Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick pointed out that Eddie Van Halen’s exceptional rhythm playing is often overlooked due to the spotlight on his famous lead guitar skills.
By Website Content Manager
Testament’s longtime guitarist emphasizes that while Eddie Van Halen was renowned for his shredding, his talents extended far beyond just that skill.
Eddie Van Halen was the master of shredding, but he was capable of so much more as well, says Testament’s longtime guitarist
Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick shared his perspective on Eddie Van Halen’s underrated qualities in an interview with Metal Hammer. He explained that Van Halen’s reputation for pioneering shredding has often overshadowed other aspects of his playing, such as his riffs and timing. Skolnick highlighted the guitar part in Van Halen’s 1981 song “Mean Street” as one of his all-time favorite riffs.
Skolnick described the riff as embodying everything great about a riff, noting its raw intensity. He pointed out that it was unexpectedly aggressive, especially for a band like Van Halen, known for their pop melodies, particularly in the vocal lines. According to Skolnick, the track conveys a sense of aggression and power, and he believes it influenced nearly every metal guitarist in some way.
Skolnick went on to explain that Eddie Van Halen’s incredible lead playing and shredding sometimes overshadow other aspects of his musicianship, such as his sense of timing, swing, tone, and especially his riffs. He emphasized that the “Mean Street” riff showcases the best of these qualities.
Eddie, along with his brother Alex, co-founded Van Halen in 1973, with the pair being the band’s only constant members throughout their 47-year career. Known for his groundbreaking tone, tapping technique, and dynamic performances, Eddie passed away in October 2020 at 65 due to complications from throat cancer.
Meanwhile, Testament, which formed in Berkeley, California in 1983, remains one of thrash metal’s most enduring acts. They released their 13th album, Titans of Creation, in April 2020 and are currently working on a new record.
In November, Testament’s co-guitarist Eric Peterson revealed that fans can expect new songs from the band in early 2025. He mentioned that singles will likely be released by then, while the full album could drop later, possibly in the summer. Peterson noted that while May could be a potential release date, it will ultimately depend on the decisions of the record company.