Chris Impellitteri

Chris Impellitteri
Born	September 25, 1964 (1964-09-25) (age 47) Connecticut, USA
Genres	Neo-classical metal, heavy metal, speed metal
Occupations	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1983–present
Labels	Relativity Records, JVC
Associated acts	Impellitteri, Vice

Chris Impellitteri (born September 25, 1964) is the lead guitarist and founder of the heavy metal band Impellitteri. In 2008 Guitarworld Magazine officially named Chris Impellitteri as one of the Fastest Guitarists of all time. Included in the ranking were Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Yngwie Malmsteen.^[1] In (2003), Guitar One Magazine voted Chris Impellitteri the 2nd fastest guitar shredder of all time followed by Yngwie Malmsteen as the 3rd fastest shredder.^[2]

Biography

When Chris was nine years old, his parents committed suicide. His grandmother bought him an electric guitar, stimulating him to take lessons. The loss of his parents brought Chris in disarray but playing guitar helped him to survive those times. Chris stated "I just started to express my anger through the guitar, as well as rage. Somehow, I feel that translates into the whole speed element, and that's why I'm known as this shredding guy. I shred continually as that expresses my internal rage, and my internal anger."^[3]

During his teen age, he was mainly influenced by Eddie Van Halen, Uli Jon Roth and Al Di Meola. Many compare him to Yngwie Malmsteen but Chris never considered him a big inspiration, although he defines Malmsteen as absolutely influential.^[3]

Impellitteri's first music release was a black EP titled Impellitteri. The Black Ep was filled with music featuring shredding guitar solos, screaming vocals, and a fast rhythm section. The Impellitteri Black EP established the bands sound in the metal world. With the fourth 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 their new record titled Wicked Maiden.

References

1. ^ "50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time". GuitarWorld Magazine. http://www.guitarworld.com/article/50_fastest_guitarists_of_all_time?page=0%2C3. Retrieved 2010-04-07. 
2. ^ "Fastest Guitar Shredders". Phil Brodie Band. http://philbrodieband.com/muso-shredders.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-29. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Chris Impellitteri: Shred 'Expresses My Internal Rage, And My Internal Anger'". Ultimate Guitar. http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/chris_impellitteri_shred_expresses_my_internal_rage_and_my_internal_anger.html. Retrieved 2010-06-04. 

External links

• Official site of Chris Impellitteri

Persondata
Name	Impellitteri, Chris
Alternative names
Short description	Guitarist
Date of birth	1964-09-25
Place of birth	Connecticut
Date of death
Place of death