Story

Maiden’s Baroque Chamber on fire

or: «(Who cares) how we met and founded WICKED PLAN?!»

Natali and Dan met in summer 1995 in Berne/Switzerland by chance, when Natali’s sister was looking for a Rock guitar teacher and… Dan was giving guitar lessons! Lucky girl \m/

A couple of months later Natali and Dan found out that both love 80ies Hard’n Heavy sound. At that time, Dan lead his Hard Rock band „Double 0 Zero“ as guitarist and song writer. While Natali was writing and recording her own music too, which was kind of a thrasy underground Metal with spooky organs and hard rocking drums 🙂

So what lies closer at hand than to join forces!? Dan and Natali decided to move together musically – and a couple of month later also in private live. With that the foundation was laid for WICKED PLAN.

Natali was already heavily influenced by Iron Maiden and singers like Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio and Rob Halford. She also brought in her strong interest in phantasy stories… now you know why so many WICKED PLAN songs deal with dragons, kings and wizards! 🙂

Dan on the other hand was – beside 80ies Hard’n Heavy – more into Classical and Oriental music. He contributed riffs in an early Megadeth, Metallica and Dokken style, combined with Yngwie Malmsteen/George Lynch influenced soloing. In 2015, after the OUT OF FIRE album, Dan started to write first Orchestral parts for each song (the band had no rhythm guitar player for the gigs) and with that, the final style element of WICKED PLAN came into play: the Orchestra.

So WICKED PLAN’s style evolved over time to an extraordinary mix of 80ies Hard’n Heavy riffs and shredding, with truly powerful vocals and strong Baroque/Neoclassical melodies.

We provided this summary for those of you interested in WICKED PLAN’s story and music.

With rocky wishes \m/
Natali & Dan

The core line-up of WICKED PLAN is
Natali Keller – Vocals
Dan Keller – Guitars & Orchestra Programming

Depending on the situation Natali and Dan are supported by other musicians and live technology.

Official Music Video ICARUS

The NEW monster video of the album LAND ON FIRE. Check it out & Bang your head!

Natali Keller (Vocals)

«I have always been fascinated to sing Heavy Metal with a hard sound – like many men and strong singers do. And with WICKED PLAN I can live it out finally. «A female singer can hardly produce the typical metal frequencies and sounds before she is able to sing with the technique of a male singer!» Because in the end she has to win the battle against rattling drums, a pumping bass and screaming guitars!“

Natali is a founding member of WICKED PLAN and is shaping the sound and the energy level of WICKED PLAN with her voice massively.
Natali Keller

…As a teenager Natali has started singing in different bands. In 2002 Natali has started the project „Queen of Nile“, together with Dan. The name «Queen of Nile» is reflecting Natali’s affinity to the Egyptian culture, and one can clearly hear and read this in several lyrics.

Natali has studied music and vocals in the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) with Tommy Lion (ex-Drifter, Stormhammer, ManAPrime) and has also recorded with Tommy Lion. Natali offers vocal lessons and vocal coaching (via skype) and is currently working at TRITONE School of Music.

Dan Keller (Guitars, Orchestra Programming)

Beside Dan’s composition skills, his biggest capital is the expressive guitar playing. Dan is a founding member and the composer/guitarist of WICKED PLAN. Inspired by musicians like Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch and the great composers of the Baroque era, Dan is creating an artful mix of melodic Heavy Metal, 80ies Hard Rock and Baroque/ Neoclassical elements.
Dan Keller

… Dan was «Artist of the Month» on Guitar9, the – at that time – biggest portal for instrumental guitar music. Shortly afterwards Dan contributed his interpretation of the song „Dweller in the Cellar“ for the Japanese release of the Jason Becker Tribute album.

„Electric Storm“ was Dan’s first solo album. Then he started working with Natali on the Exotic Metal projekt „Queen of Nile“.

Dan has a «Professional Guitar Performer» diploma from the US SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL MUSIC, has taken guitar lessons with Victor Smolski (ex-Mind Odyssey, ex-Rage, Almanac) and offers guitar lessons at TRITONE School of Music.

Noel Patscheider (Drums)

Noel has a long history in hammering and drumming. He started at the age of 2(!) and never stopped since. Noel has a great guy, has a very good feel and punch.

We’re really looking forward to taking off with Noel! So much so that we were willing to wait a few months until Noel is ready to join us on stage, which will be in spring 2025. Until then, we’re working on the songs from the current, but soon also for the upcoming album!

Stay tuned \m/
Noel Patscheider