In the annals of heavy metal history, Sinner stands as a towering force, a band that has weathered challenges and controversies to emerge as one of the genre's most enduring and influential acts.
Genesis and Early Struggles
Sinner's journey began in 1982, when guitarist and vocalist Mat Sinner and drummer Frank Rössler forged a formidable partnership in Stuttgart, Germany. They were joined by bassist Frank Tolle and guitarist Uwe Reitenauer, and the quartet embarked on a relentless pursuit of their musical dreams.
Despite their talent and dedication, Sinner faced an uphill battle. The early 1980s was a tumultuous time for heavy metal, with the genre struggling for mainstream acceptance and often facing resistance from a hostile music press. Undeterred, Sinner persevered, honing their craft through countless live performances and releasing their debut album, "Heavy Metal Breakdown," in 1983.
Breakthrough and Chart Success
In 1985, Sinner struck chart gold with their album "Touch of Sin." The album's title track and the anthemic "Danger Zone" became instant hits, propelling the band to new heights of popularity. They embarked on a successful European tour, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.
Controversies and Internal Turmoil
Sinner's success was not without its setbacks. In the late 1980s, the band faced accusations of neo-Nazi sympathies due to the controversial cover art of their album "No More Alibis." Mat Sinner vehemently denied these allegations, but the incident cast a shadow over the band's reputation.
Internal tensions also plagued Sinner during this period. Guitarist Uwe Reitenauer departed in 1988, and drummer Frank Rössler left in 1993. Despite these challenges, Mat Sinner remained steadfast in his determination to keep the band alive.
Renewal and Revival
The 1990s marked a period of renewal for Sinner. The band welcomed new members, including guitarist Alex Scholpp and drummer T.J. Ramone, and embarked on a series of critically acclaimed albums. "Respect" (1993), "Bottom Line" (1995), and "Judgement Day" (1997) showcased Sinner's evolving sound, which blended heavy metal firepower with elements of hard rock and melodic power metal.
Endurance and Legacy
In the 2000s and beyond, Sinner continued to release consistent and high-quality albums, solidifying their place as a heavy metal mainstay. Their music has been praised for its technical proficiency, catchy melodies, and enduring hooks.
Over the years, Sinner has weathered numerous lineup changes, but the band's core identity has remained intact. Mat Sinner has been the constant driving force behind Sinner, guiding the band through countless ups and downs.
Members
Current Members:
* Mat Sinner - Vocals, Bass * Alex Scholpp - Guitar * Tom Naumann - Guitar * T.J. Ramone - Drums
Former Members:
* Uwe Reitenauer - Guitar * Frank Rössler - Drums * Frank Tolle - Bass * Dennis Ward - Bass * Rolf Munkes - Drums * Mario Lochert - Guitar * Mandy Meyer - Guitar * Chris Bay - Guitar * Axel Rudi Pell - Guitar
Discography
* Heavy Metal Breakdown (1983) * Touch of Sin (1985) * Danger Zone (1986) * Mat Sinner (1987) * No More Alibis (1989) * Respect (1993) * Bottom Line (1995) * Judgement Day (1997) * The Nature of Evil (1998) * Aggression Overload (2002) * Mask of Sanity (2003) * There Will Be Execution (2005) * Crash & Burn (2007) * One Bullet Left (2009) * Touch of Sin II (2010) * Blood & Iron (2011) * Rock & Roll Commando (2013) * Tequila Suicide (2014) * Combustion (2017) * Santa Muerte (2019) * Brotherhood (2021)