James Murphy (guitarist)
Encyclopedia
James Franklin Murphy is an American
guitarist
. He is best known for his work in metal bands Death and Testament
. He founded Disincarnate, an early death metal
band.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor
in 2001 but recovered. In October 2011, Murphy stated that the tumor had returned but that it was non-cancerous and that it was being treated pharmacologically. He is working on a tribute album to Death founder Chuck Schuldiner
who died from pneumonia
, caused by complications of his treatment for a brain tumor. He is also producing Deron Miller
's band World Under Blood
. He also completed production of the industrial death metal band Dååth
's second album, The Hinderers
, which was released on Roadrunner Records
, and Lazarus A.D.
's debut album The Onslaught released on Metal Blade Records
. He has also performed as a touring guitarist for Agent Steel
, and in Hallows Eve in 1988.
In addition to playing guitar, Murphy operates a recording studio
, SafeHouse Production, where he has mixed and produced albums for other bands. He has also contributed lessons to Guitar Player magazine
.
since he was able to play guitar again after his cancer treatment. During his years with Death, Obituary
, and Testament
he played Ibanez
guitars, primarily the S series models, and B.C. Rich
guitars during the Obituary
period, especially Warlock models. With Disincaranate, he used a Gibson
Flying V, loaded with EMG's 81 and 85, through a Marshall 8100. He is also a longtime endorsee of EMG
pickups, and mainly uses the 85 and 89 models, although on Testament's The Gathering his Ibanez's were fitted with Dimarzio
Steve's Special and Air Norton. For amplification he is currently using Framus Cobra series amplifiers, although previously he used Mesa Rectifiers through a Marshall 4x10 with Testament.
Death
Disincarnate
James Murphy
Konkhra
Obituary
Testament
Guest appearances
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
. He is best known for his work in metal bands Death and Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
. He founded Disincarnate, an early death metal
Death metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
band.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor
Brain tumor
A brain tumor is an intracranial solid neoplasm, a tumor within the brain or the central spinal canal.Brain tumors include all tumors inside the cranium or in the central spinal canal...
in 2001 but recovered. In October 2011, Murphy stated that the tumor had returned but that it was non-cancerous and that it was being treated pharmacologically. He is working on a tribute album to Death founder Chuck Schuldiner
Chuck Schuldiner
Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.Schuldiner was the singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the band Death, which he founded in 1983, initially under the name Mantas. He also recorded as guitarist and songwriter with his other band, Control Denied...
who died from pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
, caused by complications of his treatment for a brain tumor. He is also producing Deron Miller
Deron Miller
Deron John Miller is the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for World Under Blood and CKY , which has been through various incarnations since being founded in 1998. CKY's most recent release was 2009's Carver City....
's band World Under Blood
World Under Blood
World Under Blood is a melodic death metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in late 2006 by CKY frontman Deron Miller and Divine Heresy drummer Tim Yeung.-Early Years:...
. He also completed production of the industrial death metal band Dååth
Dååth
Dååth is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Their music incorporates styles such as thrash metal, death metal, industrial metal, grunge and some traces of gypsy jazz.-History:...
's second album, The Hinderers
The Hinderers
The Hinderers is Dååth's second studio album produced by Dååth and James Murphy, and released by Roadrunner Records. It contains guest solos by James Murphy and James Malone...
, which was released on Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, and Lazarus A.D.
Lazarus A.D.
Lazarus A.D. is a thrash metal band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, originally formed as "Lazarus" in 2005. The "A.D." was added to avoid potential legal issues....
's debut album The Onslaught released on Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records is a record label which was founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The U.S. corporate office for Metal Blade is located in Agoura Hills, California. It also has offices in Arizona, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label is distributed in the U.S. by Sony BMG Music...
. He has also performed as a touring guitarist for Agent Steel
Agent Steel
Agent Steel is an American speed metal band from Los Angeles, California that was formed in 1984 by singer John Cyriis ,and drummer Chuck Profus. The band released two full length albums, and one EP before disbanding in 1988...
, and in Hallows Eve in 1988.
In addition to playing guitar, Murphy operates a recording studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
, SafeHouse Production, where he has mixed and produced albums for other bands. He has also contributed lessons to Guitar Player magazine
Guitar Player
Guitar Player is a popular magazine for guitarists founded in 1967. It contains articles, interviews, reviews and lessons of an eclectic collection of artists, genres and products. It has been in print since the late 1960s and during the 1980s, under editor Tom Wheeler, the publication was...
.
Equipment
Murphy has used Caparison guitarsCaparison Guitars
Caparison Guitars is a Japan-based manufacturer of custom shop electric guitars.-History:The Caparison Guitar company was established in 1995 by former Jackson/Charvel Japan designer Itaru Kanno and was owned by Kyowa Shokai, a company that made contracts with factories to produce guitars for them...
since he was able to play guitar again after his cancer treatment. During his years with Death, Obituary
Obituary (band)
Obituary is an American death metal band formed in 1984 in Tampa, Florida under the name Executioner, then changed the name's spelling to Xecutioner, and later changed their name to Obituary in 1988. The band comprises vocalist John Tardy, drummer Donald Tardy, guitarists Trevor Peres and Ralph...
, and Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
he played Ibanez
Ibanez
is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
guitars, primarily the S series models, and B.C. Rich
B.C. Rich
B.C. Rich is a manufacturer of guitars and bass guitars founded by the late Bernardo Chavez Rico in 1969. Currently, most B.C. Rich guitars are manufactured in Asia, but luthiers of the company's custom shop continue to hand-make instruments. The Hanser Music Group, based in Kentucky, operates B.C....
guitars during the Obituary
Obituary (band)
Obituary is an American death metal band formed in 1984 in Tampa, Florida under the name Executioner, then changed the name's spelling to Xecutioner, and later changed their name to Obituary in 1988. The band comprises vocalist John Tardy, drummer Donald Tardy, guitarists Trevor Peres and Ralph...
period, especially Warlock models. With Disincaranate, he used a Gibson
Gibson
Gibson may refer to:* Gibson Amphitheatre* Gibson Appliance* Gibson Girl* Gibson Guitar Corporation* Gibson * Gibson Generating Station-Places:In the United States:* Gibson, Arkansas* Gibson, Georgia* Gibson, Iowa* Gibson, Louisiana...
Flying V, loaded with EMG's 81 and 85, through a Marshall 8100. He is also a longtime endorsee of EMG
EMG, Inc.
EMG, Inc. is the current legal name of a company based in Santa Rosa, California which manufactures guitar pickups and EQ accessories. Founded in 1976, the company was originally called Dirtywork Studios. The name was changed to "Overlend" in 1978 and then to the current name in 1983...
pickups, and mainly uses the 85 and 89 models, although on Testament's The Gathering his Ibanez's were fitted with Dimarzio
DiMarzio
DiMarzio, Inc. is an United States manufacturer best known for its revolutionary direct-replacement guitar pickups. The company also produces miscellaneous guitar accessories, such as cables, straps and hardware.DiMarzio became known for its Super Distortion model, which was the first after...
Steve's Special and Air Norton. For amplification he is currently using Framus Cobra series amplifiers, although previously he used Mesa Rectifiers through a Marshall 4x10 with Testament.
Discography
CancerCancer (band)
Cancer was a British death / thrash metal band formed in Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire in 1988. Over the course of their career they released five full-length albums, including one for the major label East West, breaking up in 2006.-Biography:...
- Death Shall RiseDeath Shall RiseDeath Shall Rise is the second album by the British death metal band Cancer. It was released in 1991 by Vinyl Solution.- Track listing :All tracks by Cancer# "Hung, Drawn and Quartered" – 3:25# "Tasteless Incest" – 4:54# "Burning Casket" – 4:02...
Death
- Spiritual HealingSpiritual Healing (album)Spiritual Healing is the third album by death metal band Death, released in February 1990. This album is currently out of print but will be reissued by Relapse Records in 2011....
Disincarnate
- Soul Erosion (demo, 1992)
- Dreams of the Carrion KindDreams of the Carrion Kind-Credits:*James Murphy – Lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, bass*Bryan Cegon – Vocals*Jason Carman – Rhythm guitar*Tommy Viator – Drums*Peter Coleman – Keyboards, engineering, sampling*Chris Gehringer – Mastering*Tim Hubbard – Photography...
(Roadrunner Records, 1993)
James Murphy
- Convergence (1996)
- Feeding the Machine (1999)
Konkhra
Konkhra
- History :Konkhra was first formed under the name of "Vicious Circle" in Køge—a small town south of Copenhagen—in November 1989. Before changing their name, they issued the self-titled demo Vicious Circle ; renaming themselves "Konkhra" they followed up with Malgrowth . Konkhra then,...
- Weed out the Weak
- The Freakshow
- Come Down Cold
- Nothing Is Sacred
Obituary
Obituary (band)
Obituary is an American death metal band formed in 1984 in Tampa, Florida under the name Executioner, then changed the name's spelling to Xecutioner, and later changed their name to Obituary in 1988. The band comprises vocalist John Tardy, drummer Donald Tardy, guitarists Trevor Peres and Ralph...
- Cause of Death
Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
- LowLow (Testament album)Low is the sixth album by American heavy metal band Testament. It was released in 1994. It was the first album without lead guitarist Alex Skolnick or drummer Louie Clemente, who were replaced by James Murphy and John Tempesta, respectively...
- Live at the FillmoreLive at the Fillmore (Testament album)Live at the Fillmore is a live album released by Testament in 1995. The first 14 tracks are live recordings and the last three are acoustic versions of previously released songs.-Track listing:# "The Preacher" – 4:20 # "Alone in the Dark" – 4:36...
- The Gathering
Guest appearances
- 1000 Ashes - "Guest appearance in first album"
- Abigail WilliamsAbigail Williams (band)Abigail Williams is an American metal band, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but now based in Los Angeles. Formed in 2004, the group would suffer constant changes to their line-up...
- In the Shadow of a Thousand SunsIn the Shadow of a Thousand Suns- Track listing :-Personnel:* Ken Sorceron – vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, producer, mixing , programming * James Murphy – mixing, engineer, mastering, producer, acoustic guitar, guitar solo...
- (Solo on "The World Beyond" and Whammy on "Smoke and Mirrors") - The AbsenceThe AbsenceThe Absence is an American death metal band from Tampa, Florida. Their style has been described as aggressive thrash metal with Scandinavian metal influences. They are currently signed to Metal Blade Records...
- Riders of the PlagueRiders of the PlagueRiders of the Plague is the second full-length album by American heavy metal band The Absence. It was released on August 7, 2007 on Metal Blade Records.-Track listing:#"Riders of the Plague" – 3:59#"Dead and Gone" – 5:00#"The Murder" – 5:20...
(two tracks) - Agent SteelAgent SteelAgent Steel is an American speed metal band from Los Angeles, California that was formed in 1984 by singer John Cyriis ,and drummer Chuck Profus. The band released two full length albums, and one EP before disbanding in 1988...
- (one live track on the re-release) - Agressor - Medieval Rites (one solo)
- Agressor - The Spirit of Evil (three tracks)
- ArtensionArtensionArtension was a North American neo-classical progressive metal band, founded in 1993 by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij.-History:It was sometime in '92/'93, when Vitalij Kuprij, who was studying classical music in Switzerland at that time, met Roger Staffelbach, a Swiss guitarist who was also studying...
- Into the Eye of the Storm (one solo) - ArtensionArtensionArtension was a North American neo-classical progressive metal band, founded in 1993 by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij.-History:It was sometime in '92/'93, when Vitalij Kuprij, who was studying classical music in Switzerland at that time, met Roger Staffelbach, a Swiss guitarist who was also studying...
- Phoenix Rising (one solo) - ArtensionArtensionArtension was a North American neo-classical progressive metal band, founded in 1993 by keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij.-History:It was sometime in '92/'93, when Vitalij Kuprij, who was studying classical music in Switzerland at that time, met Roger Staffelbach, a Swiss guitarist who was also studying...
- Forces of Nature (four solos) - Broken HopeBroken HopeBroken Hope was an American death metal band that was founded in 1988. They were known as an accomplished mid-paced style death metal band with low-pitched growling vocals...
- Repulsive Conception (one solo) - CannaeCannaeCannae is an ancient village of the Apulia region of south east Italy. It is a frazione of the comune of Barletta.-Geography:It is situated near the river Aufidus , on a hill on the right Cannae (mod. Canne della Battaglia) is an ancient village of the Apulia region of south east Italy. It is a...
- When Gold Becomes Sacrifice (one solo) - DÅÅTHDÅÅTHDååth is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Their music incorporates styles such as thrash metal, death metal, industrial metal, grunge and some traces of gypsy jazz.-History:...
- The Hinderers (one solo) - Demise - Torture Garden (one solo)
- Explorers ClubExplorers Club (artist)Explorers Club was a progressive metal/rock supergroup headed by the Gardner brothers of Magellan featuring, among others, James LaBrie, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and Derek Sherinian , Billy Sheehan , James Murphy and Steve Howe of Yes.Their first album, Age of Impact was released in 1998, and...
- Age of ImpactAge of Impact-Personnel:*James LaBrie – lead vocals*Bret Douglas – lead vocals*Matt Bradley – lead vocals*D.C. Cooper – lead vocals*Trent Gardner – keyboards, trombone, lead vocals*Wayne Gardner – electric and acoustic guitars, some bass... - Enforsaken - The Forever Endeavor (one solo)
- FirewindFirewindFirewind is a Greek power metal band. Formed in 1998, the group is currently signed to Century Media Records and was originally a small project created by guitarist, Gus G. to showcase his demo, Nocturnal Symphony in 1998. Firewind later became a full band over three years later when they recorded...
- Forged by FireForged by FireThis page is about the music group. For the novel see Forged by Fire Forged by Fire is the third full-length album by Greek power metal band Firewind and their first released through Century Media. From this album onwards, Gus G is the sole ever-present in their professional discography, following...
(one solo) - Foreign ObjectsForeign Objects (band)Foreign Objects was an American experimental metal band that formed in West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1994 and was active until 1996. Its members were Deron Miller and Jess Margera, best known as current members of the band CKY...
- Universal Culture Shock (guitar solos) - GorgutsGorgutsGorguts is a technical death metal band from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. The band's only constant member is Luc Lemay.-History:Gorguts were formed in 1989 by Luc Lemay , Sylvain Marcoux , Éric Giguère and Stephane Provencher...
- Considered DeadConsidered Dead-2006 Reissue:-Personnel:*Luc Lemay: Guitar , Vocals, Design, Concept.*Sylvain Marcoux: Lead Guitar*Eric Giguere: Bass*Stephane Provencher: Drums...
(one solo) - Malevolent CreationMalevolent CreationMalevolent Creation is a death metal band originally hailing from Buffalo, New York. Moving to Florida in 1987, they became a part of the emergent local death metal scene, landing a deal with Roadrunner Records...
- Retribution (one solo) - Malevolent CreationMalevolent CreationMalevolent Creation is a death metal band originally hailing from Buffalo, New York. Moving to Florida in 1987, they became a part of the emergent local death metal scene, landing a deal with Roadrunner Records...
- The Will to Kill (two solos) - Martriden - The Unsettling Dark (one solo)
- MemorainMemorainMemorain is a speed/thrash metal band from Greece, formed by guitarist/vocalist Ilias Papadakis in 1999. After a few line up changes in 2001 the band recorded their first demo CD titled "Until You Die"...
- White LineWhite LineWhite Line is an album by Memorain.-Track listing:All songs written by Ilias Papadakis, except "High Treason", written by Ilias Papadakis, Kostas Bagiatis and Panos Andricopoulos#"The Real World"#"Buried In Lies"#"Condemn Me To Obscurity"...
(five solos) - Only Human -The Dismantling (one solo on the track 'Winter and the Dancing Leeches')
- Steve MorseSteve MorseSteven J. "Steve" Morse is an American guitarist and composer, best known for his work in the hard rock band Deep Purple since 1994. He began his career to form the unique styled instrumental rock band Dixie Dregs in the 1970. Morse's musical inspiration comes from country, funk, jazz fusion, and...
- Prime Cuts (one solo) - NevermoreNevermoreNevermore is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive, and neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.-Early years...
- This Godless EndeavorThis Godless Endeavor-Credits:The Band:*Warrel Dane - lead vocals*Jeff Loomis - guitar*Steve Smyth - guitar*Jim Sheppard - bass*Van Williams - drumsGuest Musician:*James Murphy - Special guest lead guitar on "The Holocaust of Thought"Production:...
(Solo on the track "The Holocaust of Thought") - Rise - Pentagramnation (2009)
- Rob Van Der Loo's Freak Neil inc. - Characters (3 solos)
- SolsticeSolstice (US band)Solstice is an American death metal band. They were formed in 1990 and released two albums on Steamhammer Records.-Members:Current members *Christian Rudes - guitars, vocals*Dennis Muñoz - guitars*Garrett Scott - bass*Brian Harris - drums...
- Solstice (four solos + backing vocals) - Summon - ...And the Blood Runs Black (guest keyboard, acoustic guitar and lead guitar)
- Various artists - Roadrunner UnitedRoadrunner UnitedRoadrunner United was a project organized by the heavy metal record label Roadrunner Records to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It culminated in an album released worldwide on October 11, 2005, entitled The All-Star Sessions...
- Annihilation by the Hands of God (solo), Constitution Down (intro solo) - Various artists - Working Man - A Tribute To RushWorking Man - A Tribute to RushWorking Man: A Tribute to Rush is a tribute album to Progressive Rock band Rush recorded by various artists and released on Magna Carta Records in 1996 . The album was mixed by original Rush producer Terry Brown at Town Music Studios in Toronto, Canada...
(lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and/or keyboards on five songs) - Vicious RumorsVicious RumorsVicious Rumors is an American power metal band founded in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.The brainchild of Geoff Thorpe, the band has been active on the metal scene since its inception in 1979...
- Sadistic Symphony (one solo) - John WestJohn WestThe Rev. John West emigrated from England to Van Diemen's Land in 1838 as a Colonial missionary, and became pastor of an Independent Chapel in Launceston's St. John's Square in 1839. His contribution to Launceston and Australian life was great and varied promoting private and charitable...
- Mind Journey (one solo) - John WestJohn WestThe Rev. John West emigrated from England to Van Diemen's Land in 1838 as a Colonial missionary, and became pastor of an Independent Chapel in Launceston's St. John's Square in 1839. His contribution to Launceston and Australian life was great and varied promoting private and charitable...
- Permanent Mark (one solo) - Warrel DaneWarrel DaneWarrel Dane is the lead singer of the progressive metal band Nevermore. He is also the singer of the metal band Sanctuary, who have recently reformed...
- Praises to the War Machine (Solo on the track "The Day the Rats Went to War") - World Under BloodWorld Under BloodWorld Under Blood is a melodic death metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in late 2006 by CKY frontman Deron Miller and Divine Heresy drummer Tim Yeung.-Early Years:...
- Solo on the track "Under the Autumn Low" between Deron MillerDeron MillerDeron John Miller is the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for World Under Blood and CKY , which has been through various incarnations since being founded in 1998. CKY's most recent release was 2009's Carver City....
's solos - Various artists - Guitar's That Ate My Brain - "Maiden Voyage" (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and all lead & rhythm guitar solo's)