Nepenthe was formed in 1990 by brothers Matt Mizenko (bass) and Todd Mizenko (guitar) along with Jamie Boruch (drums). The band initially honed its skills playing the New York/New Jersey club circuit, and developed a unique sound spanning epic progressive rock to European pop and blurring the lines in between. Keyboardist Eddie Konczal and vocalist Keith Watlington joined the band in 1992. In 1993, the band released their debut CD, "Turning the Tide" (under their original name, Ars Nova).
In 1994 vocalist Jason Rosenfeld replaced Watlington. The band began to refine its style and changed its name to Nepenthe. After a short tour of coffeehouses, Nepenthe emerged with a powerful show at the legendary CBGB in New York City.
After performing throughout the northeastern United States for most of 1994, the band entered the studio in 1995 to record "everything was beautiful and nothing hurt" (InEarVisions, 1997). Prior to the album's release, the track "The Ugly and The Brave" was included on the compilation CD "New Brunswick Underground" (Childlike Records, 1996) to critical acclaim. In March 1997 the band's CD release show at New Brunswick's Budapest Cocktail Lounge shattered attendance records for the venue.
After the departure of Rosenfeld in 1998, the band soldiered on with the addition of lead vocalist Vince Ascoli, formerly of the Yes tribute band Relayer. Ascoli contributed his talents to the "Mercury" EP (1999) and to the band's cover of Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" ("Parachute Pants," Childlike Records, 1999). Nepenthe disbanded in 1999 but is committed to keeping its music available for the Internet community.
WE FINALLY HAVE SOME NEW DEMOS UP!! Please check them out and tell us what you think!
Since we have changed the name of the band our CD is now a collector’s item! If you’re interested, please show your support and Purchase the Sand Timer CD here.
Thanks very much for adding me into your friends space. Now you can check out my pics of Marillion, Pain of Salvation, Stream of Passion, Riverside.... Hope your new year is wonderful!
