Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi has been named the Greatest Metal Guitarist Of All Time by Gibson guitars.
In publishing a Top Ten, the equipment manufacturer cites Iommi’s dark, distinct guitar textures in Black Sabbath as helping spearhead the heavy metal movement and its signature massive riffing.
Joining Iommi on the list are Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett at #2, Randy Rhoads at #3, Dream Theater's John Petrucci at #4 and Dimebag Darrell of Pantera at #5.
“Of all of rock ‘n’ roll’s many styles, metal is the most brutal, with its high volume, broadening textures and pure drama,” writes the gear maker. “No matter the exact sub-genre, metal music is held together by a reliance on loud, riffing guitars and, of course, an inspiriting lead guitarist.”
Gibson does not clarify the origin of the list’s creation, suggesting that no reader poll or survey were involved in putting the Top 10 together.
Iommi and original Sabbath members Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler are currently working on a new album with producer Rick Rubin; drummer Bill Ward continues to sit out the planned reunion over a contract dispute.
Top 10 Metal Guitarists Of All Time
Gibson – September 2012
01. Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH)
02. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (METALLICA)
03. Randy Rhoads (OZZY OSBOURNE)
04. John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER)
05. Dimebag Darrell (PANTERA)
06. Eddie Van Halen (VAN HALEN)
07. Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)
08. Adam Jones (TOOL)
09. Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (IRON MAIDEN)
10. George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)
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