Andreas Kisser

Born to a Yugoslavian mother, from Maribor, currently Slovenia and a German father, Kisser was originally a roadie for founding vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera. He was asked to join the band in 1987 following the departure of original lead guitarist Jairo Guedes. He is largely responsible for bringing a more progressive sound to the band starting with the "Schizophrenia" album (1987). He studied classical guitar for several years before joining Sepultura. According to Allmusic, Kisser is one of metal's most overlooked guitarists. During his early days, he frequently used Charvel/Jackson guitars (especially the one with Red Hot Chili Peppers' stickers and the white Randy Rhoads model for the Arise album). Recently he is being endorsed by Fender and is using Stratocaster model, though he still endorses Jackson and has been known to use them at a few live performances. In 1992, Andreas unsuccessfully auditioned for the position of rhythm guitarist of Metallica, as a temporary replacement of James Hetfield, who had suffered severe burns on his hand during a live show. Kisser is involved in several Brazilian movie soundtracks projects, namely No Coração dos Deuses and Bellini e a Esfinge. Kisser provided his guitar playing to 3 tracks on the Roadrunner United album. His playing can be heard on the tracks The Enemy, Baptized in the Redemption, and No Mas Control. He is participating in the Scorpions Humanity Tour 2008 as a guest musician. Kisser and drummer Igor Cavalera became the major creative forces in Sepultura after Max Cavalera's 1996 departure, although Igor is no longer a member of the band. His solo album entitled Hubris I & II, has been released in Europe.