Artension
North American neoclassical progressive metal band formed in 1993.
Artension is a North American neoclassical progressive metal group that came together in 1993, started by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij. The band released seven albums between 1996 and 2004 before breaking up, then got back together in 2016 with plans to put out an eighth record.
The project began when Kuprij, then studying classical music in Switzerland, met Swiss guitarist Roger Staffelbach, who was attending the Jazz School in Lucerne. They formed a band called Atlantis Rising and played instrumental shows in Switzerland. After recording demos, they connected with Shrapnel Records’ Mike Varney, who liked what he heard but recommended adding vocals. Kuprij knew drummer Mike Terrana from Yngwie Malmsteen’s tours, and with bassist Kevin Chown, the four-piece became Artension. Varney also introduced Kuprij and Staffelbach to singer John West, whose powerful voice, paired with the duo’s fast solos, became a signature of the band’s neoclassical, aggressive style.
The current lineup includes Staffelbach on guitar, West on vocals, and Chris Caffery on guitar. Former members include Kuprij (keyboards, until his death in 2024), Terrana (drums, 1996–1998 and 2001–2005), Chown (bass, 1996–1998 and 2001–2004; died 2026), John Onder (bass, 1999–2000), Shane Gaalaas (drums, 1999–2000), and Steve Di Giorgio (bass, 2004–2005). Their discography consists of *Into the Eye of the Storm* (1996), *Phoenix Rising* (1997), *Forces of Nature* (1999), *Machine* (2000), *Sacred Pathways* (2001), *New Discovery* (2002), and *Future World* (2004).
- formed
- 1993
- origin
- North America
- genre
- Neoclassical progressive metal
- founder
- Vitalij Kuprij
- years_active
- 1993–2005, 2016–present
- notable_members
- Vitalij Kuprij, Roger Staffelbach, John West, Mike Terrana
Lore & Background
Artension was founded after keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij, studying classical music in Switzerland, met guitarist Roger Staffelbach, a student at the Jazz School in Lucerne, in 1992 or 1993. They initially formed a band called Atlantis Rising, playing instrumental gigs in Switzerland. After recording demos, they contacted Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, who suggested adding vocals. Kuprij knew drummer Mike Terrana from Yngwie Malmsteen's tours, and with bassist Kevin Chown, the quartet became Artension. Varney introduced them to vocalist John West, whose soaring vocals, combined with Kuprij's and Staffelbach's fast solos, defined the band's neoclassical and aggressive sound.
Reader's Guide
Artension's significance lies in their fusion of neoclassical keyboard and guitar virtuosity with progressive metal, producing seven studio albums between 1996 and 2004. Their music, characterized by John West's soaring vocals and lightning-fast solos from Vitalij Kuprij and Roger Staffelbach, became a trademark of the neoclassical progressive metal subgenre. The band disbanded after 2004 but reformed in 2016, aiming to release an eighth album. Their legacy includes influencing later neoclassical metal acts and maintaining a dedicated fan base through their technical prowess and melodic intensity.
Did You Know?
- Artension was originally called Atlantis Rising before adding vocals.
- Founder Vitalij Kuprij was studying classical music in Switzerland when he met guitarist Roger Staffelbach.
- Drummer Mike Terrana was known from Yngwie Malmsteen's tours before joining Artension.
- The band reformed in 2016 after splitting up in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Artension?
Artension is a North American neoclassical progressive metal band founded in 1993 by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij. The group is known for weaving classical keyboard compositions into heavy, technically demanding progressive metal.
How did Artension get started?
The project began when Kuprij, a classical music student in Switzerland, teamed up with guitarist Roger Staffelbach from the Lucerne Jazz School. They first performed as Atlantis Rising, playing instrumental shows before their demos caught the attention of Shrapnel Records' Mike Varney.
What albums has Artension released?
The band issued seven studio albums between 1996 and 2004. After their initial run ended, they reunited in 2016 with the goal of recording and releasing an eighth record.
Who are the notable members of Artension?
In addition to founder and keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij, the lineup has featured guitarist Roger Staffelbach, vocalist John West, and drummer Mike Terrana.
Did Artension break up, and are they still active?
The group went silent after their 2004 release, effectively closing out their first active period around 2005. They officially regrouped in 2016 and have been working toward new material since the reunion.
More in American progressive metal musical groups 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record