RALPH SANTOLLA

'Ralph Santolla' is an Italian-American metal guitarist. He has played in many bands in the past, most recently Deicide, but also including Eyewitness, Death (did not record with, but toured with 1993 and appeared in ''The Philosopher'' video), Millennium, Iced Earth, and the Sebastian Bach band. As of June 3, 2007, it was announced that Santolla would replace Allen West in Obituary for their upcoming release "Xecutioner's Return". Ralph is very proud of his Italian heritage and he plays guitars by Jackson and Ibanez with the Italian flag painted on them. His primary guitar at the moment is the ESP Dave Mustaine model V.
Recently at a Deicide gig in Laredo, Texas which was getting out of control, Ralph Santolla was arrested for allegedly throwing a Red Bull can at an officer after Deicide was forced to stop playing. [1]
Santolla is a practicing Roman Catholic, which has caused controversy with Deicide fans, many of whom are against Christianity and are aware of frontman Glen Benton's open Satanism. Many were surprised that Benton even let Santolla join the band, due to his frequent criticism of the religion. However, Ralph stated that he is "not going to pretend to be some dark and evil person just so people think I'm metal" and also stated that he respects Benton, despite differences in their religion and beliefs, for not being afraid to be true to himself. [2]. In a recent interview on Australian radio, Benton stated that he had no problems working with Santolla because of his religion, saying, "Ralph's what I like to call a part-timer... I mean, his favourite song on the new album is "Death to Jesus".
He has frequently talked about starting his own band with Steve DiGiorgio and Gene Hoglan, both of whom he had worked with in Death. He is currently working on a new solo instrumental album, titled ''Requiem for Hope''. This is his second solo album, his first was ''Shaolin Monks in the Temple of Metal''. On May 24th, 2007, it was announced that Santolla had left Deicide. The reasons were are not totally known, but many believe that numerous death threats involving his religious beliefs, those which greatly contrated that of Deicide frontman Glenn Benton.⁴
Also in 2007, Santolla was called in to fill the spot on Obituary's newest album Xecutioner's Return, replacing Allen West after Allan was incarcerated until 2008. It is unknown if Santolla will stay with Obituary after West returns to the band.
Santolla is also a guitar instructor around Tampa. Some of his students have included Eric Hoffman (who Santolla eventually replaced in Deicide. Nocturnus guitarist Mike Davis.

Contents

Discography

With Millenium

With Iced Earth

With Deicide

With Obituary

Solo albums

External links

Discography

With Millenium

★ ''Millenium'' (1997)

★ ''Angelfire'' (1999)

★ ''Hourglass'' (2000)

★ ''The Best of... and More'' - Compilation (2004)

★ ''Jericho'' (2004)

With Iced Earth

★ ''The Glorious Burden'' (2004)

With Deicide

★ ''The Stench of Redemption'' (2006)

With Obituary

★ ''Xecutioner's Return'' (2007)

Solo albums

★ ''Shaolin Monks in the Temple of Metal'' (2002)

★ ''Requiem for Hope'' (2007)

External links

★ Ralph Santolla at MySpace

★ Interview with Ralph Santolla, ''Fourteen G'', 2005-10-03