Viper

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

heavy metal, power metal, hard rock

Instruments

vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard

Biography

Viper is a pioneering Brazilian heavy metal band formed in 1985 in São Paulo. Initially featuring teenage musicians such as vocalist Andre Matos, bassist Pit Passarell, and guitarist Yves Passarell, the group quickly gained prominence in the local underground scene. Their debut album, Soldiers of Sunrise (1987), received critical acclaim and led to an invitation to open for Motörhead in Brazil. Following this early success, they released Theatre of Fate (1989), which blended heavy metal with classical music influences and expanded their reach to international markets like Japan and Europe.

After Andre Matos departed in 1990 to focus on his classical studies and later formed Angra, Pit Passarell took over lead vocal duties for the album Evolution (1992). The record became the band's best-selling release, yielding heavy rotation hits and paving the way for high-profile opening slots for bands such as Metallica and appearances at Monsters of Rock. Over the subsequent decades, the lineup underwent various changes, exploring diverse musical styles ranging from hardcore to punk before going on hiatus and eventually returning with albums like All My Life (2007) and Timeless (2023).

The band's history has also been marked by poignant reunions and profound losses. In 2012, the classic lineup reunited for the "To Live Again Tour" alongside Andre Matos, celebrating their enduring legacy in Brazilian heavy metal. Following the tragic passing of Andre Matos in 2019 and the loss of founding member Pit Passarell in 2024, Viper persevered by welcoming vocalist Leandro Caçoilo and bassist Daniel Matos, continuing to honor a career spanning nearly four decades.

Discography

• Projeto Sp Metal (1985)
• The Killera Sword (1985)
• Soldiers Of Sunrise (1987)
• Theatre Of Fate (1989)
• Viper 1989 (1989)
• Evolution (1992)
• Vipera Sapiens (1993)
• Live (Maniacs In Japan) (1993)
• Coma Rage (1994)
• Tem pra Todo Mundo (1996)
• All My Life (2007)
• Live At Manifesto - Official Fanclub DVD (2008)
• To Live Again - Live In São Paulo (2014)
• To Live Again (Redux) (2019)
• The Spreading Soul Forever (2020)
• & Guests no Estúdio Showlivre (Ao Vivo) (2020)
• Timeless (2023)
• Meno do A (2024)