Viper (band)
| Viper | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brazil |
| Genres | Heavy metal, power metal, thrash metal, alternative rock |
| Years active | 1985–1996, 2004–2009, 2012–present |
| Website | www.viperbrazil.com.br |
| Members |
Andre Matos Pit Passarell Felipe Machado Renato Graccia |
Viper is a Brazilian heavy metal band formed in 1985 initially influenced by Iron Maiden and the new wave of British heavy metal, later developing a very particular sound.
Viper recorded their first demo tape in 1985, The Killera Sword, and in 1987 they released their first album, Soldiers of Sunrise — which, despite the simple production, and the somewhat flawed English in the lyrics, showcased the degree of talent and skill of the band's members, all of them teenagers at the time.
In 1989 they released Theatre of Fate, notable for the metal and classical music mix, with a song based on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata; another noteworthy song is Living for the Night - possibly the favorite one of most Viper fans. This album was released in several countries and granted them international fame - especially in Japan, where it outsold renowned groups like Nirvana and Van Halen.
Not long after that, however, singer Andre Matos left Viper to go to complete his education in music at a University in Germany. Upon returning to Brazil he joined the band Angra.
Rather than look for another singer, bassist (and main composer) Pit Passarel took over the microphone. This led to the first major change in the band's style, noticeable in their next album, Evolution, released in 1992 - heavier, more direct, with a more thrash metal sounding. Again, it is a commercial success with good reviews.
On April 18, 1993, Viper played in Club Cittá, Tokyo; this concert's record was later released as Maniacs in Japan.
In 1995 they released their next album, Coma Rage, in which a punk influence is quite strong - as the presence of a cover version of "I Fought the Law" makes very clear. Despite mixed reviews, it is again a fine seller. However, the band has stated later that, in hindsight, they are far from satisfied with the album's mixing.
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