums, comp.]
Anton Davidyants [bass]
Florian Fennes [sax]
Joe Doblhofer [guitar]
Panzerballett Links
Official Website
Facebook
Instagram
Panzerballett will perform on Sunday, 16 July 2023 during the Night Of The Prog Festival 2023!
Tickets for the Night Of The Prog Festival 2023 are available in the WiV Ticket Shop!
Listen to Alien Hip Hop