Connor Kaminski & KEYAN – Kinetic

There are two relatively new names to the prog metal scene that come from opposite sides of the world. Connor Kaminski is a British guitarist/composer/producer, and KEYAN is a modern guitarist based in Australia. The pair have teamed up to combine their ideas and skills. The result is a 22 minute, 3 track EP entitled “Kinetic”.

Anyone who has been to a festival such as UK Tech-Fest or similar events may well have encountered acts like this. Instrumental technical metal tends to stand out in a lineup, or even at the workshops/masterclasses that are sometimes available to attend.

A couple of very proficient musicians appear as guests on this EP. On bass it’s Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood (ex-Periphery) and joining him is solo artist and session guitarist Jack Gardiner.

An explosive start to the opener ‘Swell’ soon morphs into a plethora of changes. The heavy riffs are softened by melodic lead breaks. There are two versions of this track on YouTube. As well as the track itself there is also a guitar playthrough by KEYAN (full name Keyan Houshmand).

 

Up next is ‘Oscillate’ which follows the same formula except that the softer parts are more laid back. There’s still plenty of driving riffs and excellent solos and it’s a few minutes longer than the first track. That just leaves one track, but time wise we are only halfway through the EP.

Connor started playing guitar when he was 8 years old. At the age of 27 he got to design and release his dream signature guitar with Strandberg Guitars. That was in 2024, so I guess he used that guitar to record this EP.

As I intimated earlier, the tracks get longer as the EP progresses, and the final one ‘Pirouette’ is over 11 minutes. As you can probably imagine there are many switches in style and tempo as well as changes of time signatures. The track seems longer than it is, and it’s easy to get fully immersed in the technical brilliance. Soaring solos weave their way through the heavier complex sections, and it never gets tedious. This track features the two guests, Adam Getgood and Jack Gardiner and it’s a great finish to an enjoyable 22 minutes.

It will be interesting to see if this project continues and eventually makes it to the live environment. I am sure it would be welcome at certain festivals. It is worth keeping an eye (or ear) out for these guys. Either as this collaboration or as their individual projects. These three tracks are a great introduction to this talented pair but after a few plays it’s not enough. I find myself wanting more, and hopefully it won’t be too long before more arrives.

Track-List:

1. Swell
2. Oscillate
3. Pirouette