VIPER , one of the most important bands in the history of Brazilian metal, is back with a new single! The group released today, the 28th, the track "Under the Sun," which will be part of Timeless , the band's first album of new material in 15 years.
Composed by Pit Passarell and Guilherme Martin, the song is a power metal track reminiscent of the Theatre of Fate , a classic album released by the band in 1989. “Under the Sun” is the first sample from the band's seventh studio album, and their first since “All My Life” in 2007.
The project is produced by Maurício Cersosimo ( Paul McCartney , Avril Lavigne ), who previously worked with VIPER on the live album To Live Again: Live in São Paulo . The track will also have a music video directed by Caio Cobra , director of " Intervenção " and " Virando a Mesa " (Netflix).
Despite this being their first album in 15 years, the band hasn't been inactive during that time. In 2015, they released the live album and DVD To Live Again: Live In São Paulo . The album documented the tour in which Andre Matos , who began his legendary career as the vocalist for VIPER, returned to the band. Following his tragic death in 2019, the band also released the posthumous track "The Spreading Soul Forever" in his honor.
The album is also the first with the band's current lineup, which includes Leandro Caçoilo (vocals), Felipe Machado and Kiko Shred (guitars), Pit Passarell (bass and vocals), and Guilherme Martin (drums). The band is currently touring Brazil – in addition to the new material, the shows also feature classic songs from the band, including "Living for the Night," "Rebel Maniac," and "To Live Again," among others.
“My inspiration was VIPER themselves during the band's most melodic phase, something between 'Soldiers of Sunrise' and 'Theatre of Fate'. I think this song has everything to become a classic because it has a very strong chorus. The first few times we played it live, the audience started singing along with us almost immediately. The lyrics have this road movie feel, several stories that complete a larger narrative,” says bassist Pit Passarell.
Drummer Guilherme Martin added: “What’s most impressive about 'Under the Sun' is the spontaneity with which it was composed. It was a group effort, where the whole band contributed to the result. The music recalls VIPER’s greatest hits, with elements of classical music and the energy of the band’s early albums, which were milestones in world heavy metal. The lyrics are inspired by On the Road , a classic by Jack Kerouac . I believe that 'Under the Sun' lives up to the expectations of our fans, who have waited years for a new VIPER release.”
“Pride is the word that describes this moment with VIPER, because we worked very hard on this album. 'Under the Sun' reflects this band lineup, which literally comes with blood in their eyes. Producer Mauricio Cersosimo did a beautiful job,” says vocalist Leandro Caçoilo.
Guitarist Kiko Shred commented: “A powerful song, a composition worthy of heavy metal classics. The arrangements are impressive and the production is perfect.”
“Viper fans have been asking us for a new album for a long time. We felt it was time to reciprocate the love and respect these people have had for the band for so many years. 'Under the Sun' is not only the first step in that direction, but a tribute to all our audience in Brazil and around the world, and a glimpse of who Viper is for the new generation,” concludes guitarist Felipe Machado.
Listen to “Under the Sun”:
VIPER
Formed in 1985, VIPER is one of the pioneers of heavy rock in Brazil. They were the first Brazilian heavy metal band to achieve major success in Japan. In the early 1990s, they even topped the charts ahead of major international acts like Nirvana and Van Halen.
With albums such as Soldiers of Sunrise , Theatre of Fate , and Evolution , VIPER recorded and toured Europe, the USA, and South America. During their tour in Japan, they recorded the live album Maniacs in Japan – VIPER Live . They also released Coma Rage , recorded in Los Angeles, and All My Life . They were headliners at major international festivals such as Rock in Rio and Monsters of Rock, and shared the stage as opening acts for bands like Metallica , Kiss , Black Sabbath , and Motörhead , among others.