Shredders: Impellitteri

One of the original shredders is about to drop a new album, and it is quite good. Definitely worth a listen.

In the 1980’s there was a race for who played guitar fastest. It kicked off when Yngwie Malmsteen landed in the US, who kicked the race off.

Soon there were many others who joined the hunt. Names like Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine, and others were in the hopper.

Enter Chris Impellitterri. His stated goal, from magazine interviews that I read at the time, was to be the FASTEST man on the guitar. And his first album, the eponymous Impellitteri, was chocked full of just blazing guitar.

But the highlight of that album, and why I bought it, was his interpretation of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I encourage you to look it up.

I also bought a few more of his albums, and in general I was down to clown.

Sure, he was a bit “Christian-y” in that era, but that didn’t keep me from listening to him.

Imagine my surprise when browsing YouTube I learned that Impellitterri is about to release a new album. 30+ years has brought a bit of maturity. In addition to blinding speed, he has matured. Not just looking like a middle aged white dude, but his music is more polished and melodic, not just a vehicle for shredding.

Below is one of the new tracks, and I have to say it slaps.

I hope you enjoyed this!

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