The Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser celebrates 56 today
With his powerful guitar riffs, technical skill, and creative songwriting, Kisser has played a crucial role in shaping the sound and success of the Brazilian band Sepultura, one of the most iconic metal bands to emerge from South America
The Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser celebrates 56 today
The Brazilian musician, songwriter, and producer Andreas Kisser, best known as the lead guitarist of the influential heavy metal band Sepultura, was born Andreas Rudolf Kisser on August 24, 1968, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. Kisser grew up in a musical family, with his father playing various instruments. Inspired by his father’s passion for music and by legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Tony Iommi, Kisser began playing guitar at a young age. He immersed himself in the local rock and metal scenes, honing his skills and developing a unique playing style that blended heavy metal with elements of Brazilian music.
In 1987, Kisser joined Sepultura, replacing their original guitarist, Jairo Guedz. At that time, the band was gaining traction in the global metal scene with their raw and aggressive sound. Kisser’s arrival marked a turning point for Sepultura, as his technical proficiency and songwriting abilities helped the band evolve their sound into a more complex and polished form of thrash and death metal. His first album with Sepultura, Schizophrenia (1987), showcased his guitar prowess and set the stage for the band’s breakthrough. The follow-up albums, Beneath the Remains (1989) and Arise (1991), were critical and commercial successes, solidifying Sepultura’s status as a leading force in the global metal scene. Kisser’s intricate guitar work, combined with the band’s intense energy, earned them a loyal fan base and widespread acclaim.
In 1993, Sepultura released Chaos A.D., an album that further expanded their musical boundaries by incorporating elements of groove metal, hardcore punk, and traditional Brazilian music. Kisser’s innovative guitar playing on tracks like “Refuse/Resist” and “Territory” was central to the album’s success and highlighted his ability to blend heavy riffs with diverse influences.
Sepultura’s 1996 album, Roots, is often considered a landmark in the metal genre, fusing elements of nu-metal with Brazilian tribal music. Kisser’s guitar work on Roots was groundbreaking, as he experimented with different tunings, percussive techniques, and indigenous instruments, creating a sound that was both heavy and culturally rich. The album received widespread praise and brought Sepultura even greater international recognition.
After the departure of lead vocalist and co-founder Max Cavalera in 1997, Kisser took on an even more prominent role in Sepultura, both as a guitarist and a songwriter. He helped guide the band through a period of transition, continuing to release albums that explored new musical territories while staying true to their metal roots. Albums like Against (1998), Dante XXI (2006), and Machine Messiah (2017) showcased Kisser’s versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the band’s sound.
Outside of Sepultura, Kisser has been involved in various musical projects and collaborations. He has played with bands like De La Tierra, a Latin American metal supergroup, and has also worked as a producer and guest musician on numerous albums. Kisser’s contributions to the metal genre have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected guitarists in the industry.
Look back at the 1991 music video “Territory” by Sepultura
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