{{short description|American guitarist}} {{Use mdy dates|date = November 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist |name = Emil Werstler |image = Emil Werstler 2 by Steven Walton - 2014.jpg |alt = |caption = Werstler in 2014 |birth_name = |alias = |birth_date = |birth_place = Alabama, U.S. |origin = |genre = {{flatlist| *Heavy metal *blues *jazz *experimental }} |occupation = {{flatlist| *Musician *composer }} |instrument = {{flatlist| *Guitar }} |years_active = 2004–present |label = {{flatlist| *Magna Carta Records *Roadrunner Records *Century Media *E1 Music }} |past_member_of = {{flatlist| *Chimaira *Dååth *Levi/Werstler }} |website = {{url|https://emilwerstler.com}} }}
'''Emil Werstler''' is an American guitarist and musician based in Nashville, Tennessee<ref name="prsbio">{{cite web |title = PRS Featured Artist Emil Werstler |url = https://prsguitars.com/featured_artist/emil_werstler |publisher = PRS Guitars |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref> who is perhaps best known for his work in metal and gypsy jazz.<ref name="prsbio"/><ref name="pgauthor">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler on Premier Guitar |url = https://www.premierguitar.com/u/emil_werstler |newspaper = Premier Guitar |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref> In 2004, Werstler became lead guitarist for the metal band Dååth, whose second album ''The Hinderers'' peaked at No. 49 on the Top Heatseekers chart in 2007. In 2009 Dååth released ''The Concealers'' on Roadrunner which reached No. 35 on Top Heatseekers and was placed as No. 3 on a list of the "top twenty metal albums of 2009" by Metal Sucks.<ref name="mst2009">{{cite news |title = Vince Neilstein's Top Twenty Metal Albums of 2009 |first = Vince |last = Neilstein |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2009/12/17/vince-neilsteins-top-twenty-metal-albums-of-2009/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = December 17, 2009 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> In 2010 Werstler released the instrumental metal album ''Avalanche of Worms'' as a collaboration with Eyal Levi with the album receiving a largely positive response for its musicianship and experimental nature.<ref name="amaowr">{{cite web |title = Avalanche of Worms Review by Phil Freeman |first = Phil |last = Freeman |url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/avalanche-of-worms-mw0001968024 |website = AllMusic |date = April 20, 2010 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bmaowr">{{cite news |title = CD Reviews - Avalanche Of Worms by Levi/Werstler |first = Ryan |last = Ogle |url = https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/avalanche-of-worms/ |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = June 20, 2010 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref>
By 2011 Werstler had been confirmed as the new lead guitarist for the metal band Chimaira.<ref name="aajoinchimaira">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler Confirmed as New Chimaira Guitarist |url = https://allaxess.com/emil-werstler-confirmed-as-new-chimaira-guitarist/ |publisher = AllAxess |date = December 28, 2011 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="msfjoinchimaira">{{cite news |title = EMIL WERSTLER To Play Guitar For CHIMAIRA |url = https://metalshockfinland.com/2011/12/28/emil-werstler-to-play-guitar-for-chimaira/ |publisher =Metal Shock Finland |date = December 28, 2011 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref> With Werstler as a co-writer, Chimaira's final album ''Crown of Phantoms'' was released in 2013,<ref name="bbmcrown">{{cite web|url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=192957|title=Chimaira Frontman Talks 'Crown Of Phantoms' Album With Artisan News (Video) |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = July 25, 2013 |access-date = July 26, 2013}}</ref> reaching No. 52 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref name="bbmcopsales">{{cite news |title = CHIMAIRA: 'Crown of Phantoms' First-Week Sales Revealed |url = https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chimaira-crown-of-phantoms-first-week-sales-revealed/ |date = August 7, 2013 |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref><ref name="mi814charts">{{cite news |title = Metal By Numbers 8/14: Asking Alexandria About The Charts |first = Matt |last = Brown |url = https://www.metalinsider.net/columns/metal-by-numbers/metal-by-numbers-814-asking-alexandria-about-the-charts |publisher = Metal Insider |date = August 14, 2013 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> Werstler announced his departure from Chimaira in late 2014, with the rest of the band dissolving shortly afterwards.<ref name="michimairaquits">{{cite web |url= https://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/breakups/and-then-everyone-but-the-vocalist-quits-chimaira-again |title = ...And Then Everyone But The Vocalist Quits CHIMAIRA (Again) |publisher =Metal Injection |date = September 3, 2014 |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bbmchimairaquits">{{cite news |url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/its-official-chimaira-calls-it-quits |title = It's Official: Chimaira Calls It Quits |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = September 14, 2014 |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref>
Since 2006 Werstler has worked with artists such as Arsis, Austrian Death Machine, Enders Game, Jason Bieler, Sylencer, The Agony Scene, Unearth, and Xerath.<ref name="credits">*{{cite web |title = Emil Werstler Credits on AllMusic |url = https://www.allmusic.com/artist/emil-werstler-mn0000943068/credits |website = AllMusic |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> In 2018 Werstler launched his solo project Verlorener.<ref name="msditr">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler (ex-Chimaira, ex-Dååth) Releases First Music from Verlorener Project |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/02/23/emil-werstler-ex-chimaira-ex-daath-releases-first-music-from-verlorener-project/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = February 23, 2018 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="pgditr">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler: "Devil in the Room" Song Premiere and Interview |url = https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/emil-werstler-devil-in-the-room-song-premiere-and-interview |publisher = Premiere Guitar |date = July 19, 2018 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref> In addition to teaching privately Emil has contributed to guitar publications such as ''Premier Guitar'',<ref name="pgauthor"/> ''Guitar World'',<ref name="gwbcpt">{{cite news |title = Daath's Emil Werstler: Betcha Can't Play This! |url = https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/daaths-emil-werstler-betcha-cant-play |newspaper = Guitar World |date = June 2, 2009 |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref><ref name="gwatlib">{{cite web |title = Exclusive Play-Through Video: Chimaira — "All That's Left Is Blood" |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cfSHDV1dx8 |newspaper = Guitar World |date = July 31, 2013 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> and JamPlay.<ref name="jpauthor">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler on JamPlay |url = https://www.jamplay.com/teachers/36-emil-werstler |publisher = JamPlay |date = |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref><ref name="jparchive">{{cite web |title = Emil Werstler Concert and Live Workshop Archive |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orBDc0BsRfg&t=2045s |publisher = JamPlay |date = May 14, 2015 |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref> He releases content periodically on his YouTube channel,<ref name="ewyoutube">{{cite web |title = Emil Werstler on YouTube |url = https://www.youtube.com/c/EWOfficial |publisher = Emil Werstler |access-date = December 1, 2021}}</ref> teaches clinics across the US,<ref name="pitbullclinic">{{cite web |title = PRS Guitar Clinic with Emil Werstler of Dååth and Chimaira |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qghbVnRz4g |publisher = Pitbull Audio |date = November 22, 2018}}</ref> and has performed at various events including Experience PRS.<ref name="prsexp11">{{cite web |title = PRS Experience 2011 - Amp Demo with Emil Werstler |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4FzgTifWuI |publisher = PRS Guitars |date = September 30, 2011 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="prsexp20">{{cite web |title = Experience PRS 2020 |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5QGBb37qbs&t=2442s |publisher = PRS Guitars |date = May 9, 2020 |access-date = November 29, 2021}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Emil Werstler was born and raised in Alabama.<ref name="msinterview2010">{{cite news |title = EMIL WERSTLER OF DAATH & LEVI/WERSTLER: THE METALSUCKS INTERVIEW |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/05/19/emil-werstler-of-daath-leviwerstler-the-metalsucks-interview/ |first = Axl |last = Rosenberg |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = May 19, 2010 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref> He comes from a musically inclined family, and at a young age was exposed to diverse music by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Led Zeppelin.<ref name="gghorrible">{{cite news |title = "I Realized That Asshole Playing That Sounded Horrible Was Me" – an Interview with Emil Werstler |first = Chris |last = Alfano |url = https://geargods.net/features/i-realized-that-asshole-playing-that-sounded-horrible-was-me-an-interview-with-emil-werstler/ |publisher =Gear Gods |date = December 4, 2014 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> At age six he began learning piano,<ref name="gghorrible"/> an instrument he described being un-enthused about for the several years he attended lessons.<ref name="gghorrible"/> At age twelve he began teaching himself guitar with a Washburn Lyon guitar and a ROSS keyboard amp, later stating that "I had no idea what a setup was nor did I even know there were guitars that were easier to play. I was just concerned about learning anything I could."<ref name="gghorrible"/>
Early on he taught himself songs from heavy metal albums<ref name="gghorrible"/> like Testament’s ''Low'' and Pantera’s ''Far Beyond Driven,'' and also "wound up really getting into more harmonically technical bands like Death and Cynic."<ref name="msinterview2010"/> As he grew further accustomed to other tracks, he developed an interest in the jazz recorded by artists such as Pat Martino.<ref name="msinterview2010"/> Self-taught on guitar throughout middle school and high school,<ref name="msinterview2010"/> Werstler began teaching the instrument at about age fifteen.<ref name="giaow"/> At eighteen Werstler moved from Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend college<ref name="msinterview2010"/> at the Atlanta Institute of Music. While in college he took a break from playing metal to focus on older genres such as jazz and bebop.<ref name="giaow">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler Interview: Avalanche of Worms |first = Matt |last = Warnock |url = https://guitarinternational.com/2010/07/04/emil-werstler-avalanche-of-worms/ |newspaper = Guitar International |date = July 4, 2010 |access-date = November 20, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151122060550/https://guitarinternational.com/2010/07/04/emil-werstler-avalanche-of-worms/ |archive-date = 2015-11-22 }}</ref>
==Career==
===Dååth early albums and live work (2004–2009)=== {{See also|Dååth|The Hinderers|The Concealers}} While studying music in Atlanta, Werstler was introduced to metal musician Eyal Levi through a mutual friend. Though Werstler was not looking to focus on the metal genre in particular, he ended up giving Levi some guitar lessons.<ref name="msinterview2010"/> After some time passed, in 2004 Levi asked Werstler to join the death metal band Dååth, with Werstler taking on the role of co-lead guitarist. On April 25, 2004, Dååth self-released their debut album ''Futility'', touring in support of the release.
While continuing to perform with Dååth, in 2006 Werstler was a guest guitar soloist on the Arsis album ''United in Regret''. ''United in Regret'' received favorable reviews from press worldwide, including ''The Village Voice''<ref name="vvarsis">{{cite web |url= https://www.villagevoice.com/2006-12-05/music/death-metal-with-no-masturbatory-dissonance/ |title = Death Metal With no Masturbatory Dissonance |publisher = The Village Voice |date = December 5, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121022075808/https://www.villagevoice.com/2006-12-05/music/death-metal-with-no-masturbatory-dissonance/ |archive-date = October 22, 2012 }}</ref> and ''Pop Matters''.<ref name="poparsis">{{cite web |url = https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/arsis-united-in-regret |title = Arsis: United in Regret |publisher = Pop Matters |first = Adrien |last = Begrand |date = February 28, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100506050657/https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/arsis-united-in-regret |archive-date = May 6, 2010}}</ref>
Dååth's sophomore album ''The Hinderers'' was released on March 20, 2007, on Roadrunner Records, peaking at No. 49 on the Top Heatseekers chart. AllMusic gave the album a near-perfect score of 4.5/5, writing that "the intricately sculpted guitar collaborations of... Eyal Levi and instinctive lead guitar wunderkind Emil Werstler complement [co-founder Mike Kameron]'s considerable orchestrating abilities perfectly."<ref name="amthr">{{cite web |title = The Hinderers Review by Eduardo Rivadavia |first = Eduardo |last = Rivadavia |url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hinderers-mw0000448346 |website = AllMusic |date = March 20, 2007 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref>
In 2008 Werstler was a guest guitar soloist on the track "Subzero" by Austrian Death Machine.
On April 21, 2009, Dååth released ''The Concealers'' on Roadrunner and Century Media. It peaked at No. 35 on the Top Heatseekers chart. A MetalSucks.com ranking by Vince Neilstein placed ''The Concealers'' as No. 3 on a list of the "top twenty metal albums of 2009," writing that "through Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler’s trained technique, The Concealers is musically interesting and extremely varied, too, a rarity in the realm of — for lack of a better way of describing it — commercially viable metal music."<ref name="mst2009"/>
With Dååth Werstler has performed live at festivals such as Ozzfest,<ref name="bbmozzfest">{{cite news |title = OZZFEST 2007: 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, DAATH Added To Second-Stage Lineup |url = https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzfest-2007-3-inches-of-blood-daath-added-to-second-stage-lineup/ |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = March 22, 2007 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="miozzfest">{{cite news |title = 3 Inches Of Blood And DAATH Added To Ozzfest Second Stage |url = https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/3-inches-of-blood-and-daath-added-to-ozzfest-second-stage |publisher =Metal Injection |date = March 23, 2007 |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref> and he was a fill-in musician for the band Unearth in 2009, taking the role of guitarist Buz McGrath.<ref name="buzfill">{{cite news |title = UNEARTH GUITARIST SITS OUT TOUR |url = https://www.altpress.com/news/archive_5622/ |date = January 12, 2009 |publisher = Alternative Press |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref>
American metal band Chimaira had Werstler fill in for Matt DeVries during a number of European tour dates in 2009, with Werstler helping support their album ''The Infection'' from September until October.<ref name="emwrstepin">{{cite news |title = CHIMAIRA Guitarist To Sit Out Rest Of European Tour; DAATH's WERSTLER To Step In |url = https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chimaira-guitarist-to-sit-out-rest-of-european-tour-daath-s-werstler-to-step-in/ |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = September 20, 2009 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref>
===Levi/Werstler's ''Avalanche of Worms'', studio work, and ''Dååth'' (2010)=== {{See also|Dååth (album)}}
{{Quote box | quote = "''Avalanche of Worms'' is an incredibly unique and diverse piece of work... [Levi and Werstler push] the boundaries in several directions at once, taking elements of prog, metal, avant-garde, classical, jazz and experimentalism to varying heights both in their respective contexts and as a wild, yet listenable, cornucopia of styles." | source = ''Blabbermouth.net''<ref name="bmaowr"/> | author = Ryan Ogle | align = right | width = 25em }}
During the break between the final tour for ''The Concealers'' album cycle and the writing sessions for the upcoming Dååth album, Eyal Levi and Werstler released a collaborative album entitled ''Avalanche of Worms'' on April 20, 2010.<ref name="giaow"/> Magna Carta Records had first approached the duo about a collaboration after becoming familiar with their playing through the 2009 ''Guitars Ate My Brain'' compilation,<ref name="giaow"/> and ''Avalanche of Worms'' features twelve all instrumental rock-metal tracks co-written by both guitarists.<ref name="giaow"/> Both Levi and Werstler produced the album, which includes contributions from guest artists such as drummer Sean Reinert of Cynic.<ref name="msinterview2010"/> The album received positive to mixed reviews<ref name="amaowr"/> for its experimental and non-commercial nature.<ref name="bmaowr"/> Ryan Ogle of Blabbermouth.net wrote that the two guitarists had composed and recorded a "dazzling display of fretboard pyrotechnics,"<ref name="bmaowr"/> while Metal Sucks called it "one of the best albums of 2010 thus far."<ref name="msinterview2010"/> Levi/Werstler afterwards toured with the band Cynic, also playing a number of other shows in between Dååth gigs.<ref name="msinterview2010"/>
The band Enders Game brought Werstler in as a guest soloist for a track on their album ''What We've Lost'' which came out in May 2010.<ref name="credits"/>
Dååth released their fourth studio album in October 2010 via Century Media Records.<ref name="daathart">{{cite web|title=Dååth: New Album Art|date= September 13, 2010 |url= https://www.metalcallout.com/metal-news/Dååth-new-album-art.html |publisher = Metal CallOut |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> The eponymous ''Dååth'' was met with largely positive reviews,<ref name="amdaath">{{cite web |last = Rivadavia |first = Eduardo |url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/daath-r2026170 |title = Daath Review by Eduardo Rivadavia |website = AllMusic |date = October 18, 2010 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref> with Blistering writing that "Levi’s and Werstler’s guitar riffs drive the album’s force and display beautiful transitions and time signature changes."<ref name="blisteringreview">{{cite web |url= https://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/21137/tempidx/4/menuid/2 |title = Review: Dååth - Dååth |publisher = Blistering.com |date = November 22, 2007 |access-date = February 12, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120310182832/https://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/21137/tempidx/4/menuid/2 |archive-date = March 10, 2012 }}</ref> AllMusic wrote that the album was "another reminder that now it's the guitar-wielding duo of Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler (whose superlative lead work remains a must-hear proposition in its own right) running the Dååth show."<ref name="amdaath"/>
===Studio work and joining Chimaira (2011–2012)=== {{See also|Chimaira|The Age of Hell}}
Werstler played guitar on a number of albums as a guest soloist in 2011, including ''II'' by Xerath,<ref name="credits"/> the Nine Inch Nails tribute ''Just Like You Imagined'' by From Exile,<ref name="credits"/> and ''The Age of Hell'' by Chimaira, which sold more than 7,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 54 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref name="bbmaohsales">{{cite web |title = CHIMAIRA Releases Free 'The Age of Remix Hell' Digital EP |url = https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chimaira-releases-free-the-age-of-remix-hell-digital-ep |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = December 24, 2011 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> After previously having played rhythm guitar for the band in 2009, Werstler periodically performed bass guitar for Chimaira in 2011 and by 2012 it had been confirmed<ref name="aajoinchimaira"/> that he would replace Rob Arnold as the band's lead guitarist.<ref name="msfjoinchimaira"/>
Werstler continued to work as a studio musician and in 2012 he played lead guitar for the track "Shock and Awe" on the album ''A Lethal Dose of Truth'' by Sylencer.
On December 29, 2012, Chimaira released a teaser for their upcoming 2013 album.<ref name="chimaira2013">{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNkfqe0-4o |title = Chimaira 2013 Official Teaser |publisher = Chimaira |date = December 29, 2012 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref>
===''Crown of Phantoms'' (2013)=== {{See also|Crown of Phantoms}} The seventh and final studio album by Chimaira, ''Crown of Phantoms'' was released on July 30, 2013, via record label E1 Music.<ref name="bbmcrown"/> Werstler helped with co-writing the songs.<ref name="bbmcrown"/> On May 14, 2013, Chimaira released the album's first single, "All That's Left Is Blood", along with an accompanying music video<ref name="ytatlib">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OCh9hIGbGo |title = Chimaira - All That's Left Is Blood | website = YouTube |date = July 29, 2013 | publisher = Chimaira |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> and guitar solos by Werstler.<ref name="bbmatlib">{{cite web|url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chimaira-new-single-available-for-streaming/ | title = Chimaira: New Single Available For Streaming |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = May 15, 2013 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="gwatlib"/> A second single, "No Mercy", and music video was released on June 18, 2013.<ref name="ytnomercy">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tze5s-Q7WnI |title = Chimaira - No Mercy |website = YouTube |date = June 19, 2013 |publisher = Chimaira |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bbmnomercy">{{cite web |url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chimaira-no-mercy-video-released/ | title = CHIMAIRA: 'No Mercy' Video Released |website = Blabbermouth.net |date = June 19, 2013 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> The album reached position 52 on the ''Billboard'' 200 charts on its first week of release,<ref name="mi814charts"/> an improvement from the band's previous peak at No. 54.<ref name="bbmcrown"/> ''Crown of Phantoms'' made it into the "Top Fifteen Metal Albums of 2013" list compiled by Metal Sucks, ranking at No. 6. Reviewer Axl Rosenberg praised the new lineup, writing that "lead guitarist Emil Werstler and drummer Austin D’Amond give MVP performances; they sound ADD in the best possible way, taking riffs and fills which might be 'stock' in other hands and turning them into something just that much more creative and unique."<ref name="mstop152013">{{cite news |title = Axl Rosenberg's Top Fifteen Metal Albums of 2013 |first = Axl |last = Rosenberg |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2013/12/03/axl-rosenbergs-top-fifteen-metal-albums-2013/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = December 3, 2013 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref>
By September 2013 the band was supporting ''Crown of Phantoms'' with a tour of the United States.<ref name="msrigged">{{cite news |title = Rigged: Chimaira Guitarist Emil Werstler |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2013/09/09/rigged-chimaira-guitarist-emil-werstler/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = September 9, 2013 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref>
===Departure from Chimaira, studio work, and live shows (2014–2016)=== Werstler announced his departure from Chimaira on September 1, 2014, and a day later, four other members announced their departure as well. On September 3 the band announced their formal break-up, describing it as amicable.<ref name="michimairaquits"/><ref name="bbmchimairaquits"/>
Werstler played a guest guitar solo on ''A Question of Perspective'' by Ron George in 2014.
In November 2014, Metal Sucks included Werstler as No. 2 on a short-list of "five guitarists we'd be happy to see join Megadeth," underneath only former Megadeth member Marty Friedman.<ref name="megadeth">{{cite news |title = Five Guitarists and Five Drummers We'd Be Happy to See Join Megadeth |first = Axl |last = Rosenberg |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2014/11/26/five-guitarists-five-drummers-wed-happy-see-join-megadeth/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = November 26, 2014 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref>
In early 2015 Nok Novum released a single, Shiryō featuring a guitar solo from Werstler.<ref name="shiryo">{{cite web |title = Heavy Premiere Is Heavy – NOK NOVUM's Single Shiryo Breaks The Break |url = https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2014/12/26/heavy-premiere-is-heavy-nok-novums-single-shiryo-breaks-the-break/ |website = Heavy Blog Is Heavy |date = December 26, 2014 |access-date = December 16, 2021}}</ref>
According to an interview in May, Werstler was nearing completion on his debut solo album. He described the album as an opportunity to avoid "compromising" on the final rendition of tracks in any way, and also stated it wouldn't be described as "guitar music" only. Stated Werstler, "I don't look at myself as just a guitar player - I've always stressed the importance of having an identity and writing music."<ref name="jparchive"/>
Among other live appearances, in 2015 Werstler was a fill-in at a Brent Mason show, performing with Mason in Evansville, Indiana. In August, Works of Flesh released their album ''Plagued'' featuring a solo from Emil on the track "Paradise Lie".<ref name="plagued">{{cite news |title = Works of Flesh - Plagued (album review) |url = https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/68114/Works-of-Flesh-Plagued/ |publisher = Sputnik Music |date = August 9, 2015 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> Emil made his final live appearance of 2015 opening for Deantoni Parks with electronic artist Chris Hunt on December 16.<ref name="parks2015">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler playing with Deantoni Parks on Wednesday, December 16th |url = https://www.facebook.com/SoundSpaceATL/posts/1663491923866051 |publisher =Sound Space official Facebook |date = December 1, 2015 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> In 2016 Emil contributed guitar work on ''Tomb'' by Chris Hunt and noise for ''Silver Planet'' by Kacie Marie and Chris Hunt.
===Col. Bruce Hampton, Verlorener, and ''Sunbelt Bliss'' (2017–2018)=== {{See also|Bruce Hampton}} In May 2017 while playing for Col. Bruce Hampton's 70th birthday concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, Hampton suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed on stage, dying shortly after.<ref name="mfnbruce">{{cite web |last = Hillman |first = Matt |title = Col. Bruce Hampton Passes Away At His Birthday Party |url = https://www.musicfestnews.com/2017/05/02/col-bruce-hampton-passes-70/ |website = MUSICFESTNEWS |date = May 2, 2017}}</ref><ref name="apbruce">{{cite news |title=Beloved musician collapses during birthday concert finale and dies |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/05/02/beloved-musician-collapses-during-birthday-concert-finale-and-dies/101202164/ |access-date = December 14, 2021 |agency = Associated Press |publisher = USA Today |date = May 2, 2017}}</ref>
In June 2017 Emil announced a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for his upcoming solo project Verlorener.<ref name="msvcf">{{cite news |title = Guitar Hero Emil Werstler (ex-Chimaira, ex-Dååth) Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for New Project, Verlorener |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2017/06/19/guitar-hero-emil-werstler-ex-chimaira-ex-daath-launches-crowdfunding-campaign-for-new-project-verlorener/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = June 19, 2017 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="mivcf">{{cite news |title = Ex-CHIMAIRA/DÅÅTH Guitarist Emil Werstler Launches Experimental Band, VERLORENER |url = https://metalinjection.net/news/ex-chimairadaath-guitarist-emil-werstler-launches-experimental-band-verlorener |publisher =Metal Injection |date = June 20, 2017 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref> The project raised $14,883 in total. According to Emil, Verlorener "is a musical and visual identity created to facilitate my need to record and perform without compromise. This project is intended to be an ongoing effort to create a sound that is closer to what I intend to convey to the world."<ref name="gcmvd">{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler Details Verlorener |url = https://www.ghostcultmag.com/interview-emil-werstler-verlorener/ |publisher =Ghost Cult Mag |date = August 14, 2017 |access-date = November 16, 2021}}</ref> In February 2018 "Devil In The Room" premiered as an audio track.<ref name="msditr"/> ''Verlorener'' was released on April 6, 2018, and a video<ref name="ytditr">{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNz4Qi9FP_Q |title = Verlorener - Devil In The Room |website = YouTube |date = July 21, 2018 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> was released shortly after. Emil also played on Ryan Knight's ''Sunbelt Bliss'' album that came out in 2018.<ref name="sunbeltbliss">{{cite web |title = Ryan Knight Releases New Album "Sunbelt Bliss" |url = https://prsguitars.com/artists/story/ryan_knight_releases_new_album_sunbelt_bliss |website = PRS Guitars |date = November 26, 2018 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref>
===Tony MacAlpine, clinics, and studio work (2019–2021)=== {{See also|Tony MacAlpine}} In 2019 Emil joined Tony MacAlpine's touring band for The Electric Illusionist Tour (2019/2020),<ref name="electricillusionist">{{cite web |title = So excited to have the one and only Emil Werstler on guitar this run! |url = https://www.facebook.com/tonymacalpineofficial/videos/so-excited-to-have-the-one-and-only-emil-werstler-on-guitar-this-run-hes-an-abso/1142180652630039/ |website = Facebook |date = January 12, 2019 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> Sons of Apollo MMXX World Tour (2020),<ref name="mmxxtour">{{cite web |title = Sons of Apollo MMXX 2020 Tour At the Glass House Pomona California |first = Tammy |last = Greene |url = https://thegreeneroommagazine.com/sons-of-apollo-mmxx-2020-tour-at-the-glass-house-pomona-california/ |date = February 9, 2020 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> and a tour with Verlorener as special guests which wrapped up in early 2020.<ref name="tonyverlorener">{{cite web |title = TONY MACALPINE w/Verlorener, Shadow Ministry, and More in Austin |url = https://do512.com/events/2020/2/29/tony-macalpine-tickets |date = February 29, 2020 |access-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref>
In April 2020 Werstler was featured on the Kingsmen album ''Revenge Forgiveness Recovery''. Werstler was part of the Digital PRS Experience in May 2020<ref name="prsexp20"/> and launched a new artist website in December 2020.<ref name="ewsite">{{cite web |title = Emil Werstler Official Website |url = https://emilwerstler.com |access-date = December 13, 2021}}</ref>
In January 2021 Jason Bieler And The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra released their album ''Songs For The Apocalypse'' featuring Emil's talent on the track "Horror Wobbles The Hippo".<ref name="majb">{{cite web |title = Jason Bieler Recruits Megadeth, Queensrÿche, Sevendust, Etc. Members For New Album "Songs For The Apocalypse" |url = https://metalanarchy.com/2020/11/10/jason-bieler-recruits-megadeth-queensryche-sevendust-etc-members-for-new-album-songs-for-the-apocalypse/ |website = Metal Anarchy |date = November 10, 2020 |access-date = December 16, 2021}}</ref>
==Style and equipment== thumb|left|250px|Emil Werstler photographed by Steven Walton in 2014. As a six-string guitarist and bassist<ref name="ggfifths">{{cite news |title = Chimaira/Daath Guitarist Emil Werstler's Shocking Confession: "I'll Throw 5ths into Anything" |first = Chris |last = Alfano |url = https://geargods.net/video/chimairadaath-guitarist-emil-werstlers-shocking-confession-ill-throw-5ths-into-anything/ |publisher =Gear Gods |date = July 15, 2014 |access-date = November 17, 2021}}</ref> with a musical background in jazz and blues,<ref name="giaow"/> Werstler incorporates diverse genres into his music,<ref name="emwqmakinga">{{cite news |title = The Making of Daath, Part 6 - exclusive Interview with Guitarist Emil Werstler |first = Axl |last = Rosenberg |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/10/19/the-making-of-daath-part-6-exclusive-interview-with-guitarist-emil-werstler/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = October 19, 2010 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> though he is perhaps best known for his work with metal and gypsy jazz.<ref name="ggfifths"/> According to Werstler, he has been influenced by musicians and vocalists such as Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, David Eugene Edwards of Woven Hand, Anna Calvi, and Flying Lotus among others.<ref name="gghorrible"/> In terms of jazz, he has also cited musicians such as George Benson, Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian, and Pat Martino as having an influence on his musical outlook.<ref name="gghorrible"/>
{{external media |float = right |video1 = [https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/interview-with-emil-werstler-the-sweetwater-minute-vol-247/ Video: "Interview with Emil Werstler" - Vol 247]}}
As a guitarist, Werstler uses several models but is particularly known for playing a hollowbody.<ref name="mikescottprs">{{cite web |title = Mike Scott and Emil Werstler - PRS Hollowbody |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buULqZC2UXE |publisher = PRS Guitars |date = October 11, 2011 |access-date = November 29, 2021}}</ref> After playing a Spruce Hollowbody PRS on the first few Daath tours, Werstler was approached by the company in 2006 and began playing Paul Reed Smith Guitars exclusively. He often tours in the United States with seven different models on hand.<ref name="msrigged"/> According to Werstler, the guitars "are used for different tunings — one main and one backup per tuning: Drop C, Drop B, and Drop A. The seventh guitar is used as a bus guitar for warming up or teaching on the road."<ref name="msrigged"/> He described the PRS Archon as his primary instrument for "metal and loud rock,"<ref name="gghorrible"/> while he uses the PRS Private Stock JA-15 for more general purposes.<ref name="gghorrible"/> In terms of guitar pedals, as of 2014 he primarily uses the Xotic Overdrive model, as well as the Electro Harmonix brand.<ref name="gghorrible"/> Werstler continues to be active as a clinician and endorsee for Xotic Effects and PRS Guitars as of 2015. He is also an official advocate of the PRS Archon amp.<ref name="archonpowers">{{cite news |title = Archon: High-Gain Heavyweight |url = https://prsguitars.com/archon/ |publisher =PRS Guitars |date = 2015 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref> He has been a part of a few ad campaigns and product launches, including the PRS Hollowbody with Mike Scott.<ref name="mikescottprs"/> Werstler has made a number of appearances at the annual Experience PRS event with a main stage performance and clinics with various musicians.<ref name="official facebook">{{cite news |title = Video: Highlights from the Experience PRS 2012 SE 7 Clinics |url = https://www.facebook.com/emil.werstler/posts/420647191334576?stream_ref=5 |publisher =Emil Werstler official Facebook |date = November 27, 2012 |access-date = November 20, 2015}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Albums with Verlorener=== *2018: ''Verlorener''
===Albums with Dååth=== {{main|Dååth#Discography}} *2004: ''Futility'' *2007: ''The Hinderers'' *2009: ''The Concealers'' *2010: ''Dååth''
===Albums with Levi/Werstler=== *2010: Avalanche of Worms
===Albums with Chimaira=== {{main|Chimaira}} *2013: ''Crown of Phantoms''
===Other appearances=== *2006: ''United in Regret'' (Depeche Mode cover) by Arsis *2008: ''Total Brutal'' by Austrian Death Machine *2009: ''Guitars That Ate My Brain'' *2009: ''Monolith'' by From Exile *2010: ''What We’ve Lost'' by Enders Game *2011: ''II'' by Xerath *2011: ''The Age of Hell'' by Chimaira *2011: ''Just Like You Imagined'' (NIN tribute) by From Exile *2012: ''A Lethal Dose of Truth'' by Sylencer *2014: ''A Question of Perspective'' by Ron George *2014: ''Shiryo'' by Nok Novum *2015: ''Plagued'' by Works of Flesh *2016: ''Tomb'' by Chris Hunt *2016: ''Silver Planet'' by Kacie Marie and Chris Hunt *2018: ''Sunbelt Bliss'' by Ryan Knight *2018: ''Tormenter'' by The Agony Scene *2020: ''Revenge Forgiveness Recovery'' by Kingsmen *2021: ''Songs For The Apocalypse'' by Jason Bieler *2024: ''WAXpaper'' by WAXpaper, Kevin Scott
==Videography== *2007: "Subterfuge" by Dååth *2007: "Festival Mass Soulform" by Dååth *2009: "Day of Endless Light" by Dååth *2013: "All That's Left Is Blood" by Chimaira *2013: "No Mercy" by Chimaira *2013: "Wrapped In Violence" by Chimaira *2013: "Crown of Phantoms" by Chimaira *2018: "Devil In The Room" by Verlorener
==Further reading== ;Interviews and articles *{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler - the Metalsucks Interview |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/05/19/emil-werstler-of-daath-leviwerstler-the-metalsucks-interview/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = May 19, 2010}} *{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler Interview: Avalanche of Worms |url = https://guitarinternational.com/2010/07/04/emil-werstler-avalanche-of-worms/ |newspaper = Guitar International |date = July 4, 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151122060550/https://guitarinternational.com/2010/07/04/emil-werstler-avalanche-of-worms/ |archive-date = November 22, 2015}} *{{cite news |title = The Making of Daath, Part 6 - exclusive Interview with Guitarist Emil Werstler |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/10/19/the-making-of-daath-part-6-exclusive-interview-with-guitarist-emil-werstler/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = October 19, 2010}} *{{cite news |title = Chimaira/Daath Guitarist Emil Werstler's Shocking Confession: "I'll Throw 5ths into Anything" |url = https://geargods.net/video/chimairadaath-guitarist-emil-werstlers-shocking-confession-ill-throw-5ths-into-anything/ |publisher =Gear Gods |date = July 15, 2014}} *{{cite news |title = Five Guitarists and Five Drummers We'd Be Happy to See Join Megadeth |url = https://www.metalsucks.net/2014/11/26/five-guitarists-five-drummers-wed-happy-see-join-megadeth/ |publisher = Metal Sucks |date = November 26, 2014}} *{{cite news |title = Emil Werstler - Author |url = https://www.premierguitar.com/authors/553-emil-werstler |newspaper = Premier Guitar |date = 2015}}
;Credits *[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/emil-werstler-mn0000943068/credits Emil Werstler] at AllMusic
==See also== {{Portal|Rock music}} *List of lead guitarists *List of rhythm guitarists
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://emilwerstler.com/ EmilWerstler.com]
{{Dååth}} {{Chimaira}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Werstler, Emil}} Category:American heavy metal guitarists Category:American lead guitarists Category:American session musicians Category:Living people Category:Guitarists from Alabama Category:American male guitarists Category:Chimaira members Category:Dååth members Category:Year of birth missing (living people)