Chris Impellitteri
Interview September 2007

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Matthew: As I was preparing to interview you I found out something that was really unique. Impellitteri is listed as a Christian metal band, as a Christian myself it intrigued me. First, is this accurate, and if so have you found it difficult to proclaim your faith and stick to it in an industry that almost rewards the opposite? (Bands throw upside down crosses on their album covers like it’s nothing just to get the kids attention)

Chris: It is true that I am a Christian. However, my band is not. Media and gossip have led to that conclusion. Although, if we are stereotyped as a Christian metal band that is okay with me.

Matthew: I reviewed your last record Pedal to the Metal and found it to be one of the most unique shred based guitar albums ever! I was amazed that funk, regular metal and rock styles were used (among others), your new singer (at the time) Chris Skelton did a great job with this diversity with his vocals. Comment on what made you put out such a multidimensional album.

Chris: Pedal to the Metal is really a parody record. It basically rips off various artists and then infuses elements of shred into their realm. It was really a fun disc to make, but it certainly was not intended to be a serious IMPELLITTERI shred record.

Matthew: Is his next record going to be similar in such varied styles or hearken back to a more traditional neo-classical shred feel?

Chris: IMPELLITTERI will be returning to a much heavier shredding metal record with our next release.

Matthew: Does it trouble you that so many artists like yourself have experienced so much more success abroad in Japan and Europe than in the States, at the same time poser musicians create softer guitar 101 based records with virtually no lead work and have tons of success here?

Chris: In this business I am grateful to have success in any market. As you know, the music industry is extremely competitive (more so than trying to be a movie star). In other parts of the world IMPELLITTERI is extremely popular and we utilize those markets to spread our music internationally. We have sold over 1 million records, been on MTV, I have even guest hosted one of MTV's original Headbangers’ balls. Oddly we seem to be getting more popular. So something is up.

Matthew: Within your playing I love the effect you do where you slow down and before jumping into virtually every mach-6 style solo, this seems to make them more ferocious and definitely much faster?
Chris: Interesting comment. I never really thought of it like that, but you are right, going into half time sets up the solo.

Matthew: Do you get involved in listings of fastest axe men from sites and magazines? Is this even a source of pride for you (being among the likes of Yngwie and Gilbert)? Do you think you are the fastest?

Chris: I think you are referring to Guitar One Magazine calling me the second fastest guitarist in the world, and in the most recent issue of the magazine the writer stated his opinion as #1. I often see these listings and comparisons and smile. It is funny how competitive, exaggerated, and hostile the world of shred has become. When I started playing fast it was just an expression, but today it has become a competitive sport. That is just weird. My personal opinion is that there are many guitar players who can play fast like me, some probably faster. But the point is, I am the original speed demon who can play as fast as one desires, and as we all know "I do way too often." As far as being compared to the others, that is okay with me because I like all of them. Yngwie, Gilbert, Petrucci, etc ... In truth, if you listen to Impellitteri you will find that we spend a lot of energy and time on writing great riffs, lyrics, and then solos. So the surprise too many people is that Impellitteri is a metal band first and then a technician/shredder.

Matthew: Every few years I get a chance to see Gilbert, Satriani, Vai and Malmsteen (to name a few) here on the east coast of America but seeing you in the States seems damn near impossible. Do you have any plans to tour on this next record, because there certainly is an audience here for you? If it is advertised properly the underground "guitar heads" should come out in droves!

Chris: If the record turns out well we will tour. We are working our asses off to make the best record of our career. That includes songs, soloing, recording, and ultimate performance. If the final product is strong, then here we come. And yes it’s about time!

Matthew: Do you attend NAMM and if so is there video anywhere of you playing there or at any other clinics? Those impromptu moments from other g-men are super cool to find on-line.

Chris: I think YouTube has some footage of Screaming Symphony and some song titled Space Bulldozer which was a NAMM performance we did as a favor to JBL. The footage features Impellitteri playing some instrumental tunes in a sound booth. I think we were just having fun jamming, but yes it’s out there for people to see.

Matthew: After performing with top names like Rob Rock and Graham Bonnet what was it like to perform with a younger less experienced vocalist and have you seen growth from Skelton since the last record, and is he even the current singer as a fan site says there is a surprise vocalist?

Chris: Curtis is a great musician and singer. He has talent, but I have moved in a new direction. I cannot disclose the new singer yet, but the fans will definitely love the choice.

Matthew: What is in your CD Changer or I-pod these days? Is there anything that would surprise your fan base?

Chris: I have Van Halen I, Pantera - The Best Of, Korn, an Uli Roth record and the Scorpions.

Matthew: Cool, have you heard any young guitarists or any other musicians that you really liked or inspired you in the last few years?

Chris: Yes there are so many great new guitarists entering the scene. It is really nice to see the guitar solo making a return. I hear many metal artists with young players infusing shred into their new metal songs. Although, I do wonder how well they really can play because of pro tools and editing.

Matthew: Chris, do you have any interest in other guitar genres like jazz fusion or blues or even putting out an acoustic record? Some of my favorite moments seeing George Lynch, Wylde and Malmsteen were when they played acoustic or varied styles live in concert.

Chris: I really love Country. It is extremely technical and the licks can be exciting when done properly. I think if I made a switch it would be to that genre. However, I am sticking with my brand of metal, loud guitars, technical playing, a punk attitude, all showcased within metal.

Matthew: Is there anything else you would like to add, possibly something you would like your fans to know about that has not been covered in any of the past interviews or albums?

Chris: I just want them to enjoy the music we create.

Matthew: Thanks Chris for being so generous with your time and good luck with your next record!

Chris: Thank you.