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(s) 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 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, Line 6 pod, 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

  1. ↑ "SAMAEL Official Website ++ - Offline". Samael.info. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  2. ↑ 21 February 2009. "SAMAEL Frontman: 'We Wanted To Do A More Stripped Down Metal Album'". BLABBERMOUTH.COM, Retrieved on 5 August 2009
  3. ↑ 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
  4. ↑ Official Website Vorph's Page
  5. ↑ Vorph interview with Dutch webzine Lords of Metal
  6. ↑ Horricane reference to Samael at Lords of Metal

External links