Stefan Joel Weisser, known professionally as Z'EV, was born on February 8, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. He began his musical journey studying various world music traditions at CalArts and later developed his unique percussion sounds using industrial materials. His early career included performances with jazz rock bands and collaborations with electronic composer Carl Stone. Z'EV's breakthrough came with his first solo percussion performance titled Sound of Wind and Limb in 1977, followed by the release of his debut EP Salts Of Heavy Metals in 1981. He gained recognition for his intense metal-based percussion music, performing on tours supporting Bauhaus and collaborating with artists like Glenn Branca. Notable albums include Elemental Music, released in 1982, and Symphony No. 2 (The Peak Of The Sacred), released in 1992. Z'EV's work was influential in the industrial music scene, and he continued to release albums until his death on December 16, 2017. His extensive discography includes over fifty albums, showcasing his innovative approach to percussion and sound art.
