| Biography: |
Ken Jacobsen (formerly known as
Ken Jack) is truly the mastermind behind U.P. (Unleashed Power). From
writing mind-tangling, socially-relevant lyrics to performing intricate
guitar riffs and breaks, Jacobsen has been the driving force demanding
excellence from himself and the other band members. From the debut album
"Quintet of
Spheres" to the demanding "Mindfailure"
and the most recent E.P. "Absorbed",
Jacobsen has been the songwriter and producer of the material. Born in
Copenhagen, Denmark, but raised throughout Europe and the U.S., Jacobsen's
international perspective and experience is evident in his writing,
playing, and producing. He has never stayed within the traditional heavy
metal confines that many other bands have fallen captive to.
Ken's first band, Avalon, recorded an album in Denmark featuring John
Mathias and Metallica-famed Sweet Silence Studios' engineer, Flemming
Rasmussen. The subsequent breakup of Avalon brought Ken to New York City
(1988) where he formed the solid Unleashed Power lineup. This lineup
produced two demos,
"Blindfolded" and "Quintet
of Spheres", which ultimately became the full length CD release of “Quintet
of Spheres”. However, it was developing, producing, and performing "Mindfailure"
that enabled Ken's brilliance to truly shine. The level of intensity
required at every step of this production demonstrated what Jacobsen is
really all about: peak performance, testing the limits, and ultimate
perfection.
Unfortunately, the band has not only experienced triumphant highs. In the
summer of 1994, 27-year-old bassist, John
Lievano faced a tragic death by breaking his neck in a freak train
accident. Drummer Ed Owen's
disillusionment with the destitute prospect of finding a replacement and
recording another album, sans label, culminated with his departure. A new
era for U.P. was imminent.
Unleashed Power
|
Ken - who had long been
familiar with Jörg
Michael's drumming on the classic Mekong Delta albums-initiated contact.
Jörg's chops and experience infused U.P.'s songs with a new dimension of
verve and punch. Although the material would stretch his abilities to the
limit, Jörg enthusiastically embraced this new challenge. Since he
yearned to play heavy progressive material once more, the talks became
reality culminating with the two spending time in Germany rehearsing and
recording the drum tracks for the "Mindfailure"
CD in a WW II bunker.
The course was now set for a heavier, heartier sound, but ex-singer John
Mathias realized he did not desire to pursue this new punishing style of
music. Enter Brian
T. Chaffee, a vocalist that leaves a lasting impression, the natural choice
for a replacement. Brian's talents and flexible, gut-wrenching vocal style
was an appreciated addition to the lineup.
One of the reasons U.P. can repeatedly produce intensely forceful music is
the band's thorough commitment to impeccable performance and musical
quality. During the 1995 Mindfailure recording, band members were reputed
to have done outrageous acts to maintain the focus, dexterity and strength
required to sustain the level of excellence they expected of themselves.The sudden death
of former U.P. bassist, John
Lievano, prompted the search for another bassist. Jörg introduced Tony
Spagone to Ken after the two met at a rehearsal session in Germany.
| ""Absorbed" |
Tony Spagone's appearance would only be as a session player, and New
Yorker John Balistreri would eventually join as a band member.
"Mindfailure"
was truly Jacobsen's attempt at a masterpiece level of perfection. His
accomplishment of this goal is entirely evident on the C.D. You've got to
hear it to believe it!With the completion of this new and brutal recording
and extremely positive response, tour offers were laid on the table.
Unfortunately, when confronted with the ensuing live shows, Brian,
consumed with personal obligations, realized he wasn't the man to perform
the tour and left the band. With live shows scheduled and two songs
remaining to be completed for the new "Absorbed" E.P., Texan Len
Jarrell stepped in to perform with awe striking power and total
conviction.
UNLEASHED
POWER
"Absorbed"
(Verdict Entertainment)
Absorbed es un Ep con muy buenos temas del mas tecnico y profesional thrash/power metal con marcada influencia del thrash actual. Los temas que mas llamaron mi atencion son "Perpetrator of Dreams" .. con una impresionante velocida de inicio a fin, todo headbanger disfrutara con este tema. La habilidad de Ken Jacobsen con su guitarra es puesta a prueba en este tema , igualmente el trabajo de bateria por parte de Jorg Michaels ( quie fuera baterista en los clasicos albums de Mekong Delta) es realmente envidiable, otro excelente tema es "Absorbed" donde la voz de Len Jarrel es forzada para alcanzar unos niveles de notable melodia contrastado por coros con voz grave y excelentes solos de guitarra. Este Ep me ha dejado una muy grata impresion de una banda absolutamente desconocida para mi.
Himnos Rituales de Guerra.8.5/10