Impellitteri
Encyclopedia
Impellitteri is a heavy metal
band from USA formed and led by guitarist
Chris Impellitteri
. Since inception, the band has released numerous albums to critical praise, mainly due to Chris Impellitteri's speed/shred style of playing.
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.
formed Impellitteri together with Rob Rock
in Los Angeles, California. They released an EP
simply titled Impellitteri
. The self-titled EP featured highly energetic heavy metal
with fast, shredding guitar solos, and a powerful vocal performance by Rob Rock. The colloquially-dubbed Black EP was well-received and gained Chris Impelliteri international attention. To date Impellitteri have sold over 1 million records and continue to perform in front of audiences as large as 30,000 people per show.
After the EP the band regrouped, this time with Graham Bonnet
as lead singer, and released A semi-tribute album to the more famous metal vocalists of the era titled Stand In Line
. MTV played Impellitteri's music video for Stand In Line in its rotation, and Chris Impellitteri was a guest host on MTV
's Headbanger's Ball. The fans voted Impellitteri a smash on MTV's Smash or Trash show featured during the release of the album. The album charted in Billboards top 100 and remained there for over 5 months. However, Impellitteri stated The Black EP was Impellitteri's style of music, and Stand in line was only intended to be a tribute to the legendary vocalists of the past's music, and not as a traditional Impellitteri metal shred record. Impellitteri has submitted copyright claims to YouTube for postings of live footage from this era.
After some touring and label deals, Impellitteri returned (again with Rob Rock
on vocals). They recorded and released the popular EP
titled Victim of the System
, which was produced by Mike Tacci who was the assistant engineer
on Metallica's Black album
. In late 1994
, they released Answer to the Master
.
In 1996, Impellitteri released Screaming Symphony
, which featured the legendary instrumental titled 17 Century Chicken Pickin. The record was mixed by highly-reputed producer Michael Wagner who had produced Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne in the past. The next year, they released another record titled: Eye of the Hurricane. In 2000 Impellitteri released Crunch.
Shortly after Crunch, Rob Rock decided to pursue a solo career and Impellitteri again recruited Graham Bonnet
and began working on their next album. In 2002
they released System X
. That year they also released a compilation of hits called The Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light
.
The reunion with Bonnet would be short-lived as they parted ways some time shortly thereafter. Impellitteri recruited Curtis Skelton, releasing Pedal to the Metal in 2004
, displaying some of their most aggressive music to date.
In May 2008
, it was announced that Rob Rock was, once again, back in Impellitteri. They collaborated on a new album called Wicked Maiden
with a working title of Good and Evil.
Wicked Maiden was released in Japan and Europe on February 24, 2009
,with the intent of releasing the new album in the United States in 2011, followed by the Impellitteri shredfest tour.
EPs
Live Albums
Compilation Albums
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from USA formed and led by guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri 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...
. Since inception, the band has released numerous albums to critical praise, mainly due to Chris Impellitteri's speed/shred style of playing.
In 2008 Guitarworld Magazine officially named Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri 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...
as one of the Fastest Guitarists of all time. Included in the ranking were Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Band history
Chris ImpellitteriChris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri 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...
formed Impellitteri together with Rob Rock
Rob Rock
Robert Rock is a heavy metal singer and songwriter. He is best known for being the lead singer of the band Impellitteri from 1992 to 2000, and now in 2008. He has also released four albums as a solo artist.-Biography:...
in Los Angeles, California. They released an EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
simply titled Impellitteri
Impellitteri (album)
-Track listing:# "Lost in the Rain" – 2:57# "Play with Fire" – 3:20# "Burning" – 3:05# "I'll Be Searching" – 3:55-Personnel:* Rob Rock – vocals* Chris Impellitteri – guitar* Ted Days – bass* Loni Silva – drums...
. The self-titled EP featured highly energetic heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
with fast, shredding guitar solos, and a powerful vocal performance by Rob Rock. The colloquially-dubbed Black EP was well-received and gained Chris Impelliteri international attention. To date Impellitteri have sold over 1 million records and continue to perform in front of audiences as large as 30,000 people per show.
After the EP the band regrouped, this time with Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet is an English rock vocalist, and songwriter. He has recorded and performed as a solo artist, and as a member of several hard rock and heavy metal bands including Rainbow, the Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri.-Early days:Bonnet was born in Skegness in 1947...
as lead singer, and released A semi-tribute album to the more famous metal vocalists of the era titled Stand In Line
Stand In Line
-Personnel:*Chris Impellitteri – guitar, production*Graham Bonnet – vocals*Phil Wolfe – keyboard*Pat Torpey – drums*Chuck Wright – bass*Bill Freesh – engineering, mixing*Mikey Davis – engineering*Brian Jenkins – engineering*Paul Winger – engineering...
. MTV played Impellitteri's music video for Stand In Line in its rotation, and Chris Impellitteri was a guest host on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
's Headbanger's Ball. The fans voted Impellitteri a smash on MTV's Smash or Trash show featured during the release of the album. The album charted in Billboards top 100 and remained there for over 5 months. However, Impellitteri stated The Black EP was Impellitteri's style of music, and Stand in line was only intended to be a tribute to the legendary vocalists of the past's music, and not as a traditional Impellitteri metal shred record. Impellitteri has submitted copyright claims to YouTube for postings of live footage from this era.
After some touring and label deals, Impellitteri returned (again with Rob Rock
Rob Rock
Robert Rock is a heavy metal singer and songwriter. He is best known for being the lead singer of the band Impellitteri from 1992 to 2000, and now in 2008. He has also released four albums as a solo artist.-Biography:...
on vocals). They recorded and released the popular EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
titled Victim of the System
Victim of the System
-Track listing:# "Victim of the System" – 3:26# "Visual Prison" – 3:58# "Glory" – 1:49# "Cross to Bear" – 5:01# "The Young and the Ruthless" – 3:36-Personnel:* Rob Rock – vocals* Chris Impellitteri – guitar...
, which was produced by Mike Tacci who was the assistant engineer
Audio engineering
An audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
on Metallica's Black album
Metallica (album)
Metallica is the self-titled fifth studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica. Mainly produced by Bob Rock, it was released on August 12, 1991 through Elektra Records to critical acclaim...
. In late 1994
1994 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1994.-January–February:*January 25 – Alice in Chains release their Jar of Flies album which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first ever EP to do so....
, they released Answer to the Master
Answer to the Master (album)
Answer to the Master is the third full-length studio album by Impellitteri.-Track listing:# "The Future Is Black" — 3:42# "Fly Away" — 4:03# "Warrior" — 4:04# "I'll Wait" — 5:09# "Hold the Line" — 4:01...
.
In 1996, Impellitteri released Screaming Symphony
Screaming Symphony (album)
-Track listing:# "Father Forgive Them" – 3:28# "I'll Be with You" – 3:39# "Walk Away" – 4:04# "Kingdom of Light" – 4:09# "Countdown to the Revolution" – 3:58# "17th Century Chicken Pickin'" – 2:29# "Rat Race" – 4:11...
, which featured the legendary instrumental titled 17 Century Chicken Pickin. The record was mixed by highly-reputed producer Michael Wagner who had produced Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne in the past. The next year, they released another record titled: Eye of the Hurricane. In 2000 Impellitteri released Crunch.
Shortly after Crunch, Rob Rock decided to pursue a solo career and Impellitteri again recruited Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet is an English rock vocalist, and songwriter. He has recorded and performed as a solo artist, and as a member of several hard rock and heavy metal bands including Rainbow, the Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri.-Early days:Bonnet was born in Skegness in 1947...
and began working on their next album. In 2002
2002 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI...
they released System X
System X (album)
-Track listing:# "United We Stand" – 3:04# "Perfect Crime" – 4:23# "End of the World" – 5;05# "She's a Nighttime Lover" – 4:30# "Slow Kill" – 4:57# "Why Do They Do That" – 3:53# "Rock & Roll Heroes" – 4:38...
. That year they also released a compilation of hits called The Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light
The Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light
The Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light is a compilation album by Impellitteri containing tracks from Stand In Line up to System X as well as unreleased songs.-Track listing:# "Freakshow" – 5:16...
.
The reunion with Bonnet would be short-lived as they parted ways some time shortly thereafter. Impellitteri recruited Curtis Skelton, releasing Pedal to the Metal in 2004
2004 in music
See also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol....
, displaying some of their most aggressive music to date.
In May 2008
2008 in music
2008 was a huge year in music history with the emergence of pop superstars Lady Gaga and Katy Perry into the mainstream. Also, this is the year that is widely agreed upon by critics as the start of the fall of hip hop from the mainstream and the rise of Synthpop into the mainstream due to acts such...
, it was announced that Rob Rock was, once again, back in Impellitteri. They collaborated on a new album called Wicked Maiden
Wicked Maiden
Wicked Maiden is the ninth full-length studio album by Impellitteri.-Track listing:All song Written by Chris Impellitteri# "Wicked Maiden" –# "Last Of A Dying Bleed" –# "Weapons Of Mass Distortion" –# "Garden Of Eden" –...
with a working title of Good and Evil.
Wicked Maiden was released in Japan and Europe on February 24, 2009
2009 in music
The following is a list of notable events and releases in 2009 in music. Susan Boyle's album I Dreamed a Dream became the biggest selling album in the world for 2009, selling 8.3 million copies in five weeks; more than any other artist's in the whole year...
,with the intent of releasing the new album in the United States in 2011, followed by the Impellitteri shredfest tour.
Beliefs
As far as Christian metal ties, Impellitteri (the band) does not consider themselves to be a Christian band. Rob Rock said the following in an interview:Line-up History
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Ken Mary Ken Mary is a heavy metal drummer known for having played in many groups such as Accept, Fifth Angel, Chastain, TKO, Impellitteri, House of Lords, Bonfire and Alice Cooper... – drums |
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Pat Torpey Pat Torpey is an American rock and roll drummer, known as the drummer of the hard rock band Mr. Big. He has also played for Impellitteri, The Knack, David Lee Roth Band and the Exile Social Club. He is noted by Neil Peart for composing unique rhythms such as that of "Take Cover", a rock song from... – drums |
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Discography
Studio Albums- Stand in LineStand In Line-Personnel:*Chris Impellitteri – guitar, production*Graham Bonnet – vocals*Phil Wolfe – keyboard*Pat Torpey – drums*Chuck Wright – bass*Bill Freesh – engineering, mixing*Mikey Davis – engineering*Brian Jenkins – engineering*Paul Winger – engineering...
(1988) - Grin and Bear ItGrin and Bear It (album)-Track listing:# "When the Well Runs Dry" – 3:58# "Ball and Chain" – 3:29# "Wake Up Sally" – 5:24# "Power of Love" – 4:17# "Under the Gun" – 4:02# "Endless Nights" – 4:21# "City's On Fire" – 4:37...
(1992) - Answer to the MasterAnswer to the Master (album)Answer to the Master is the third full-length studio album by Impellitteri.-Track listing:# "The Future Is Black" — 3:42# "Fly Away" — 4:03# "Warrior" — 4:04# "I'll Wait" — 5:09# "Hold the Line" — 4:01...
(1994) - Screaming SymphonyScreaming Symphony (album)-Track listing:# "Father Forgive Them" – 3:28# "I'll Be with You" – 3:39# "Walk Away" – 4:04# "Kingdom of Light" – 4:09# "Countdown to the Revolution" – 3:58# "17th Century Chicken Pickin'" – 2:29# "Rat Race" – 4:11...
(1996) - Eye of the Hurricane (1997)
- Crunch (2000)
- System XSystem X (album)-Track listing:# "United We Stand" – 3:04# "Perfect Crime" – 4:23# "End of the World" – 5;05# "She's a Nighttime Lover" – 4:30# "Slow Kill" – 4:57# "Why Do They Do That" – 3:53# "Rock & Roll Heroes" – 4:38...
(2002) - Pedal to the Metal (2004)
- Wicked MaidenWicked MaidenWicked Maiden is the ninth full-length studio album by Impellitteri.-Track listing:All song Written by Chris Impellitteri# "Wicked Maiden" –# "Last Of A Dying Bleed" –# "Weapons Of Mass Distortion" –# "Garden Of Eden" –...
(2009)
EPs
- ImpellitteriImpellitteri (album)-Track listing:# "Lost in the Rain" – 2:57# "Play with Fire" – 3:20# "Burning" – 3:05# "I'll Be Searching" – 3:55-Personnel:* Rob Rock – vocals* Chris Impellitteri – guitar* Ted Days – bass* Loni Silva – drums...
(1987) - Victim of the SystemVictim of the System-Track listing:# "Victim of the System" – 3:26# "Visual Prison" – 3:58# "Glory" – 1:49# "Cross to Bear" – 5:01# "The Young and the Ruthless" – 3:36-Personnel:* Rob Rock – vocals* Chris Impellitteri – guitar...
(1993) - Fuel For The FireFuel for the Fire (EP)-Track listing:# "Fuel for the Fire" – 4:26# "Stand or Fall" – 4:37# "Paradise" – 6:01# "Tears in the Eyes of the World" – 3:11-Personnel:* Rob Rock – vocals* Chris Impellitteri – guitar* James Amelio Pulli – bass...
(1997)
Live Albums
- Live! Fast! Loud!Live! Fast! Loud!Live! Fast! Loud! is a live bootleg recording of Impellitteri, later edited officially.-Track listing:# "Overture" — 3:17# "Visual Prison" — 4:19# "I'll Be with You" — 4:12# "Victim of the System" — 4:10...
(1998)
Compilation Albums
- The Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of LightThe Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of LightThe Very Best of Impellitteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light is a compilation album by Impellitteri containing tracks from Stand In Line up to System X as well as unreleased songs.-Track listing:# "Freakshow" – 5:16...
(2002)
External links
- Official Fan Club for Chris Impellitteri
- Impellitteri albums reviewed on Ultimate Metal Reviews
- [ AMG Impellitteri page]
- Rob Rock @ ShoutLife Notice: If a notice that the file or script could not be found. Go directly to http://www.shoutlife.com/robrock
- http://www.myspace.com/ImpellitteriImpellitteri on MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
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