EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT

In 1990 brothers Matt Mizenko and Todd Mizenko formed NEPENTHE together with Jamie Boruch. The bands initially name was ARS NOVA and they are playing a music that can be described as modern progressive rock or progressive pop, comparable to early GENESIS, MARILLION and YES. This could maybe be of interest even for lovers of DREAM THEATER.

In 1993 they released their first CD "Turning The Tide" under the name ARS NOVA and in 1994 they changed their name to NEPENTHE, a word that describes something capable of making one forget grief or suffering.

In 1995 they began the recording of "Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt", that was released in 1997. This is obviously a very talented group with songs containing many atmospheric mood and tempo changes, together with intricate guitars and bass. But it's not only the musicians that are great. The vocalist Jason is a very good singer too. Although this sometimes being a very intricate album the choruses are very catchy.

If you like very beautiful progressive music, this is very good and definitely worth owning. In my opinion this is one of the best albums from 1997.

The band is currently working on their new album that probably will be titled "Thistle, Thorn and Ember". They also got a new lead vocalist in Vince Ascoli who used to sing in the YES tribute band RELAYER.