Vadim Pruzhanov

Infobox musical artist 2
Name = Vadim Pruzhanov
Background = Khaki

Img_capt = Vadim Pruzhanov
Birth_name = Vadim Pruzhanov
Born = Birth date and age|1982|6|18|
Origin = Ukraine
Death =
Genre = Power metal
Occupation = Musician, Songwriter
Years_active = 2001-present
Instrument = Keyboards Piano Vocals Guitar
First_album = Sonic Firestorm
Latest_album = Inhuman Rampage
Notable_albums =
Notable songs = *Dawn Over A New World
*Body Breakdown
*Lost Souls In Endless Time
Label = Sanctuary, Noise, Roadrunner Records
Associated_acts = DragonForce, Protest the Hero
URL = [http://dragonforce.com/ dragonforce.com]

Vadim Pruzhanov (Ukrainian: Вадим Пружанов) (born June 18, 1982 in Ukraine, Soviet Union) is the keyboardist of UK power metal band, DragonForce.

Musical Style

Pruzhanov is well known amongst the DragonForce fan community for his frantic head-banging and extremely fast techno/video game inspired keyboard solos, and has been known to play the keyboard with his tongue. Some people think he plays with his forehead, but he states, "Some people think I play with my face, but I really don't. They just have to be observant!" Often, he will entertain the crowd at a DragonForce concert with a high-speed keyboard performance utilizing the ideal of show stopping spectacle over skill, often incorporating melodic elements from popular TV tunes such as The Simpsons or Countdown. During these he will play his Roland keytar (as seen on the "Operation Ground and Pound" video), and he is often accompanied by Herman Li or another member of the band as the intermission progresses.

During the guitar-driven DragonForce songs, Pruzhanov often only plays string or synth-string backing, but occasionally solos alongside the guitars - for example, in Soldiers of the Wasteland.

Pruzhanov's keyboarding can also be heard in a solo on the latest Protest The Hero track, "Limb from Limb." The solo consists of a wide variety of technical sounds sounding similar to old Atari age video game music. But Pruzhanov's recognizable keyboarding style can be heard in most DragonForce songs, like the popular song "Through the Fire and Flames."

Biography

He was born in Ukraine, Soviet Union and later moved to London, England. He first started playing piano at the age of 8. Vadim then studied at a music school until he eventually got bored and quit three years later, and carried on as a self-taught player instead. It was at that time that Vadim discovered rock music and decided to pursue it as a career. He got a Yamaha PSS-51 keyboard and started to create his own music at the age of 12 and has carried on since. Apart from playing the keyboard, Vadim is also a capable guitar player, and owns an Ibanez guitar. He takes influence from artists such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Strapping Young Lad, Steve Vai, Pantera, Judas Priest, Symphony X, and Dream Theater.

Vadim studied at Cardinal Wiseman RC High School in Greenford, Middlesex (London). He continued on as a member of the 6th Form.

Stage Equipment

Vadim often stands behind a deck consisting of a Korg Triton Extreme and Korg X50 (previously a Korg N264). He has recently switched to playing a customized Roland AX-7 keytar for increased maneuverability on stage, letting him match the lively performance given by Sam Totman, Herman Li and Frédéric Leclercq. He has also recently included a Theremin into his equipment. In addition to that he also has MIDIjet Pro, and Sennheiser IEM G2

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/vadoforce Vadim Pruzhanov on MySpace]
* [http://www.dragonforce.com Official DragonForce homepage]
* [http://www.pyromusic.net/index.php?p=interviews_interview&id=27 PyroMusic.net interview with Vadim]