Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri (born September 25, 1964) is the American lead guitarist and founder of the heavy metal band Impellitteri. In 2008 Guitar World magazine named Chris Impellitteri as one of the fastest guitarists of all time.[1]
Chris Impellitteri | |
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Chris Impellitteri, 2016 Busan Rock Festival | |
Background information | |
Born | Connecticut, United States | September 25, 1964
Genres | Neo-classical metal, heavy metal, speed metal |
Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, producer |
Instruments | Guitar, bass guitar, piano, keyboard |
Years active | 1983–present |
Labels | Relativity Records, JVC |
Associated acts | Impellitteri, Vice, Animetal USA, Graham Bonnett, House of Lords |
In 2003, Guitar One Magazine voted Chris Impellitteri the second fastest guitar shredder of all time, behind only Michael Angelo Batio; Yngwie Malmsteen was dubbed the third fastest shredder.[2]
Biography
On The Blairing Out Show, he said that both his parents committed suicide when he was 9 years old, and that the guitar provided a path for him to express his anger and feelings. Impellitteri's first music release was a black EP titled Impellitteri. [3] It was filled with music featuring shredding guitar solos, screaming vocals, and a fast rhythm section.[4] The Impellitteri Black EP established the band's sound in the metal world. With the second album, Victim of the System, Impellitteri continued his traditional neo-classical metal style, fusing fast technical guitar soloing with classical phrasing.
In 1996 they recorded Screaming Symphony followed by 1997's successful Eye of the Hurricane. In 2000 Impellitteri recorded Crunch, which was their most experimental musically using drum loops and samples.
In 2009 Impellitteri released the album Wicked Maiden.
In 2015 Impellitteri released the album Venom with Rob Rock on the vocals.
Equipment
Over the course of his career, Impelliterri has used a wide variety of different guitar brands and models, including Fender and Dean. He is currently endorsed by Charvel guitars with whom he has a custom model. In addition, he also used ENGL amplifiers and Seymour Duncan pickups.[5]
Discography
with Impellitteri
- Stand in Line (1988)
- Grin and Bear It (1992)
- Answer to the Master (1994)
- Screaming Symphony (1996)
- Eye of the Hurricane (1997)
- Crunch (2000)
- System X (2002)
- Pedal to the Metal (2004)
- Wicked Maiden (2009)
- Venom (2015)
- The Nature of the Beast (2018)[6]
with Animetal USA
- Animetal USA (2011)
- Animetal USA W (2012)
Guest appearances
- House of Lords - Sahara (1990)
- Various artists - Dragon Attack: A Tribute to Queen (1997)
- Various artists - Randy Rhoads Tribute (2000)
References
- "50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time". GuitarWorld Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-01-10. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
- "Fastest Guitar Shredders". Phil Brodie Band. Archived from the original on 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
- Blabbermouth (2020-04-12). "CHRIS IMPELLITTERI Says He Was Approached By SHARON OSBOURNE About Joining OZZY's Band". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
- Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who’s Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 176. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
- Inc, Equipboard. "Chris Impellitteri's Equipboard". Equipboard. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
- Andy Aledort 30 November 2018. "Chris Impellitteri Breaks Down His Latest Pyrotechnical Workout, 'The Nature of the Beast'". guitarworld. Retrieved 2020-07-05.