Impellitteri

High-Velocity Neoclassical Speed Metal & Power Metal

Biography

Formed in Los Angeles in 1987 by shred guitar virtuoso Chris Impellitteri, Impellitteri stands as one of the fastest and most enduring heavy metal acts in neoclassical power metal. That same year, the group debuted with their legendary self-titled "Black EP," introducing Chris's blistering alternate picking alongside powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock.

In 1988, ex-Rainbow/Alcatrazz frontman Graham Bonnet joined to record the chart-topping full-length Stand in Line, securing massive international recognition, particularly in Japan where the band achieved multi-platinum and arena headliner status. Rob Rock returned in the early 1990s, cementing a decades-long partnership with Chris Impellitteri and long-time bassist James Pulli. Over nearly four decades, the group has retained its fierce devotion to blistering tempo, virtuosic mechanics, and driving melodic anthems.

Selected Discography

Full-Length Studio Albums

Stand in Line (1988) – Breakthrough LP featuring Graham Bonnet, Pat Torpey, and Chuck Wright; includes the title track and their fiery rendition of "Over the Rainbow".
Grin and Bear It (1992) – A bluesy hard-rock pivot with vocalist Rob Vanni.
Answer to the Master (1994) – Rob Rock's triumphant return to the fold, establishing their trademark high-speed power metal attack.
Screaming Symphony (1996) – Widely heralded as a genre masterpiece; home to shred classics like "17th Century Chicken Pickin'" and "Rat Race".
Eye of the Hurricane (1997) – Expanding into grandiose symphonic and epic songwriting textures.
Crunch (2000) – Experimented with detuned, heavier modern metal rhythms coupled with lightning-fast neoclassical lead work.
System X (2002) – A celebrated reunion album with Graham Bonnet on lead vocals.
Pedal to the Metal (2004) – Aggressive, driving release featuring singer Curtis Skelton.
Wicked Maiden (2009) – Rob Rock's return to the group, initiating a modern renaissance for the band.
Venom (2015) – Punchy, aggressive modern production showcasing some of Chris’s most demanding speed runs.
The Nature of the Beast (2018) – Hard-hitting power metal highlighted by blazing originals and a speed-metal cover of Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe".
War Machine (2024) – Powerhouse outing featuring Slayer/Kerry King drummer Paul Bostaph behind the kit alongside Rock, Pulli, and Impellitteri.

Key EPs

Impellitteri ("The Black EP") (1987) – Raw, incendiary 4-track debut introducing the metal underground to Chris's hyper-speed picking.
Victim of the System (1993) – Critically acclaimed transitional EP setting up the core 1990s sound.
Fuel for the Fire (1997)

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Chris Impellitteri is consistently recognized alongside Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert as one of the fastest and most technically disciplined guitarists in rock history:

Hyper-Speed Alternate Picking: Impellitteri's signature trait is relentless, synchronized strict alternate picking executed with surgical clarity at tempos exceeding 200+ BPM, utilizing forearm rotation and wrist efficiency with stiff, heavy plectrums.
Neoclassical Scale Vocabularies: Deep utilization of harmonic minor, Phrygian dominant, diminished 7th arpeggios, and multi-octave minor runs inspired by classical composers like Vivaldi and Bach.
Hybrid "Chicken Pickin'" Fusion: Uniquely showcased on instrumentals like "17th Century Chicken Pickin'", blending country telecaster-style snap and double-stop twang into neoclassical metal phrasing.
Aggressive Heavy Riffing: Unlike many shredders whose rhythms take a backseat to solos, Chris anchors tracks with tight, percussive, palm-muted thrash and speed metal riffage.
Rig & Gear: Custom Charvel and Fender Stratocaster-style superstrats equipped with Floyd Rose tremolos and high-output humbuckers, pushed through modified vintage Marshall and ENGL tube amplifier heads.

From the album "War Machine" out November 8, 2024
Pre-order/pre-save here: https://ffm.to/impellitteriwarmachine

Impellitteri - "Wrath Child" - Official Video