Sin Quirin: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Feature Photo courtesy of Sin Quirin

Born in Burbank, California, Sin Quirin was the longtime guitarist of industrial metal group Ministry, as well as a member of side projects, Society 1, American Head Charge, Supermaniac, Revolting Cocks, Lords of Acid, and lately, his newest outfit, Siglos.

Quirin was a key cog on classic Ministry records, The Last Sucker (2007) and From Beet to Eternity (2013), and was nominated for two Grammy’s with Ministry for “Under my Thumb from Cover Up (2008), and “Señor Peligro” from the live record, Adios… Puta Madres (2009).

With any number of hot-rodded six-strings in hand, Quirin is a force to be reckoned with, but he doesn’t stick to just one genre. In 2014, he dug in on some tasty EDM, releasing a new set of solo tracks that erred toward industrial, aggrotech, electro, and dance, further showing his versatility.

These days, Quirin’s focus is mainly on Siglos, whose percussive vibes on songs like “Morir Para Vivir are explosive, rhythmic, and can be found on Siglos’s debut EP, 2022’s Rituales Sagrados.

During a break in the action, Sin Quirin beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to dig into the ten records that changed his life. Can you spot any of your favorites?

Alive! – Kiss (1975)

I was six years old when my older cousin brought it over for me to check out. I remember sitting there staring at the pictures and photo booklet the album came with when suddenly, I heard, “You wanted the best, and you got it! The hottest band in the land! KISS!” and my world turned completely upside down. The opening riff to “Deuce” came on, and that was it.

I had never heard anything so raw and heavy (it was 1975, and I was six). I was in a different world. Every song from Alive! became anthems to me; “Strutter” and “Got to Choose” all impacted me. Ace [Frehley] ‘s solos immediately connected with me. I love all the solos on that album, but a standout for me is the solo on “100,000 Years.” I love the feel, the simplicity, and the emotion. This is the album that changed my life.

Bayou Country – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

What an amazing swampy, raw rock ‘n’ roll album. My parents played this album when I was a kid, and I connected with it immediately. The slow, vibey guitar swell that starts the album leading into “Born on the Bayou” still gives me chills. John Fogerty’s raspy vocals are so recognizable. There are so many great songs on this album. I always loved the riff on “Graveyard Train.” Such a slow, hypnotic track full of emotion and great guitar work. Closing out the album with the marathon ‘Keep on Chooglin'” just building and building to an amazing ending finale.

The Best of The Animals – The Animals (1966)

This was one of my dad’s favorite albums, so it was always being played at home. It’s such an iconic and memorable guitar line on “House of the Rising Sun.” Eric Burdon’s amazing and soulful voice on “Bring It on Home to Me.” This album has such great songs filled with that bluesy, soul, and rock sound.

Are You Experienced – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

This is definitely one of those life-altering albums for me. Hearing “Purple Haze” for the first time catapulted me into another realm of what I thought the guitar could do. Jimi was an absolute genius and wizard on the guitar. Unorthodox in his playing and approach to the guitar and music, he made breaking all the rules and pushing the boundaries seem okay. “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Foxy Lady,” and “Fire” are just unbelievable guitar playing filled with nothing but raw emotion. So good still to this day.

Mezzanine – Massive Attack (1998)

In my opinion, this is one of the best trip-hop, downtempo albums ever made. This album definitely opened my eyes and ears to this style of music. I absolutely love the dark, atmospheric tones and sounds of this album. “Inertia Creeps” and “Dissolved Girl” are still two of my constant go-to songs. I dig the heaviness and “weight” of this album. And at the same time, it’s slow, mellow and beautiful.

Alive II – Kiss (1977)

This album was the second part of the soundtrack of my childhood. To say I was obsessed with Kiss and this album is a huge understatement. Staring at the photo booklet while listening to these songs repeatedly fueled my imagination and dreams. “Detroit Rock City,” “Ladies Room,” “Calling Dr. Love,” and, of course, “Shock Me.”

All such catchy rock anthems. Ace Frehley will always be my first guitar hero. It’s probably the one I borrowed the most from. The bends, vibrato, and memorable phrasings in the guitar solos. Also, side four of this album features one of my all-time favorites, “Rocket Ride.” Killer riffs and an awesome solo!

Bridge of Sighs – Robin Trower (1974)

This is just an absolutely incredible album. I mean, Robin’s guitar playing is just insane. The opening track, “Day of The Eagle,” is just a killer—ferocious guitar playing. You can feel the emotion and intensity coming off that fretboard. “Bridge Of Sighs” is just so full of atmosphere and mood. It’s one of my favorite guitar tones all over this album—brilliant songs from start to finish.

Highway to Hell – AC/DC (1979)

These songs sound as fresh today as they did when I first heard them. What a killer album filled with huge riffs and catchy, memorable hooks. Great guitar playing from both Angus and Malcolm. Every song is so good, and this lineup was on fire. This is straight-up rock ‘n’ roll! No frills, solid songs that just hit you right between the eyes. This album is still one on constant rotation.

Tommy – The Who (1969)

Another one of those classic albums. I love the songwriting on this record. Pete Townshend definitely pushing those boundaries and limits with their sound. I fell in love with these songs right from the get-go. “Sparks,” “Pinball Wizard,” and one of my all-time favorite songs, “See Me Feel Me/Listening To You.” Beautiful writing filled with such emotion and power. On a side note, the live version of “See Me” from Woodstock is pure magic. I love this album.

Greatest Hits – The Cars (1985)

I absolutely love every song on this album. Catchy, clever, and hooks for days. In my opinion, Elliot Easton is such an underrated guitarist. He plays exactly what is called for and needed on every song. I’ve always been a huge fan of memorable rock songs, and this album is full of them. “Let’s Go,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and the classic ballad. “Drive.” So good! Their brand of synths, new wave, and rock left a solid impression on that era and is still solid and fresh. I spin this album all the time.