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TESTAMENT's SKOLNICK Says METALLICA's HETFIELD Is 'An Unsung Virtuoso'
- Nov. 17, 2009
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TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has posted the following message on his official blog: "Recently a writer from The Quietus, Mark Eglinton, asked for my thoughts on METALLICA's James Hetfield. "While it's no secret that the fans, myself included, haven't always agreed with every decision METALLICA has made as a band, I've chosen to look at a subject which seems to have gotten lost in the chaos of METALLICA's superstardom: James, the musician. " James Hetfield is a an unsung virtuoso. His guitar and vocal sound, along with his song ideas, has enabled METALLICA to go from being classified alongside MOTÖRHEAD and VENOM to being aligned with BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and U2. Much of hard music today has been changed by his guitar tone, rhythm playing and vocal technique, making him arguably the most influential musician of his generation. " James has had more of an influence than most 'lead' guitarists and is a great lead guitarist himself. His occasional solos are among METALLICA's most memorable, proving that speed and chops are secondary to melody. He is also a terrific acoustic guitarist, playing intricate parts with a lot of depth, consistency and dynamics. "I'm convinced that had he chosen to play drums, bass or lead guitar in his band, James Hetfield would have been just as influential and virtuosic." 
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COMMENT | Testament
posted by :
11/17/2009 11:59:27 PM
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Glad to see Testament touring with Megadeth and Slayer I wish Metallica and the great Laaz Rockit would be added as well.
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COMMENT |
posted by : pinpals
11/17/2009 11:59:40 PM
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Skolnick is a class act. I applaud him for speaking out that St Anger sucks before many others did and I applaud him for respecting Hetfield's obvious talent in spite of some of his poor decisions musically. I think Hetfield is often overlooked despite being the head of one of the biggest bands in metal and even rock history.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 12:00:56 AM
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While I agree with Skolnick for the most part (Hetfield being as influential playing drums?), personally I'd rather be aligned with Motorhead & Venom instead of Springsteen & U2.
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COMMENT | I disagree...
posted by : Seppeku
11/18/2009 12:02:40 AM
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I would rather be classified with Motorhead and Venom instead of Bruce Springsteen and U2. Music isn't supposed to be a popularity contest. It's no secret the more popular the band, the more they "dumb" down the music for the masses. James Hetfield sold out Metallica more than any band since disco era Kiss .
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COMMENT |
posted by : Skanna
11/18/2009 12:14:58 AM
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can't stand springsteen or U2.
Hetfield is not unsung, he has nothing to cry about in that department. He is universally known.
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COMMENT | Slow down, Alex
posted by :
11/18/2009 12:15:47 AM
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Next thing you know, we'll hear that Hetfield's sweat can cure cancer.
I agree with Skolnick up to the last comment that Hetfield would have been a virtuoso on any instrument he played. C'mon, that's just a bit much. Skolnick must need a loan or something.
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COMMENT | well....
posted by : spacemonkeymafia
11/18/2009 12:16:12 AM
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it takes one to know one.
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COMMENT | I agree 100%
posted by : funbastard
11/18/2009 12:16:37 AM
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Alex absolutely got it right. Jame's solos on MOP and Nothing Else Matters are really good.
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COMMENT | Diggin' the Abe Lincoln beard, Het
posted by :
11/18/2009 12:23:15 AM
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Not a huge Metallica fan anymore, but James Hetfield and Cliff Burton were always virtuosos in my book. Greatest rhythm guitarist in metal, BY FAR!!
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COMMENT | James is the man
posted by :
11/18/2009 12:27:04 AM
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I agree with sklonick on this one
www.deathalizer.com
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COMMENT | DUDE
posted by :
11/18/2009 12:34:10 AM
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Alex is really sucking on James' dong here ain't he? Virtuoso?? Bullshit. Influential? YES. Steve Vai is a virtuoso. James is solid, better than average. Has a great voice for METALLICA. Virtuoso? NOTHING or NO ONE is Metallica is even close to that title. COKEHEADs are more like it. I guess IRON MAIDEN are DEITIES.
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COMMENT | Virtuoso
posted by : Ultimate Warrior
11/18/2009 12:51:09 AM
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It doesn't necessarily mean that you can play amazingly technically.
Hetfield's greatest attribute is his songwriting ability....and he is absolutely a virtuoso when it comes to that. I agree with Alex that he'd be able to do it on any instrument that he chose to play....but Hetfield's tool of choice is the guitar.
He is also a good drummer if you've ever watched some vids of it....he's probably better than Lars' sorry ass. But obviously he doesn't focus on that instrument.
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COMMENT | Virtuoso?
posted by : THRASHMONGER
11/18/2009 12:58:50 AM
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Can't help but think that Alex witnessed a lover's quarrel between James and Kirk, and is now jamming his tongue up James' ass to position himself for a possible lineup change.
Metallica died with Cliff.
James is VERY good at what he does, I just don't want to hear it ever again.
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COMMENT | Testament
posted by :
11/18/2009 1:20:44 AM
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...is the fourth band that should be on the Bog Four tour not Anthrax!
How anybody ever got the idea that Anthrax was one of the Big Four is beyond me? It is obvious the big four are Metallica, Megadeth, Testament and Slayer.
James is the John Lennon of Metal! Alex is right and he is also kissing a little ass but that's ok cause Alex is a positive person and i don't think I ever recall hearing Alex put anybody or any band down. Testament haven't always made the best decisions musically either but no band can get it right everytime...nobody's perfect!
Hails to Skolnick who is not only a virtuoso in his own right but a gentleman to boot!
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COMMENT | As far as James, goes, talk about a forehand chop, precision, stamina and song writing
posted by :
11/18/2009 1:21:52 AM
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yes indeed, virtuoso, eh, not so much; you Alex, are the virtuoso...um, hello?!
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COMMENT | Testament big 4??
posted by :
11/18/2009 2:02:43 AM
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I signed up for this site just to respond to this. This guy obviously doesnt know why Anthrax is part of the big 4. Among the living is tops for me. But overall I agree I like Testament alot more. However, thats not what makes them part of the big 4. Thats a term coined by the industry because they were the top 4 selling bands of the genre at the time. And you may say well Anthrax werent as thrash as the rest. But, listen to those early albums. They are thrash absolutely
As james, on rhythm guitar, he is a god. Watch him play that old shit. ALL DOWN PICKING! Even on the crazy fast ass picking parts, down picking, and clean as hell!
As for his vocals, all good UNTIL the black album, and then yes, trying to hard to really sing and then shitting the bed big time. Terrible. Too many yeahs for sure!
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COMMENT | Um no.
posted by : Meatal
11/18/2009 2:20:30 AM
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"I would rather be classified with Motorhead and Venom instead of Bruce Springsteen and U2. Music isn't supposed to be a popularity contest. It's no secret the more popular the band, the more they "dumb" down the music for the masses. James Hetfield sold out Metallica more than any band since disco era Kiss ."
You might be surprised to know that not everyone likes heavy metal music and wants to write it. Your attitude shows you don't understand music very well much like today's typical new age metalhead narrow mindedness. There are other genres of great music out there you fool.
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COMMENT | Both Alex and James rule
posted by : ssamu
11/18/2009 2:29:37 AM
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All of you asses saying that Alex is kissing James' ass can eat a dick.
Alex is one of the greatest metal lead guitar players ever, so I'm sure he knows what he is talking about. And yes, Hetfield is a rhythmic virtuoso, with a right hand like a metronome. He's also penned some of the most memorable metal tunes ever, like them or not. Something overlooked by you musically dumb people.
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COMMENT | funnily there's a video
posted by : megal0maniac
11/18/2009 2:41:13 AM
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where hetfield matches lars's playing easily.
Also, Hammet does the most work, but when he bends esp live he often, far too often goes outta tune.
Hetfield is sturdy as a player and a good composer too.
He's also a very average vocalist, that realizes his limitations and chooses not to make a fool out of himself and he sings mostly in a heartfelt way....which people can connect to, so he's good in that respect, but not really - a great singer. He could probably play some guitar/bass.... Well he could easily do a solo couldn't he ! haha !
He's ok... i just object to his riddiculous beard as of late.
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COMMENT | i just like how..
posted by :
11/18/2009 3:33:50 AM
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I just like how most people here who are posting jump on the "OMG ALEX IS KISSING JAMES DICK"..I think u guys never heard of respect or showing it to others. That is what Alex is doing in the interview..always trying to stir some shit like some old lady down the block with no life..If u know so much about music go play better than James or Alex himself... and make a name for yourself bigger than Metallica or Testament...so call fking experts i tell u...
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COMMENT | blah blah blah
posted by : Wile E Coyote Super Genius
11/18/2009 3:55:01 AM
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Like it's a real secret that James Hetfield is the shit!
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COMMENT | James Hetfield and Alex Skolnick
posted by : artjunkie
11/18/2009 4:00:53 AM
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Much respect to both. Hetfield is absolutely the reason I got a guitar at 15 about 20 years ago and started a thrash band in high school. Best rhythm guy and composer in metal. His talent is matched or nearly matched only by Chuck Schuldiner (RIP), Dimebag Darrell Abbott (RIP), Eric Peterson, Dave Mustaine, Bill Steer, Trey Azagatoth and the tandem of Mark Morton & Willie Adler.
Fact.
Respect.
James' solos in To Live is To Die, Orion, Master of Puppets and "Nothing Else Matters" are some of the best and most memorable in all of metal. His and Kirk's stuff is pretty melodic and catchy.
As for his acoustic work, that just goes without saying. Fight Fire with Fire, Battery, and To Live is To Die. 'Nuff said.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 4:03:44 AM
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METALLICA's HETFIELD Says TESTAMENT Rode Out Coattails For Years - Nov. 17, 2009
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COMMENT | "here" here"
posted by :
11/18/2009 4:06:43 AM
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Could'nt agree more. lve always said James Hetfield is metals greatest , then comes Mustaine, and then a big gap to the rest.
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COMMENT | thats cool
posted by :
11/18/2009 5:10:54 AM
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good to see different bands actually making some good remarks towards others, rather than the negative shit we've been reading recently.
good interview!
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COMMENT | hm...
posted by : megal0maniac
11/18/2009 6:20:09 AM
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guys.... you confuse a catchy tune with technical ability i think. Dave was a better guitarist than James. Fact. There are other guitarists that also smoke all 3 of them should they choose to play that style. (would they compose a good tune in the vain.... hmmmm, probably not - but still)
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COMMENT | Hair paint jobs gone wrong???
posted by :
11/18/2009 6:38:41 AM
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I don't know about you but on this picture both of these guys' bad hair dye jobs are showing. That un-virtuostic :)
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COMMENT | virtuoso yes
posted by :
11/18/2009 7:02:55 AM
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what makes James a virtuoso is the fact that 95% or more guitar players can not play his classic songs like him with all down picking and the precision he plays rythm with. As a rythm player James is second to none.
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COMMENT | And Justice For All is Metallica's best album
posted by : SweiitConcorkill
11/18/2009 7:27:48 AM
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So how did it die with Cliff? That is the dumbest thing metal fans say.
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COMMENT | Ehhmmm No...
posted by :
11/18/2009 7:34:50 AM
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James is an excellent guitarist (especially acoustic) Nothing more than that. If we are talking about a virtuous (not steve vay style) that would be Dimebag Darrell.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 7:39:34 AM
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To that person above who said anthrax shouldn't be part of the big 4, go back and listen to fistful of metal, spreading the disease and among the living then tell me they don't belong!!
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COMMENT | Well i agree with Skolnick
posted by :
11/18/2009 7:43:54 AM
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..i've also read some other musicians such as Marty Freidman, Slash, Michael Akerfeldt, etc.. saying that James is the great guitar player and a songwirtier. Even Mustain says James is one the best three rhythm guitar player in the world.
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COMMENT |
posted by : pigchop
11/18/2009 8:13:32 AM
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COMMENT posted by : hookinmouth
"I like Mille Pretrozza way more than Hetfield as a thrash vocalist, but that's my taste."
Right on, brother.
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COMMENT |
posted by : Acacia70
11/18/2009 8:23:49 AM
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while i stopped caring for metallica when AJFA came out, hetfield is an impressive riff-writer.
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COMMENT | absolutely correct
posted by :
11/18/2009 9:08:04 AM
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keeping it in the context of what James role is in the band he is without a doubt a cornerstone figure in music and the one irreplacable member of Metallica. James is a brilliant player and no one really talks about that because its all the little things done well that make up the bigger picture. When you consider his vocals from day one along with all those riffs and songs he's written it cannot be denied...anyone can say otherwise but they would be dead wrong and virtuoso doesn't equate to shredding...as others have posted you just need to look at the long and impressive line of what his peers say about him.
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COMMENT |
posted by : thaiguy333
11/18/2009 9:13:00 AM
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HETFIELD = GOD
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COMMENT | Meatal?
posted by : Seppeku
11/18/2009 9:34:05 AM
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You might be surprised to know that not everyone likes heavy metal music and wants to write it. Your attitude shows you don't understand music very well much like today's typical new age metalhead narrow mindedness. There are other genres of great music out there you fool.
If you don't like Heavy Metal you're on the wrong site. I never said there aren't other great genres of music out there, but Pop isn't one of them. Pop is short for Popular! You can go ahead and like what the popular audience does ( Britney Spears, American Idol, Oprah) and see who's the fool.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 9:39:54 AM
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Mustaine has said that he thinks James, Malcolm Young and himself are the 3 best RHYTHM guitarists in the world.
Ive always thought that Hetfield was way Better than Hammett, i think Hammet is shit, he over uses the Wah Wah pedal and while its hard to play that fast i I don't think many of his solos are any good, though there are a few that are good
Also i think Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth is a brilliant rhythm player and severely underrated, Just listen to the songs "Stormrider" or "Iced Earth"
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COMMENT |
posted by : noone69
11/18/2009 10:00:50 AM
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Mustaine's gonna kick him off the tour now for talking about Metallica
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COMMENT | Not even close
posted by :
11/18/2009 10:06:41 AM
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Not sure how to put it, but to me a virtuoso is someone that each one of us with lifetime of practice can't even come close to (ie Michael Schenker). Ok, some of Metallica's ideas are very catchy and the music is good, but come on, not virtuoso. Skolnick on the other hand is very very good. Neither Hetfield nor Hammett can touch him with lifetime of practice.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 10:39:57 AM
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Too bad Lars is not.
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COMMENT | I know what Alex means...
posted by :
11/18/2009 11:14:09 AM
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Either you can understand what he is saying, or you can't.
It's simple.
One fact alone is that James Hetfield's rhythm playing and WRITING is ridiculously tight as hell, and his tone on his solos is very good.
You can see the difference in the answers on this site between people who are musicians and people who are jealous frustrated immature guitar players.
I find it amusing.
Alex, you impress more and more, I need to see Testament soon, preferably headlining a club.
I would love to see Alex's jazz band as well.
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COMMENT | About the "Big 4"
posted by :
11/18/2009 11:32:05 AM
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Anthrax definitely should have been replaced by Testament OR Exodus with Exodus taking the spot IMO. Still, all great bands in their own right.
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COMMENT | longsincedark
posted by : Neil Young's Cocaine Booger
11/18/2009 11:38:19 AM
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I gotta agree......as a rythm player James is second to none. But as a RHYTHM player, James is second to many!!!!!!
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COMMENT | James is the man!
posted by : RiotAct666
11/18/2009 12:03:13 PM
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Gotta agree with Alex 100%
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 3:33:26 PM
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Hetfield is god, you will bow down.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/18/2009 7:15:21 PM
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Hetfield's influence on metal guitar playing is 2nd only to that of Iommi. Skolnick's comment doesn't mean james can shred like him or friedman but more that james brings a wide array of things to the table[vocals, rhythm, lead songwriting] in a greater, more balanced capacity than just about anyone in music, much less metal.
How much of an influence is james? He can make whiny internet nobody's like middlefingerfromozzforum embarrass themselves despite the fact that he doesnt know nor will he know the kid.
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COMMENT | Guess What?
posted by : I'mGonnaKillEddie.
11/18/2009 8:09:11 PM
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I've been saying that all along.
He is all that and more
certainly, for me, the most influentail Musician (singer/guitar/frontman) for my generation. Grad. from H.S. in 1990 and w.o Metallica - who know's. They pulled me in and his vocal tone or pitch, if you will, with the attitude of Puppets/Lightning/Kill 'Em All and Justice got me hooked ihto Metal - line and sinker.
That my friends is THE metal legend for me. Most Valuable Metal Person, for lack of a better phrase. He's the one.
Metal would be in an awful or no state at all if it weren't for him and METLLICA. Just watch CLIFF 'EM ALL after you get the dust off of it - Am I Evil/For Whom/Puppets/NO REMORSE, and etc.
It's all there. peace.
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COMMENT | yes, I know...
posted by : I'mGonnaKillEddie.
11/18/2009 8:11:50 PM
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It's METALLICA. Thank you. sp. ^
That is one word I do know how to spell, after all, I graduated from HEAVY METAL University long ago.
proofreading helps.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/19/2009 6:03:13 PM
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COMMENT | DUDE
posted by : Capricac
I don't James or Lars ever did coke, there to much of squares.
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