Michael Locher
Michael Locher (a.k.a. Vorphalack, or simply Vorph) (born 7 January 1969[1]) is a Swiss musician who provides vocals and is a guitarist for Swiss industrial/black metal band Samael. He co-founded the band in 1987 with his brother Alexandre Locher (also known as Xytras or Xy) on drums.[2] Michael's musical influences include Celtic Frost, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Venom, Bathory, and early Possessed.[3] Michael particularly points to Bathory as a source of inspiration for vocals:[4]
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 a.k.a. Vorph
Michael Locher | |
|---|---|
 Vorph on Hunter Fest 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Vorphalack, Vorph |
| Born | 7 January 1969 |
| Origin | Sion, Switzerland |
| Genres | Industrial metal, black metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Osmose Productions Century Media Nuclear Blast Galactical Records |
| Associated acts | Samael Alastis |
His guitar is a customized ESP Viper with Ernie Ball guitar strings, Boss GT pro, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier.[5] 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.[6]
Vorph was born in Sion, Switzerland.
References
- "Vorph - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". www.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
- "SAMAEL Official Website ++ - Offline". Samael.info. Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
- Morgan, Anthony (21 February 2009). "SAMAEL Frontman: 'We Wanted To Do A More Stripped Down Metal Album'". Blabbermouth.net, Retrieved on 5 August 2009
- "SAMAEL Frontman: 'For Almost The Last Two Years Now, I've Just Listened To Classical Music'". Blabbermouth.net. 13 July 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
- Official Website Vorph's Page
- Ramon (April 2011). "Samael". Lords of Metal. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
