Vorph

Michael Locher
Vorph on Hunter Fest 2007
Background information
Also known as	Vorphalack, Vorph
Born	(1969-01-07) January 7, 1969 (age 48)
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 (a.k.a. Vorphalack, or simply Vorph) (born 7 January 1969) is a Swiss musician who provides vocals and is a guitarist for Swiss industrial/black metal band Samael. He co-founded the band in 1987 with his brother Alexandre Locher (also known as Xytras or Xy) on drums. Michael's musical influences include Celtic Frost, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Venom, Bathory, and early Possessed. Michael particularly points to Bathory as a source of inspiration for vocals:

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.

His guitar is a customized ESP Viper with Ernie Ball guitar strings, Boss GT pro, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. 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.

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.