PANZERBALLETT FEAT. VIRGIL DONATI

The jazz-metal quintet led by guitarist, composer, and arranger Jan Zehrfeld has achieved cult status worldwide in the prog, math, djent, tech-metal, and jazz-fusion scenes.

With their original compositions and radically reinterpreted covers—the legendary “Verkrassungen”—the band has created a distinctive style. Humorous, mathematically sophisticated, and yet organic, an interplay of virtuoso power and effortless ease unfolds. Complex riffs meet jazzy improvisations, presented with breathtaking precision, joy of playing, and musical mastery—true to Zehrfeld’s motto: “Headbanging with brains.”

For decades, Virgil Donati has been one of the most influential drummers on the international fusion and progressive scene. In addition to his revolutionary drumming, his skills as a composer and orchestrator are also highly acclaimed. As an uncompromising musical free spirit, he has always transcended stylistic boundaries and has worked with artists such as Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Tony MacAlpine, Kiko Loureiro, Scott Henderson, and Steve Walsh.

He will present his latest album, “Übercode Œuvre,” which has generated international excitement and been celebrated by critics and audiences alike. The release is considered one of the band’s most ambitious and uncompromising works to date, combining technical radicalism, compositional depth, and musical humor in an extraordinary way. With“Übercode Œuvre,”PANZERBALLETT consistently continues its unique path between jazz, metal, and musical boundary-pushing.  

Lineup

Jan Zehrfeld – guitar, composition/arrangement
Virgil Donati – Drums, Composition/Arrangement
Joe Doblhofer – guitar
Florian Fennes – saxophone