Is Matias Kupiainen the new Steve Vai?

Stratovarius recruit 25-year-old unknown

Joe Bosso, Sat 23 Aug 2008, 12:52 pm BST

The face of the next guitar hero?

Stratovarius is a power metal band from Finland. Hugely popular in Europe, they have yet to achieve worldwide success. But all of that might change because of a young guitar phenom named Matias Kupiainen, who is already being hailed as the "new Steve Vai."

Stratovarius's previous guitarist, Timo Tolkki, quit the band earlier this year after a protracted period of mental illness (some of it institutionalized). For reasons unknown, Tolkki walked away, gave the band name and all song rights and future royalties to the group.

Enter Kupianinen, a 25-year-old native of Helsinki who has studied music theory and technology at the Sibelius Academy. Very Steve Vai influenced, his picking style is smooth and precise. He's already started working with the band on new material. An album is expected some time in 2009.

Check out Kupianinen on his YouTube video performing his own composition Hangover Shred.

What say you? The next Steve Vai?

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User comments (2)

funkyfraz

44 weeks ago.

Clearly a very good guitarist. But from that one song, I wouldn't say he's any better than the thousands of bedroom guitarists you here on youtube. He doesn't sound Unique in anyway. Dont get me wrong though. he sounds an excellent guitarist.

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Ibanezshark

44 weeks ago.

This guy looks like he has the chops, skills and musical patience to become something big like Steve Vai, but I think something all people who deserve to be called good guitarists have to learn is how to play in strange timings to be set apart. If I know he can do that, what's gonna stop him?
Also, good use of Jazz timing for the hangover shred!

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