Brazilian metal legend and Sepultura co-founder, known for his aggressive riffs and socially conscious songwriting that helped shape the sound of thrash metal.
As the lead guitarist of the iconic Brazilian metal band Sepultura, Andreas Kisser has been shredding his way into the hearts of metalheads worldwide since the late 1980s. With his unique blend of thrash metal riffage and melodic sensibilities, Kisser has become an integral part of Sepultura's sound and a household name in the metal community.
Born on August 24, 1968, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil, Kisser grew up in a family that encouraged his love for music. His mother, a Slovenian from Maribor, and his German father, a mechanical engineer, exposed him to a diverse range of music, from the Beatles to Roberto Carlos and Tonico & Tinoco.
Kisser's fascination with music began at the tender age of 10, when he started listening to his parents' records. A few years later, he received his first acoustic guitar from his grandmother and soon won another at a game of Bingo. As he delved deeper into music, Kisser's influences grew to include hard rock legends like Queen and Kiss, which had a profound impact on his style.
In 1984, Kisser formed his first band, Esfinge, with school friends, where he played guitar and sang. The band performed covers of heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iron Maiden. Two years later, they renamed themselves Sepultura, a name that would become synonymous with Brazilian heavy metal.
Kisser's unique guitar work and songwriting skills propelled Sepultura to international recognition with the release of their second album, Schizophrenia, in 1987. The album's success paved the way for Sepultura's rise to fame, with Kisser at the helm, guiding the band's sound and direction.
Beyond Sepultura, Kisser has been involved in various side projects, including the rock supergroup Hail, Sexoturica, and De La Tierra. These projects have allowed him to explore different musical styles and collaborate with other renowned musicians.
Kisser's work with Hail, featuring Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-Judas Priest) and David Ellefson (Megadeth), showcases his ability to adapt to different vocal styles and contribute to the creation of heavy, yet melodic, music.
Throughout his career, Kisser has been recognized for his contributions to heavy metal music. His unique guitar playing style, which blends aggression with melody, has inspired countless musicians around the world.
Sepultura's influence can be seen in many modern metal bands, and Kisser's work has been cited as an inspiration by artists such as Trivium, Machine Head, and Devildriver.
Aside from his music career, Kisser is known for his charitable work, particularly in his native Brazil. He has been involved in various initiatives, including fundraising campaigns for local charities and music workshops for underprivileged children.
Kisser's passion for music and his dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the metal community. As Sepultura continues to thrive, Kisser remains an integral part of the band's sound and a driving force behind their creative direction.
These albums represent some of Sepultura's most iconic works, featuring Kisser's innovative guitar playing and songwriting skills.
"Music is like a journey, and you never know where it's gonna take you."
— Andreas Kisser
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