Michael Locher
Michael Locher | |
|---|---|
 Vorph on Hunter Fest 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Vorphalack, Vorph |
| Origin | Sion, Switzerland |
| Genres | Industrial metal, black metal |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1987–present |
Michael Locher (aka Vorphalack, or simply Vorph) (Born 1969) is a Swiss musician who provides vocals and is a guitarist for Swiss industrial/black metal band Samael (sometimes referred to as "Samaël"). He co-founded the band in 1987 with his brother Alexandre Locher (also known as Xytras or Xy) on drums.[1] Michael's musical influences include Slayer, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Venom, Bathory, and early Possessed.[2] Michael particularly points to Bathory as a source of inspiration for vocals:[3]
Quorthon from BATHORY for the vocals I think was a big influence. To me, at that time, he was probably the guy who pushed the boundaries the furthest in terms of that style of music.
— Michael Locher aka Vorph
His guitar is a customized ESP Viper with Ernie Ball guitar strings, Boss GT pro, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier.[4] During Samael's black metal period, Vorph (then called Vorphalack) played a Jackson King V guitar too. During the Passage era Vorph played a black Jackson Kelly.
Vorph stated in an interview with Dutch webzine Lords of Metal that he does not eat junk food and that he is a vegetarian.[5]
Vorph was born in Sion, Switzerland.
The Estonian band Horricane published a cover version of the Samael song Rain, and credited Vorph as Michel (instead of "Michael") Locher.[6]
References
- ^ "SAMAEL Official Website ++ - Offline". Samael.info. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
- ^ 21 February 2009. "SAMAEL Frontman: 'We Wanted To Do A More Stripped Down Metal Album'". BLABBERMOUTH.COM, Retrieved on 5 August 2009
- ^ 13 July 2007. "SAMAEL Frontman: 'For Almost The Last Two Years Now, I've Just Listened To Classical Music'". BLABBERMOUTH.COM, Retrieved on 5 August 2009
- ^ Official Website Vorph's Page
- ^ Vorph interview with Dutch webzine Lords of Metal
- ^ Horricane reference to Samael at Lords of Metal
External links
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| Artists | |
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