Michael Locher

Michael Locher
Vorph on Hunter Fest 2007
Background information
Also known as	Vorphalack, Vorph
Origin	Sion, Switzerland
Genres	Industrial metal Black metal
Occupations	Musician
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1987–present
Associated acts	Samael Alastis
Notable instruments
ESP Viper (custom)

Michael Locher (aka Vorphalack, or simply Vorph) is a Swiss musician who provides vocals and plays guitar 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.^[1] Michael's musical influences include Slayer, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, 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, Line 6 pod, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier.^[4]

References

1. ^ http://www.samael.info/solar_soul/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=46
2. ^ Feb. 21, 2009. "SAMAEL Frontman: 'We Wanted To Do A More Stripped Down Metal Album'". BLABBERMOUTH.COM, Retrieved on August 5, 2009
3. ^ July 13, 2007. "SAMAEL Frontman: 'For Almost The Last Two Years Now, I've Just Listened To Classical Music'". BLABBERMOUTH.COM, Retrieved on August 5, 2009
4. ^ Official Website Vorph's Page

Persondata
Name	Locher, Michael
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