Ralph Santolla

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Ralph Santolla is an Italian-American metal guitarist who currently plays in Deicide. He has played in many other bands in the past, including Eyewitness, Death (did not record with, but toured with 1993 and appeared in The Philosopher video), Millennium, Iced Earth, and the Sebastian Bach band. Ralph is very proud of his Italian heritage and his plays guitars by Jackson and Ibanez with the Italian flag painted on them. His primary guitar at the moment is the ESP Dave Mustaine model V.

Recently at a gig in Laredo, Texas, Ralph Santolla was arrested for allegedly throwing a Red Bull can at an officer after Deicide was forced to stop playing at a gig that was getting out of control. [1]

Santolla is a practicing Roman Catholic, which has caused controversy with Deicide fans, many of whom are against Christianity and are aware of frontman Glen Benton's open Satanism. Many were surprised that Benton even let Santolla join the band, due to his frequent criticism of the religion. However, Ralph stated that he is "not going to pretend to be some dark and evil person just so people think I'm metal" and also stated that he respects Benton, despite differences in religion, for not being afraid to be true to himself. [2]. In a recent interview on Australian radio, Benton stated that he had no problems working with Santolla because of his religion, saying, "Ralph's what I like to call a part-timer... I mean, his favourite song on the new album is "Death To Jesus."

He has frequently talked about starting his own band with Steve DiGiorgio and Gene Hoglan, whom he worked with in Death. He is currently working on a new solo instrumental album, titled Requim for Hope. This is his second solo album, his first was Shaolin Monks in the Temple of Metal.