Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element Launch New Studio Album “Chasing the Lesser Light” Through Melodic Revolution Records in Advance of Their Appearance at the Winter’s End Festival UK on April 1, 2023

Melodic Revolution Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release “Chasing the Lesser Light” by US Symphonic Prog band Kinetic Element.

“Chasing the Lesser Light” is a sixty-minute symphonic prog journey through human’s desire to explore space. From the lunar missions of 50 years ago to the present-day planning for a journey to Mars.

Says Keyboardist Mike Visaggio, “After four years KE has finally completed our fifth CD (4th in the studio) entitled ‘Chasing The Lesser Light.’ We're also heading for Chepstow Wales in the UK for our first European show, and we're pretty excited about it. Our guitarist Peter Matuchniak had the idea to do a CD with a concept honoring all the people who worked together to make the Gemini and Apollo launches a reality. Once again we are releasing our project on Melodic Revolution Records and it was released on March 20, 2023 with artwork by Man In The Mountain’s Martin Kornick.”

Five songs cover the past, present, and future:

1) First Stage (6:15) – contemplating space travel, as we learn to fly high without wings.
2) Chasing the Lesser Light (19:50) – landing on the moon, and seeing the earth as one world.
3) Radio Silence (9:55) – the perils of space travel, with the emotional impact on an astronaut’s son.
4) We Can’t Forget (11:35) – glancing back at the moon, as we look ahead to mars.
5) Door To Forever (15:18) – reopening the door to space travel, and to become the Starman in the sky.

The cover artwork portrays space travel as commonplace with a man in a business suit and helmet, as he observes an Apollo launch that brought a nation and the world together.

Mike Visaggio: Piano, Organ, & Synthesizers
Michael Murray: Drums
Mark Tupko: Bass
Saint. John Coleman: Vocals
Peter Matuchniak: Guitars

Track 2, 5, by Mike Visaggio
Track 1, 3, by Peter Matuchniak
Track 4, by Mike Visaggio and Peter Matuchniak

All arrangements by Kinetic Element
Mixed and mastered by Peter Matuchniak Engineered by Michael Murray, Peter Matuchniak
Layout and Graphics, Man in the Mountain

Kinetic Element is a neo/symphonic progressive rock band from Richmond, Virginia that harbors musical roots in classic artists like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, Asia and Genesis and blends those influences with philosophical and spiritually powerful and uplifting lyrics. They are a known act in the prog-rock genre.

Kinetic Element has been invited to perform at the Winters End Festival UK on April 1st, 2023, the band has also performed at many prestigious festivals in the past i.e., Prog Day, RoSFest, Progtoberfest, ProgStock, in the USA and Terra Incognita in Canada

Follow Kinetic Element
Website ~ https://kineticelement.rocks
Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/kineticelementband/
Bandcamp ~ https://kineticelement.bandcamp.com
YouTube ~ https://www.youtube.com/@miketheorganist

Melodic Revolution Records Online
Website: https://mrrmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodicrevolutionrecords/
Bandcamp: https://myrevolution.bandcamp.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element To Release Third Album "The Face of Life" February 28, 2019!

Kinetic Element, a band based in Richmond, Virgina (USA) that finally made a mark in the prog world in its tenth year in 2016 by performing at ROSfest and Terra Incognita, and in 2017 at Progtoberfest, has been through some changes in the last couple of years. Sporting a new guitarist and vocalist, and venturing into vinyl for the first time, they composed and recorded their third studio album, “The Face of Life,” during 2017 and 2018. The band, founded and led by veteran multi-keyboardist Mike Visaggio, after breaking into the genre with their first album “Powered by Light” in 2009, garnered acclaim from around the progressive rock universe with their 2015 release of their second band album, “Travelog.” They began becoming known for their epic pieces,containing spiritually uplifting lyrics and symphonic style arrangements following in the footsteps of the founders of the style like Yes and Genesis, as have other great bands like Transatlantic, Knight Area, Frost, Also Eden, and others like them. Reviewers have said that while they can clearly hear the influences, Kinetic Element has molded them into something uniquely their own.

Working alongside Mike is his longtime friend and fellow traveler, drummer Michael Murray, who undertook engineer duties with the recording of “Travelog,” Polish-born bassist extraordinaire Mark Tupko, vocalist Saint John Coleman, and their newest member, Los Angeles-based Peter Matuchniak (who replaced a great player in Todd Russell who left the band after Progtoberfest in 2017). Peter brings with him a world of prog experience, having been with the Gekko Project, The Steppes, and his latest project Bomber Goggles, and some name recognition that can only help the band's profile. His playing has given KE a change in style but the overall sound is still clearly that of KE. “The Face of Life” gets its guitar parts via file sharing, but they are so organically composed and played that they sound as if they are all in the same room. Mike, of course,has been the heart and soul of this project for thirteen years and Michael has been with him for twelve of those. Mark came on board early in 2014, Saint John in 2016 after the festivals, and Peter has really rounded them out sonically and with another talent for the recording process. Saint John's presence gives the band their first true full time lead vocalist. He had been playing with prog cover band DEJA in the Tidewater region of Virginia, and he says coming to KE has given him back his musical soul.

Mike has been the principal composer, and he is very tuned in not only to the ingredients that make up symphonic prog, but lyrically has been interested in spiritual themes (he's a Christian who doesn't fit the mold) and observations on the state of the world and the human condition. Somehow sci-fi lyrics have eluded him, but he's managed to make an eternity-based worldview into something everybody can relate to. One of the new pieces was co-written with former member Todd, but the rest of “The Face of Life” is all his. Of course the arrangements were done with the whole band. Early indications are that this new work will be received as warmly as was “Travelog.”

Mike discusses the writing of “The Face of Life”: “After recording All Open Eyes with Todd and then losing him, Peter re-did all Todd's guitar tracks. Our next piece was the third on the album, 'The Face of Life,' which evolved from a shorter song I wrote in 2015, and a melody theme I had written a year previously, which we mashed together successfully. Peter really made his mark on the band with his tracks on this song. 'Like All Open Eyes,' one idea led to another and next thing we knew we had yet another epic. The first song on the album is 'Epistle,' which originated as a blues song believe it or not, and is now a 'prog' blues/rock song. We reined it in from becoming another epic. It's more of a classic rock song with prog leanings. We actually got that arranged and captured in three sessions because everything was so straightforward. Of course the overdubs took a bit of time. We also had a moment of humor when I sang 'Ghost Riders In the Sky' during the solos and we left it in, but now that I look at it, it actually has something to say about the human condition that the song's lyrics are about. 'Last Words,' the final song, I wrote back in the 1970s and somehow it was nagging at me from the back of my mind to see how it would fit. And I got this idea to do the first verse as a string quartet which sound is a preset on the new synth I had bought. So we now have something totally out of left field. We recorded the quartet as three tracks (cello, two violas and violin).We sent all of it off to the Glass Hammer guys and we had a bit of difficulty getting it right but the month of November, while a bit torturous sending files back and forth with them, finally produced a great mix. They were so courteous and helpful!”  

Kinetic Element is already working on more pieces so as to follow up “The Face of Life” with another record dealing with the Apollo man on the moon project in a much more timely manner than in the past. It is their intention to get Peter more involved in contributing pieces. The band is all older men, and they are sensing the brevity and bittersweetness of life. “The Face of Life” will bring you “face to face” with that reality in a way that will leave your progressive rock itch thoroughly scratched, your soul lightened and your heart touched.



THE FACE OF LIFE  (A symphony in E Major)

Side One
1. Epistle  7:06 (Mike Visaggio)  (A letter from the Apostle to the Peacemakers)
2. All Open Eyes  15:52  (Mike Visaggio & Todd Russell) (Why it will be worth it in the end)

Side Two
3. The Face of Life  19:35 (Mike Visaggio) (What manner of people shall we be?)
4. Last Words  3:52  (Mike Visaggio) (The answer is already in our hearts)

Personnel
Mike Visaggio  piano, organ, synthesizers
Michael Murray  drums
Mark Tupko  bass
Saint John Coleman  vocals
Peter Matuchniak  guitars

The official release date will be February 28th 2019

Pre-orders from the band via check or PayPal at bigroad3@gmail.com

CONTACT INFORMATION: bigroad3@gmail.com to correspond with Mike Visaggio.

LINKS: 
www.facebook.com/kineticelementband
http://mrrmusic.com/kinetic-element/
www.kineticelement.com
www.mikevisaggio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element To Release Third Album "The Face of Life" February 28, 2019!

Kinetic Element, a band based in Richmond, Virgina (USA) that finally made a mark in the prog world in its tenth year in 2016 by performing at ROSfest and Terra Incognita, and in 2017 at Progtoberfest, has been through some changes in the last couple of years. Sporting a new guitarist and vocalist, and venturing into vinyl for the first time, they composed and recorded their third studio album, “The Face of Life,” during 2017 and 2018. The band, founded and led by veteran multi-keyboardist Mike Visaggio, after breaking into the genre with their first album “Powered by Light” in 2009, garnered acclaim from around the progressive rock universe with their 2015 release of their second band album, “Travelog.” They began becoming known for their epic pieces,containing spiritually uplifting lyrics and symphonic style arrangements following in the footsteps of the founders of the style like Yes and Genesis, as have other great bands like Transatlantic, Knight Area, Frost, Also Eden, and others like them. Reviewers have said that while they can clearly hear the influences, Kinetic Element has molded them into something uniquely their own.

Working alongside Mike is his longtime friend and fellow traveler, drummer Michael Murray, who undertook engineer duties with the recording of “Travelog,” Polish-born bassist extraordinaire Mark Tupko, vocalist Saint John Coleman, and their newest member, Los Angeles-based Peter Matuchniak (who replaced a great player in Todd Russell who left the band after Progtoberfest in 2017). Peter brings with him a world of prog experience, having been with the Gekko Project, The Steppes, and his latest project Bomber Goggles, and some name recognition that can only help the band's profile. His playing has given KE a change in style but the overall sound is still clearly that of KE. “The Face of Life” gets its guitar parts via file sharing, but they are so organically composed and played that they sound as if they are all in the same room. Mike, of course,has been the heart and soul of this project for thirteen years and Michael has been with him for twelve of those. Mark came on board early in 2014, Saint John in 2016 after the festivals, and Peter has really rounded them out sonically and with another talent for the recording process. Saint John's presence gives the band their first true full time lead vocalist. He had been playing with prog cover band DEJA in the Tidewater region of Virginia, and he says coming to KE has given him back his musical soul.

Mike has been the principal composer, and he is very tuned in not only to the ingredients that make up symphonic prog, but lyrically has been interested in spiritual themes (he's a Christian who doesn't fit the mold) and observations on the state of the world and the human condition. Somehow sci-fi lyrics have eluded him, but he's managed to make an eternity-based worldview into something everybody can relate to. One of the new pieces was co-written with former member Todd, but the rest of “The Face of Life” is all his. Of course the arrangements were done with the whole band. Early indications are that this new work will be received as warmly as was “Travelog.”

Mike discusses the writing of “The Face of Life”: “After recording All Open Eyes with Todd and then losing him, Peter re-did all Todd's guitar tracks. Our next piece was the third on the album, 'The Face of Life,' which evolved from a shorter song I wrote in 2015, and a melody theme I had written a year previously, which we mashed together successfully. Peter really made his mark on the band with his tracks on this song. 'Like All Open Eyes,' one idea led to another and next thing we knew we had yet another epic. The first song on the album is 'Epistle,' which originated as a blues song believe it or not, and is now a 'prog' blues/rock song. We reined it in from becoming another epic. It's more of a classic rock song with prog leanings. We actually got that arranged and captured in three sessions because everything was so straightforward. Of course the overdubs took a bit of time. We also had a moment of humor when I sang 'Ghost Riders In the Sky' during the solos and we left it in, but now that I look at it, it actually has something to say about the human condition that the song's lyrics are about. 'Last Words,' the final song, I wrote back in the 1970s and somehow it was nagging at me from the back of my mind to see how it would fit. And I got this idea to do the first verse as a string quartet which sound is a preset on the new synth I had bought. So we now have something totally out of left field. We recorded the quartet as three tracks (cello, two violas and violin).We sent all of it off to the Glass Hammer guys and we had a bit of difficulty getting it right but the month of November, while a bit torturous sending files back and forth with them, finally produced a great mix. They were so courteous and helpful!”  

Kinetic Element is already working on more pieces so as to follow up “The Face of Life” with another record dealing with the Apollo man on the moon project in a much more timely manner than in the past. It is their intention to get Peter more involved in contributing pieces. The band is all older men, and they are sensing the brevity and bittersweetness of life. “The Face of Life” will bring you “face to face” with that reality in a way that will leave your progressive rock itch thoroughly scratched, your soul lightened and your heart touched.



THE FACE OF LIFE  (A symphony in E Major)

Side One
1. Epistle  7:06 (Mike Visaggio)  (A letter from the Apostle to the Peacemakers)
2. All Open Eyes  15:52  (Mike Visaggio & Todd Russell) (Why it will be worth it in the end)

Side Two
3. The Face of Life  19:35 (Mike Visaggio) (What manner of people shall we be?)
4. Last Words  3:52  (Mike Visaggio) (The answer is already in our hearts)

Personnel
Mike Visaggio  piano, organ, synthesizers
Michael Murray  drums
Mark Tupko  bass
Saint John Coleman  vocals
Peter Matuchniak  guitars

The official release date will be February 28th 2019

Pre-orders from the band via check or PayPal at bigroad3@gmail.com

CONTACT INFORMATION: bigroad3@gmail.com to correspond with Mike Visaggio.

LINKS: 
www.facebook.com/kineticelementband
http://mrrmusic.com/kinetic-element/
www.kineticelement.com
www.mikevisaggio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Progressive Rock Review: Kinetic Element-Travelog

Release Date: 1^st June 2015

Label:  Melodic Revolution Records

Website

This is another first for The Ancient One, having not come across the band, Kinetic Element, before the second release from the band, Travelog, landed on my review desk. This new release follows on from the bands’ debut album release, Powered By Light, issued in 2009.

Kinetic Element originally came into being as the creative vehicle for Mike Visaggio, who had just completed his debut solo album and was looking to recruit musicians to perform live. Mike and the three additional musicians worked so well together that they became a band project, and Kinetic Element, the band, entered the realms of progressive music. There was one other release prior to the full album debut, and that was the EP, The Powered By Light Suite in 2008.

The band consisted of the following members and guests when Travelog was recorded. The 4 members of the band were Mike Visaggio (keyboards), Todd Russell (guitars), Mark Tupko (bass) and Michael Murray (drums), with guests Dimetrius LaFavors, Mike Florio and Michelle Loose Schrotz providing vocals on the tracks. The band had only shown one change in the personnel from the debut, although other changes happened between times, and that was Mark Tupko replacing Tony D’Amato on bass.

Travelog is a 5 track album with a running time of around 70 minutes, meaning that all tracks are fairly long, with the shortest, and title track, still nudging the 10 minute mark (9:51) and the opening track to the album, “War Song” stretching on past the 20 minute mark (20:32).

“War Song” (20:32), the opening track on Travelog is a majestic piece of work. The track starts with some atmospheric synths and percussion before the drums and bass all join in and the music simply builds, layer by layer, providing a superb introduction passage. Around the 2 minute mark, the guitar soars above all and you realize, this early into the album, that you are listening to an amazing piece of music. The constant layering and variation of the lead instrument just draws you deeper and deeper into the music. The repetition of little themes penetrates into your mind so easily. Around 4:30 minutes, there is a sudden change to military style snare strumming and an almost Celtic feel to the acoustic guitar. The vocals enter and fit the music like a glove. Some more stunningly simple guitar backed by the unobtrusive bass/drums link to the next vocal section. Just prior to the 8 minute mark there is an almost medieval style theme with guitar and keyboards to the fore. The flow of the track is effortless as it moves from passage to passage. All of the musicians shine brightly with majestic keyboards from Mike, cutting edge guitar from Todd, and a beautifully solid power machine of drums and bass by Michael and Mark respectively. The constant tempo and mood changes make this track so mesmerizing that you just want to listen to it over and over, before it eventually crosses your mind that there are another 4 tracks still to go. This is a stunning start to Travelog.

The title track is next up, “Travelog” (9:51) and shows off the superb acoustic guitar skills of Todd. Themes appear, fade and reappear again prior to the 2 minute point. I will admit that I did find the vocals a little disappointing compared to “War Song,” as they didn’t seem to gel as well. This is beautiful music by the band, but just fails to hit the heights of the opening track. A long pastoral style sequence takes the track out on a high.

“Into The Lair” (10:08) is similar in style to Yes in approach with stunning guitar and majestic keyboards, a la Steve Howe and The Caped Crusader himself (Rick Wakeman) and the listener is back at the dizzying heights of the opening track.

Next up is the track, “Her” (11:19) with a wonderful “waterfall” piano theme, conjuring up the best moments of Tony Banks (Genesis) as it then evolves into piano and keyboard passages. A sudden change to a jangled guitar chord leads the track into the vocals which have subtle guitar themes running behind them. The song builds and just on the 8 minute mark there is an absolutely stunning keyboard section which slowly heralds the vocals and chunky guitar return.

The final track, “Vision of a New Dawn” (18:26) has a terrific piano intro until a superb jazz styled guitar takes up the reins and then starts to soar. A drop in the sound leads into a very atmospheric acoustic guitar theme and then more of Mike’s majestic keyboards assume the musical mantle. Gentle piano leads into the vocals, which are suitably emotional and another excellent guitar melody backs the vocal. Unobtrusive they may be for most of the time, but the superb playing of Michael and Mark, the rhythm section, is always exceptional. Just at the 10 minute mark, there is a tempo and style change with an instrumental passage, led by the keyboards, which sweeps the track along with the band in excellent form. Moving to the 15 minute point and the strummed acoustic guitar puts in an appearance, with a melody being whistled, yes I did say whistled, which ushers in the vocals as the last track enters its final furlong and the song meanders towards its goodbye.

I had not heard of Kinetic Element before this album, but Travelog is the type of surprise that simply blows the listener away. There have been many releases in 2015 that have, in my opinion, been excellent, but I can safely say that Travelog is my No. 1 album of 2015 at this point.

All fans of progressive music need to hear this album and I would be very surprised if Travelog did not find its way onto many thousands of home CD shelves. Bearing in mind I was a little dubious about the vocals on the title track, I would like to thank Mike, Todd, Mark and Michael, together with the 3 guest vocalists, for producing such a superb album.

The Ancient One has already featured “War Song” on the radio show (Progzilla Radio) and my simple advice to everyone is to just go out and buy your copy of Travelog as soon as is humanly possible.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: War Song, Into The Lair, Vision of a New Daw

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

September 13, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks:
War Song
Travelog
Into The Lair
Her
Vision Of A New Dawn

Progressive Rock Review: Kinetic Element-Travelog

Release Date: 1^stJune 2015

Label:  Melodic Revolution Records

Website

This is another first for The Ancient One, having not come across the band, Kinetic Element, before the second release from the band, Travelog, landed on my review desk. This new release follows on from the bands’ debut album release, Powered By Light, issued in 2009.

Kinetic Element originally came into being as the creative vehicle for Mike Visaggio, who had just completed his debut solo album and was looking to recruit musicians to perform live. Mike and the three additional musicians worked so well together that they became a band project, and Kinetic Element, the band, entered the realms of progressive music. There was one other release prior to the full album debut, and that was the EP, The Powered By Light Suite in 2008.

The band consisted of the following members and guests when Travelog was recorded. The 4 members of the band were Mike Visaggio (keyboards), Todd Russell (guitars), Mark Tupko (bass) and Michael Murray (drums), with guests Dimetrius LaFavors, Mike Florio and Michelle Loose Schrotz providing vocals on the tracks. The band had only shown one change in the personnel from the debut, although other changes happened between times, and that was Mark Tupko replacing Tony D’Amato on bass.

Travelog is a 5 track album with a running time of around 70 minutes, meaning that all tracks are fairly long, with the shortest, and title track, still nudging the 10 minute mark (9:51) and the opening track to the album, “War Song” stretching on past the 20 minute mark (20:32).

“War Song” (20:32), the opening track on Travelog is a majestic piece of work. The track starts with some atmospheric synths and percussion before the drums and bass all join in and the music simply builds, layer by layer, providing a superb introduction passage. Around the 2 minute mark, the guitar soars above all and you realize, this early into the album, that you are listening to an amazing piece of music. The constant layering and variation of the lead instrument just draws you deeper and deeper into the music. The repetition of little themes penetrates into your mind so easily. Around 4:30 minutes, there is a sudden change to military style snare strumming and an almost Celtic feel to the acoustic guitar. The vocals enter and fit the music like a glove. Some more stunningly simple guitar backed by the unobtrusive bass/drums link to the next vocal section. Just prior to the 8 minute mark there is an almost medieval style theme with guitar and keyboards to the fore. The flow of the track is effortless as it moves from passage to passage. All of the musicians shine brightly with majestic keyboards from Mike, cutting edge guitar from Todd, and a beautifully solid power machine of drums and bass by Michael and Mark respectively. The constant tempo and mood changes make this track so mesmerizing that you just want to listen to it over and over, before it eventually crosses your mind that there are another 4 tracks still to go. This is a stunning start to Travelog.

The title track is next up, “Travelog” (9:51) and shows off the superb acoustic guitar skills of Todd. Themes appear, fade and reappear again prior to the 2 minute point. I will admit that I did find the vocals a little disappointing compared to “War Song,” as they didn’t seem to gel as well. This is beautiful music by the band, but just fails to hit the heights of the opening track. A long pastoral style sequence takes the track out on a high.

“Into The Lair” (10:08) is similar in style to Yes in approach with stunning guitar and majestic keyboards, a la Steve Howe and The Caped Crusader himself (Rick Wakeman) and the listener is back at the dizzying heights of the opening track.

Next up is the track, “Her” (11:19) with a wonderful “waterfall” piano theme, conjuring up the best moments of Tony Banks (Genesis) as it then evolves into piano and keyboard passages. A sudden change to a jangled guitar chord leads the track into the vocals which have subtle guitar themes running behind them. The song builds and just on the 8 minute mark there is an absolutely stunning keyboard section which slowly heralds the vocals and chunky guitar return.

The final track, “Vision of a New Dawn” (18:26) has a terrific piano intro until a superb jazz styled guitar takes up the reins and then starts to soar. A drop in the sound leads into a very atmospheric acoustic guitar theme and then more of Mike’s majestic keyboards assume the musical mantle. Gentle piano leads into the vocals, which are suitably emotional and another excellent guitar melody backs the vocal. Unobtrusive they may be for most of the time, but the superb playing of Michael and Mark, the rhythm section, is always exceptional. Just at the 10 minute mark, there is a tempo and style change with an instrumental passage, led by the keyboards, which sweeps the track along with the band in excellent form. Moving to the 15 minute point and the strummed acoustic guitar puts in an appearance, with a melody being whistled, yes I did say whistled, which ushers in the vocals as the last track enters its final furlong and the song meanders towards its goodbye.

I had not heard of Kinetic Element before this album, but Travelog is the type of surprise that simply blows the listener away. There have been many releases in 2015 that have, in my opinion, been excellent, but I can safely say that Travelog is my No. 1 album of 2015 at this point.

All fans of progressive music need to hear this album and I would be very surprised if Travelogdid not find its way onto many thousands of home CD shelves. Bearing in mind I was a little dubious about the vocals on the title track, I would like to thank Mike, Todd, Mark and Michael, together with the 3 guest vocalists, for producing such a superb album.

The Ancient One has already featured “War Song” on the radio show (Progzilla Radio) and my simple advice to everyone is to just go out and buy your copy of Travelog as soon as is humanly possible.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: War Song, Into The Lair, Vision of a New Daw

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

September 13, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks:
War Song
Travelog
Into The Lair
Her
Vision Of A New Dawn

Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element Releases Highly Anticipated Second Album “Travelog”

Richmond, VA – One of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2015 has finally been released by prog ensemble Kinetic Element titled “Travelog”! Kinetic Element is a neo/symphonic progressive rock band from Richmond, Virginia that harbors musical roots in classic artists like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, Asia and Genesis and blends those influences with philosophical and spiritually powerful and uplifting lyrics. They are a known act in the prog rock genre.

Kinetic Element's two principal writers, keyboardist and founder Mike Visaggio and guitarist Todd Russell, began collaborating on new music for the band towards the end of 2013 following the departure of two members. Deprived of the ability to play out, they decided to focus on composing and recording KE's second CD. They began working out sketches to five grand scale pieces of prog rock with founding member and drummer Michael Murray. Soon they had a working model of the album and began recording in earnest.

Says Mike Visaggio, “Although normally I prefer to let listeners ferret it out for themselves, the new album is most definitely inspired by current events. We believe that liberty is what humanity's preferred state of being is. The lyrics of the CD then are understood as standing up for that. The train imagery came to me when I heard the old song 'People Get Ready' which talks about a train to freedom. The design was the result of an image Martin Kornick did for us when we were looking to create a new logo last year, and we just applied that whole concept to the logo image.”

Kinetic Element was formed to perform the music of Mike Visaggio's solo CD, “Starship Universe” which was released in 2006 after Mike was selected to perform at the 2006 Pop Montreal festival. They are now performing selected classic prog and classic rock covers and their new prog pieces they have put together since they formed which comprise “Powered By Light” (2009) and their new CD “Travelog”. The cover art for both CDs was executed by the incomparable Martin Kornick. “Powered By Light” was nominated for Best Debut CD of 2009 by The Prog Awards, which was at that time an Italian reviews website. They were signed to Melodic Revolution Records at ROSfest 2013.

The band is comprised of Mike Visaggio (keyboards); Michael Murray (drums), Todd Russell (electric and acoustic guitar) and Mark Tupko (basses). In May 2008 the original incarnation of Kinetic Element was privileged to be a support act for Circa (featuring Tony Kaye, Alan White and Billy Sherwood of Yes, at Jaxx in northern Virginia), Rare Blend (at Orion Studios in Baltimore, Maryland one of prog's must-play venues), IZZ (who have played every prog festival in America, at the Artomatic festival in Washington, D.C.) In 2009, KE's Powered by Light lineup supported Morglbl (at Capitol Ale House Music Hall in Richmond VA) and in 2010, with Edensong (at Orion again). Kinetic Element opened the nation's longest running prog rock festival, Prog Day, at the Pre-Show on August 29, 2008 with Speechless and again on Sept. 3, 2010 with Jack Dupon. They played The Magic Room in Boston in November 2011 headlining, with support acts Eccentric Orbit and Resistor. In 2015 KE has headlined at Orion Studios again (May 29) with support band Brave, and supported Lo-Fi Resistance at New Jersey Proghouse (June 6). Kinetic Element was featured in Progression Magazine #59 in 2010.

Kinetic Element's new album “Travelog” was recorded by the band at their cavernous garage studio in Richmond VA with Michael Murray performing engineer duties, between December 2013 and February 2015. In May of 2014 bassist mark Tupko auditioned and joined as the band's fourth permanent member.

Unable to find a suitable vocalist in their hometown, Mike Visaggio reached out to their musical friends Odin's Court whose lead vocalist Dimetrius LaFavors agreed to perform the vocals for Travelog and join the group while remaining with Odin's Court. However Dimetrius could not continue due to changes in Odin's Court's schedule, and was forced to cease recording after appearing on three of the five tracks. Riding in to KE's rescue came Michelle Schrotz of Fredericksburg, VA's prog icons Brave, and stellar CProg artist Mike Florio, to record the remaining two tracks.

When Mike Visaggio let it out on Facebook that KE would be seeking a professional prog rock engineer to do the mix, he was approached by Fred Schendel and Steve Babb of prog legends Glass Hammer about engaging them to mix. The resulting collaboration produced the terrific sound you hear on Travelog. They also did the mastering at their studio Sound Resources in Chattanooga TN.

Early in the spring 2015, Kinetic Element was offered a show at New Jersey Proghouse for June 6, and all the production went into high gear in order to have product in hand for that show and another one that was booked for a week previous on May 29 at Orion Studios in Baltimore. Both shows came off well with Mike Florio and Michelle singing. However there are no shows on tap at this time because their vocalists do not live in Richmond, but are available if a suitable concert gig comes KE's way.

Kinetic Element's “Travelog” can be heard in its entirety at:
www.cdbaby.com/cd/kineticelement2 and http://melodicrevolutionrecords.com/album/travelog.

Here's what the press have raved about Kinetic Element:

“The Powered By Light Suite is an enjoyable release, filled with great keyboards work, beautiful melodies and appealing sound. I’m looking forward to the band’s future output.” - Progressive Ears

“This is their latest disc and it will certainly appeal most to the fans of classic progressive rock” - Music Street Journal

“Instrumentally KINETIC ELEMENT is at the top of their game. The driving force behind the group is keyboardist Mike Visaggio who is positively brilliant, some of the most energetic keyboard work I've heard since the Golden Age of Progressive Rock when Wakeman and Emerson were producing their best work. Yes, he's that good. And his surrounding cast of players are equally adept.” - ProgNaut

“Fans of progressive rock in all its forms - including Transatlantic, Neal Morse, Tiles, KDB3 and Proto-Kaw - will find a lot to like here.” - Angelic Warlord

“The musical expressions in this release could only come from highly-intelligent lifeforms. Much of its mimicry is provided by organs, Mellotrons and synthesizers, and its artificial sheen has an uncanny resemblance to Transatlantic.” - Ytsejam

In closing Mike Visaggio has this to impart, “Prog Lives! It keeps us young.”

To purchase Kinetic Element's “Travelog”:
http://melodicrevolutionrecords.com/album/travelog
www.cdbaby.com/cd/kineticelement2

CONTACT INFORMATION: bigroad3@gmail.com to correspond with Mike Visaggio.
www.facebook.com/kineticelementband
http://mrrmusic.com/kinetic-element/
www.sonicbids.com/kineticelement
www.kineticelement.com
www.mikevisaggio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element Releases Highly Anticipated Second Album “Travelog”

Richmond, VA – One of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2015 has finally been released by prog ensemble Kinetic Element titled “Travelog”! Kinetic Element is a neo/symphonic progressive rock band from Richmond, Virginia that harbors musical roots in classic artists like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, Asia and Genesis and blends those influences with philosophical and spiritually powerful and uplifting lyrics. They are a known act in the prog rock genre.

Kinetic Element's two principal writers, keyboardist and founder Mike Visaggio and guitarist Todd Russell, began collaborating on new music for the band towards the end of 2013 following the departure of two members. Deprived of the ability to play out, they decided to focus on composing and recording KE's second CD. They began working out sketches to five grand scale pieces of prog rock with founding member and drummer Michael Murray. Soon they had a working model of the album and began recording in earnest.

Says Mike Visaggio, “Although normally I prefer to let listeners ferret it out for themselves, the new album is most definitely inspired by current events. We believe that liberty is what humanity's preferred state of being is. The lyrics of the CD then are understood as standing up for that. The train imagery came to me when I heard the old song 'People Get Ready' which talks about a train to freedom. The design was the result of an image Martin Kornick did for us when we were looking to create a new logo last year, and we just applied that whole concept to the logo image.”

Kinetic Element was formed to perform the music of Mike Visaggio's solo CD, “Starship Universe” which was released in 2006 after Mike was selected to perform at the 2006 Pop Montreal festival. They are now performing selected classic prog and classic rock covers and their new prog pieces they have put together since they formed which comprise “Powered By Light” (2009) and their new CD “Travelog”. The cover art for both CDs was executed by the incomparable Martin Kornick. “Powered By Light” was nominated for Best Debut CD of 2009 by The Prog Awards, which was at that time an Italian reviews website. They were signed to Melodic Revolution Records at ROSfest 2013.

The band is comprised of Mike Visaggio (keyboards); Michael Murray (drums), Todd Russell (electric and acoustic guitar) and Mark Tupko (basses). In May 2008 the original incarnation of Kinetic Element was privileged to be a support act for Circa (featuring Tony Kaye, Alan White and Billy Sherwood of Yes, at Jaxx in northern Virginia), Rare Blend (at Orion Studios in Baltimore, Maryland one of prog's must-play venues), IZZ (who have played every prog festival in America, at the Artomatic festival in Washington, D.C.) In 2009, KE's Powered by Light lineup supported Morglbl (at Capitol Ale House Music Hall in Richmond VA) and in 2010, with Edensong (at Orion again). Kinetic Element opened the nation's longest running prog rock festival, Prog Day, at the Pre-Show on August 29, 2008 with Speechless and again on Sept. 3, 2010 with Jack Dupon. They played The Magic Room in Boston in November 2011 headlining, with support acts Eccentric Orbit and Resistor. In 2015 KE has headlined at Orion Studios again (May 29) with support band Brave, and supported Lo-Fi Resistance at New Jersey Proghouse (June 6). Kinetic Element was featured in Progression Magazine #59 in 2010.

Kinetic Element's new album “Travelog” was recorded by the band at their cavernous garage studio in Richmond VA with Michael Murray performing engineer duties, between December 2013 and February 2015. In May of 2014 bassist mark Tupko auditioned and joined as the band's fourth permanent member.

Unable to find a suitable vocalist in their hometown, Mike Visaggio reached out to their musical friends Odin's Court whose lead vocalist Dimetrius LaFavors agreed to perform the vocals for Travelog and join the group while remaining with Odin's Court. However Dimetrius could not continue due to changes in Odin's Court's schedule, and was forced to cease recording after appearing on three of the five tracks. Riding in to KE's rescue came Michelle Schrotz of Fredericksburg, VA's prog icons Brave, and stellar CProg artist Mike Florio, to record the remaining two tracks.

When Mike Visaggio let it out on Facebook that KE would be seeking a professional prog rock engineer to do the mix, he was approached by Fred Schendel and Steve Babb of prog legends Glass Hammer about engaging them to mix. The resulting collaboration produced the terrific sound you hear on Travelog. They also did the mastering at their studio Sound Resources in Chattanooga TN.

Early in the spring 2015, Kinetic Element was offered a show at New Jersey Proghouse for June 6, and all the production went into high gear in order to have product in hand for that show and another one that was booked for a week previous on May 29 at Orion Studios in Baltimore. Both shows came off well with Mike Florio and Michelle singing. However there are no shows on tap at this time because their vocalists do not live in Richmond, but are available if a suitable concert gig comes KE's way.

Kinetic Element's “Travelog” can be heard in its entirety at:
www.cdbaby.com/cd/kineticelement2 and http://melodicrevolutionrecords.com/album/travelog.

Here's what the press have raved about Kinetic Element:

“The Powered By Light Suite is an enjoyable release, filled with great keyboards work, beautiful melodies and appealing sound. I’m looking forward to the band’s future output.” - Progressive Ears

“This is their latest disc and it will certainly appeal most to the fans of classic progressive rock” - Music Street Journal

“Instrumentally KINETIC ELEMENT is at the top of their game. The driving force behind the group is keyboardist Mike Visaggio who is positively brilliant, some of the most energetic keyboard work I've heard since the Golden Age of Progressive Rock when Wakeman and Emerson were producing their best work. Yes, he's that good. And his surrounding cast of players are equally adept.” - ProgNaut

“Fans of progressive rock in all its forms - including Transatlantic, Neal Morse, Tiles, KDB3 and Proto-Kaw - will find a lot to like here.” - Angelic Warlord

“The musical expressions in this release could only come from highly-intelligent lifeforms. Much of its mimicry is provided by organs, Mellotrons and synthesizers, and its artificial sheen has an uncanny resemblance to Transatlantic.” - Ytsejam

In closing Mike Visaggio has this to impart, “Prog Lives! It keeps us young.”

To purchase Kinetic Element's “Travelog”:
http://melodicrevolutionrecords.com/album/travelog
www.cdbaby.com/cd/kineticelement2

CONTACT INFORMATION: bigroad3@gmail.com to correspond with Mike Visaggio.
www.facebook.com/kineticelementband
http://mrrmusic.com/kinetic-element/
www.sonicbids.com/kineticelement
www.kineticelement.com
www.mikevisaggio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com