Kenosis began over five years ago when Michael Olson (vocals, guitar) Joined with Nick Cushing (bass guitar) and Roger Scharf (drums) to perform Michael W. Smith's "Going Through The Motions" for a talent festival. After receiving high marks in the festival, the band was formed under the name One Hot Wanton. Playing mostly for church youth group events, the band honed their skills and started to create their own sound. In early 1997, the group dropped the One Hot Wanton moniker in favor of the more meaningful Kenosis. Having troubles keeping a steady concert schedule, Kenosis went through several different members before settling on a solid line up in early 1998. With Roger planning to go on a summer missions project, Josh Cushing, who had filled for Roger in the past, became the permanent drummer, and Jonathan Sannes was added on lead guitar. The summer went well for the group, playing at various functions, and so in mid July they began working on what would eventually become their first album "Forgiven Soul". Released in the Fall of 1998, "Forgiven Soul" was a modern rock/pop album recorded on a shoe string budget, in the church sanctuary. To promote the record, Kenosis began to venture out into other communities, and people started to take notice. By late fall, Roger Scharf once again rejoined the group, this time as an aux percussionist. Unsatisfied with what they had captured on "Forgiven Soul", Kenosis went into a professional studio to record their next project "10,000" in early 1999. Finally able to make record they wanted, "10,000" began to be noticed by people outside the community. The interest was great enough to allow Kenosis to do their first summer tour. The summer proved to be a bonding time for the group as they grew together as people as well as musicians. The summer was capped off by their first major festival performance, at Spirit Fest Midwest. In the fall of 1999, Roger and Jonathan left the group along with longtime sound man Ryan Striker. The group had not played as a three piece since the very beginning of the group, so trying to sustain their momentum was tough. But they bounced back, and completely revitalized their sound. Now feeling very comfortable with each other, the group entered the New Union Battle of the Bands and won their very first night. With an edgier more Progressive modern rock/funk sound Kenosis has big plans for the future. Articles in the High Plains Reader and the Fargo Forum have introduced Kenosis to many new people. The future looks very bright indeed.