Steffen Kummerer

Steffen Kummerer (born 1 June 1985) is a German guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Steffen is leader, main songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist of the death metal band Obscura as well as the black metal band Thulcandra in which he is the only remaining founding member. Since 2012 he has been a touring member of the official tribute band to Death. Kummerer's Ran custom guitar shape have become a signature shape unique to him and his band Obscura.[1]

Steffen Kummerer
Kummerer performing in 2013
Background information
Born1 June 1985 (1985-06) (age 35)
Chemnitz, Saxony
GenresTechnical death metal
Death metal
Black metal
Progressive metal
Occupation(s)Musician
Songwriter
Producer
Director
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, bass, piano, drums
Years active2002-present
Associated actsObscura
Death
Thulcandra
Websitewww.steffenkummerer.com

Biography

Early life and education

Steffen Kummerer was born in Chemnitz (Karl-Marx-Stadt then) on 1 June 1985. He started playing keyboard at the age of 9 and later learned to play guitar, bass and drums. In addition, Kummerer has a degree as master of engineering in media technology, and received his graduate degree after the completion of the Omnivium record.[2]

Professional career

In 2002 Steffen Kummerer begun to study guitar and founded the progressive death metal band Obscura. In 2003 he created the black metal group Thulcandra. Both bands received international respect, Obscura released four full-length albums and one demo and gained worldwide recognition, Thulcandra released three full length and one demo up to date.

In 2009, the album Cosmogenesis was released via Relapse Records and cracked the US Newcomer Billboard. Two years later in 2011, Omnivium entered Billboard charts again and sold 2,000 records within the first week in the USA alone,[3] and while the record also landed on the Germany's Newcomer Charts.

Steffen also produces various video clips and art. Best known examples include his work for the songs "Anticosmic Overload", "Akroasis", "Ten Sepiroth" and graphic concepts for both of his bands.

Equipment

Kummerer endorses ESP Guitars, ENGL amplification, Ernie Ball, Richter Straps, Presonus, EMG Pickups, Jericho Gehäuse & TC Electronic. Between 2003 and 2018, he has played RAN custom built guitars exclusively in both 6-string and 7-string versions with the iconic Obscura shape. All guitars feature EMG pickups.

  • RAN SK signature 6-string guitar (2003) with EMG 81 pickup
  • RAN SK signature 7-string guitar (2010) with EMG 707 pickup
  • RAN SK signature 7-string guitar (2011) with EMG 81-7 pickup

Discography

Obscura

Thulcandra
  • Perishness Around Us - (2004)
  • Fallen Angel's Dominion - (2010)
  • Under a Frozen Sun - (2011)
  • Ascension Lost - (2015)

Guest/session appearances
  • guest vocals on Panzerballett (Germany) X-Mas Death Jazz - (2017)
  • guest solo on Stortregn (Switzerland) Singularity - (2016)
  • guest solo on Mynded (Germany) Nuclear Downfall - (2015)
  • guest solo on Wraithcult (Germany) Gestalt - (2013)
  • guest solo on Over Your Threshold (Germany) Facticity - (2012)
  • guest vocals on Pequod (Germany) Forgotten - (2011)
  • guest vocals on Hokum (Germany) The Creation of Pain (2011)
  • guest solo on Disdained (Serbia) The Last Opus EP - (2010)

Live/session appearances
  • bass, Black Horizons (Germany) - (2003-2004)
  • guitar, Festering Saliva (Germany) - (2005-2006)
  • guitar, Helfahrt (Germany) - (2006-2007)
  • vocals & guitar, Death (USA) - (2012 - present)
  • bass, Secrets of the Moon (Germany) - (2016)

Books
  • Cosmogenesis - Official Tablature Book (2010)
  • Omnivium - Official Tablature Book (2012)
  • Guitar Anthology - Official Tablature Book (2015)
  • Death - Best of 1987 - 1998, Official Tablature Book (2015)
  • Akróasis - Official Tablature Book (2016)
  • Diluvium - Official Tablature Book (2018)

Videography
  • Anticosmic Overload - Official Music Video (2009)
  • Akróasis - Official Music Video (2015)
  • Ten Sepiroth - Official Music Video (2016)
  • Diluvium - Official Music Video (2018)
  • Mortification of the Vulgar Sun - Official Music Video (2018)
  • Emergent Evolution - Official Music Video (2019)

References
  1. http://www.ranguitars.com/artists/obscura
  2. http://www.xplosivemetal.com/interviews/335-obscura-interview
  3. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/obscura-omnivium-first-week-sales-revealed/
  4. "Steffen Kummerer Discography and Music at CD Universe". Cduniverse.com. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.