By Chris Gill
Part Two: The '90s and the '00s
The definition of metal changed significantly during the ’90s as bands adopted a harder, faster, meaner, and some would say downright evil sound that made the “classic rock” and glam-inspired “hair metal” groups that dominated the previous two decades seem positively quaint. At the same time, grunge, DIY alternative rock, and rap-infused nü metal caused the guitar solo to all but disappear from the airwaves. But just as it seemed as if guitar solos were beginning their death rattle, a steady stream of metal bands defiantly rose up to keep tradition alive in the underground. Today, the guitar solo is making a screeching, squealing comeback thanks to groups like Trivium, Mastodon, Dragonforce, Shadows Fall, and Avenged Sevenfold, who are introducing shred to a new generation of players.
Although numerous guitar companies developed shred machines built to deliver the speed and precision that metal guitarists demanded, many players found that nothing could beat the rich tone and sheer playability of the Gibson Les Pauls, Flying Vs, and Explorers that inspired musicians in previous eras. The following solos are a few of the finest examples of what a great guitar player can do with imagination, attitude, mind-boggling technique, and a killer guitar.
“No More Tears”
Ozzy Osbourne, No More Tears [Epic, 1991]
Zakk Wylde
A dramatic masterpiece, Zakk Wylde’s solo builds from a grand, sweeping melody to an overwhelming climax where notes become a shape-shifting blur. Although Wylde’s debut on No Rest for the Wicked was impressive, with this solo he finally proved to the doubters that he deserved to take the spot in Ozzy’s band previously reserved for Randy Rhoads and Jake E. Lee. Check out the video.
“The Freezing Moon”
Mayhem, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas [Century Media, 1994]
Euronymous
One of the founding forefathers of Norwegian black metal, Mayhem guitarist Euronymous rarely played solos, but when he did they were scorchers. His modal playing on “The Freezing Moon” drives the creepy, violent mood of this song over the top, cutting through the molten lava riff like Satan’s razor-sharp pitchfork.
“Artifacts of the Black Rain”
In Flames, Jester Race [Nuclear Blast, 1995]
Jesper Strömblad, Björn Gelotte
Explorer (Strömblad), Les Paul Custom (Gelotte)
As far as guitar solos go, In Flames’ Jester Race is an embarrassment of riches (“December Flower” is a corker). But the ne plus ultra is “Artifacts of the Black Rain,” which, with its sweet dual-Gibson harmonies, harkens back to the days of Thin Lizzy. A hypnotically melodic solo that still shreds like an industrial-strength document destroyer at the Pentagon. Check out the video.
“Dante’s Inferno”
Iced Earth, Burnt Offerings [Century Media, 1995]
Randall Shawver
It’s a crime that Iced Earth guitarist Randall Shawver never achieved the hero status that many of his peers enjoyed, as he can rip it up with the best of them. On “Dante’s Inferno,” Shawver spins a dizzying crescendo of triplet pull-offs and whacked-out atonal harmonies that combine technique and vision few guitarists have come within spitting distance of.
“The Wake of Magellan”
Savatage, The Wake of Magellan [Atlantic, 1998]
Al Pitrelli
This operatic prog-metal epic about the Maersk Dubai incident may not be as extreme or hard-hitting as other songs on this list, but it offers listeners who prefer music and lyrics with a little more grandiosity an alternative to standard-issue metal fare. The dazzling dynamics, unique melodicism, and fastball technique of Al Pitrelli’s solo proves why he became Dave Mustaine’s sidekick in Megadeth shortly after this album’s release.
“Shadow on the Sun”
Audioslave, Audioslave [Epic, 2002]
Tom Morello
Tom Morello became famous for his DJ-like sound-effect laden solos with Rage Against the Machine, so it came as a welcome surprise to hear him stretch out on this melodic Les Paul solo on Audioslave’s debut album. Here, Morello flaunts chops and tasteful technique that he rarely hinted at before. Mixed with his trademark, off-kilter harmonized pitch shifting effects, it’s a compelling ride. Check out the video.
“Nottingham Lace”
Buckethead, Enter the Chicken [Serjical Strike, 2005]
Buckethead
Buckethead earned acclaim for his warp-speed playing (heard to magnificent effect on his Cobrastrike albums), but his outré persona, complete with slasher-picture mask and the KFC bucket he donned as a hat at times threatened to overshadow his skills. Which is a shame, for he is an extremely versatile guitarist who has performed with a surprisingly diverse assortment of musicians (Bootsy Collins? Guns N’ Roses?? Viggo Mortensen???). On “Nottingham Lace,” he spans everything from bluesy, Hendrix-inspired jams to bizarre, computer-overload blasts—with a good amount of his lightning-fast, four-fingered shred figures thrown in for good measure. Jarring and beautiful. And check out his gorgeous customized white Les Paul in the video.
“Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr”
Trivium, Ascendancy [Roadrunner, 2005]
Matt Heafy, Corey Beaulieu
Les Paul Custom (Heafy)
Naysayers claim that Trivium is just another upstart Metallica knockoff, but Hetfield and Hammett never locked horns like Heafy and Beaulieu do on this solo. Heafy is out of the gate with a stunning display of tone, technique, and taste, and then Beaulieu grabs the baton and kicks out the jams, leading to a harmonized surge of six-string insanity. Check out the video.
“Jambi”
Tool, 10,000 Days [Volcano/Tool Dissectional, 2006]
Adam Jones
Tool’s post-modern guitar anti-hero Adam Jones may not shred like the other players on this list, but few guitarists can match his ability to send a song to points heretofore unknown with a few perfectly placed notes and textural embellishments. Here he runs his Les Paul Custom through a talk box to craft an emotionally wrenching solo that sounds downright wicked and twisted. Jones rarely plays solos, but when he does he makes everybody stand up and take notice.
“Crystal Skull”
Mastodon, Blood Mountain [Reprise, 2006]
Brent Hinds
Mastodon sure like their odd time signatures and other prog-rock flourishes and filigrees, and so it’s doubly refreshing to hear lead guitarist Brent Hinds let loose with a classic, two-fisted pentatonic-based solo. While Mastodon’s riffs are as massive and lumbering as the prehistoric beast they named the band after, Hinds’ solo avoids the tar pit of excess that bogs down lesser metal acts and slays the competition like a saber-tooth tiger. Check out the video.
Other Noteworthy Modern Metal Solos You Should Know
“Painkiller” Judas Priest, 1990
“Old timer” Glenn Tipton schools the kids with a few new tricks on this vicious comeback effort.
“Hangar 18” Megadeth, 1990
Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine’s tasteful, exotic, and unique solos brought a new level of complexity to the metal genre.
“Floods” Pantera, 1996
Dimebag Darrell’s otherworldly harmonic squeals, soulful phrasing, and flashy technique are the highlights of an otherwise disappointing album.
“Voice of the Soul” Death, 1998
Chuck Schuldiner inspired a new legion of death metal guitarists with his hypnotic, moody, and incredibly heavy playing.
“Summoning Redemption” Morbid Angel, 2000
Trey Azagthoth and Eric Rutan’s absolutely evil solos burn as if they’re fueled by Satan’s 426 V8 Hemi.
Article thanks to Gibson.com – Check out the new Gibson Lifestyle
Related News:
Nice to see Mayhem get a nod.
It’s a crying shame that not only he doesn’t the praise he deserves, but also for some reason he is represented by a picture of John Schaffer on this very list.
erm… you gotta add “In the Fire” from the Roadrunner United album…
that solo is Matt Heafy’s and Corey Beaulieu’s best solo in my opinion.
uMi NyaNgu g ??
Al Di Meola. Malmsteen, Joe Stump, Jason becker, Shawn Lane, Jeff Kollman,Doug Aldrich, Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons, Daryl Stuermer(listen to the GO cd)Nino Bettancourt, Jeff beck,everyone has opinions on shred ,fusion Allan Holdsworth, Robert fripp,John McglaughlinDave Beegle,Jeff miller enjoy what you like a d behappy and don’t crticize what the other guys like. jrcnyc
video clips please
How about Rand Burkey from ATHEIST?????? He plays Gibson “V’s” and LesPauls and is certainly a shredder that has not gotten the respect he deserves
what, no slash?
They either aren’t from the 90’s or the don’t use Gibson guitars
they are awesome though
y isn’t maiden in the top ten this is shit
What a tease! Now wouldn’t it have been cool to have audio clips of the solos?
If I worked here…..
Nickster