Sultan of String

Artist's Website
Contact Artist
Switzerland

Warranties and Disclaimers

"Now this will either be a joyous exploration of progressive metal guitar instrumentation, or a horrendous disaster. For that is the lot of the men (and women) who choose to exercise their chops in this particular genre. Normally, I'd be shoving women and children out of the way trying to reach the lifeboats first, but the self proclaimed Sultan Of String (known to his kin as Dan Keller) manages to lift his sound out of the mire and make something worthwhile.  Although firmly based in the shredding world of Marty Friedman, Jason Becker and Steve Vai, Dan's particular tip involves exotic metal. Which seems to mean adding in some Middle and Far Eastern influences to the usual array of guitar effects, whammy bars and tricky tempo changes. It's when he utilises these influences to the extreme that it pans out best. Look no further than one of the album highlights, "Old Salt" and compare it to more it's more traditional neighbour "Ghost Light" to see what a difference a lick makes.Dan first came to public notice with his contribution to a Jason Becker tribute CD, so it should come as no surprise that there are some distinct tonal similarities between the two, but when he stretches out in his own direction, there is every indication that the Sultan Of String could become a name of note." - Stuart Hamilton, GetReadyToRock.com

"After contributing to the JASON BECKER TRIBUTE CD, Guitarist Dan Keller from Switzerland now has his own full-length CD out titled ‘Electric storm’, which contains nothing but high class instrumental Melodic (Progressive) Rock/Metal. Comparisons to a MARTY FRIEDMAN, VINNY MOORE, JASON BECKER and CACOPHONY are very clear, and Dan shows he is very good in playing guitar, while the 11 included songs are going from uptempo to midtempo, with a ballad thrown in for good measure. Guest appearances are made by MAGNITUDE 9 keyboard player Joseph Anastacio Glean and Dan’s wife Natali Keller. Natali sings on the only vocal track on the album, which is the bonustrack “Slaves Of Pyramid”, a nice midtempo Melodic Metal guitar riff driven song which sounds like a mix between AXEL RUDI PELL, DIO and DORO, but I think the instrumental songs are better. This CD is without a doubt a must-have for fans of instrumental Melodic Metal/Neo-Classical Prog. Metal, so go check it out for yourself!" - Gabor Kleinbloesem, Strutter'zine

"Hi Dan, Congratulations with your new CD again bro! I have always really liked your very cool style. I wish you all the success in the world Dan. It is unfortunate that players like Marty Friedman aren't playing in the Eastern Exotic style anymore in a virtuoso context. You may be the only one doing it now - I'm glad that you are too because the world needs a player like you around man!" - Tom Hess

"Dan, I've been listening to it here... some pretty cool stuff on there! Very nice vibrato bar techniques, and wah stuff... let me pop it in here again... I like Track 4 (Slaves Of Pyramide) the best I think. I like Track 5 (Slaves Of Pyramid) a lot too... I notice a lot of the melodies seem to go in different directions than I'd have anticipated. Good luck with your work! - All the Best" - Troy Stetina