Hail to the King (Solo) - You asked so here it is! I honestly believe Brian Haner Jr. (aka Synyster Gates) is a wildly talented guitarist. This solo elegantly encapsulates many of his musical quirks, as well as his obvious technical prowess. The 'Chaos-Soloing' element is definitely present, with several runs and phrases that are so difficult to play cleanly, and feel a bit like you're hanging on by a thread while risking it all. He definitely doesn't play it safe, which I find so admirable. It makes those of us who cover his solos work a lot harder 😅 Gypsy Jazz influences start to emerge around this era of A7x also, with lower chromatic neighbours, harmonic minor scales and blazing arpeggios befitting a classic Django Reinhardt tune spread throughout the back half of this solo. The inclusion of chromatics add colour and spice, especially the Am descending sweep picked phrase which strangely reminds me of the Latin Jazz theme music of "Sex and the City". Odd reference I know, but go listen to it and you'll see what I mean. Gates is very much underrated as a modern guitar hero, probably because of the eye-shadow & fedora era, as well as the use of stage names which sadly alienated many metal fans. Personally I don't give a s%^& about any of that. To quote EVH, if it sounds good, it IS good. HOT TAKE: I strangely notice many parallels between Gates & Edward Van Halen's playing. Yes yes, I know they are completely different stylistically, but there's a wild, ragged-edge, holding-on-by-your-finger-nails energy to both of their playing approach. They both sounded great live, use one tone live for the most part, and go for the most unforgiving & out-there licks. Neither ever played it safe, and of course, both LOVED their Floyds. What do you think of Synyster Gates? Let me know in the comments! #hailtotheking #SynysterGates #GuitarSolo #Shred #AvengedSevenfold - @tomshreds