Steffen Kummerer


Steffen Kummerer 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.

Biography

Early life and education

Steffen Kummerer was born in Chemnitz 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.

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, 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.

Obscura