Alex Skolnick, the legendary guitarist of Testament, delves into the camaraderie and competition within the Bay Area thrash metal scene in the 1980s. In an interview with Tone-Talk, Skolnick reveals that despite the intense competition, the bands were more united than rivals. He reminisces about his early days in the scene, where bands like Exodus, Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax were all rising stars, each with their unique sound and style. Skolnick emphasizes that the thrash metal scene was more about mutual encouragement and support than rivalry. However, he does recall a brief period of competition when Exodus poached his band's singer, Steve 'Zetro' Souza, from the pre-Testament band Legacy. This led to a temporary sense of rivalry, but the bands soon found their own unique identities and continued to thrive. Skolnick also discusses his role as a two-guitarist in Testament, drawing parallels to other bands like Megadeth, Slayer, and Iron Maiden. He explains that the dynamic between the guitarists is crucial, and it evolves over time, adapting to the band's needs and musical style. Skolnick's journey also includes his time as a student of Joe Satriani and his collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne. His current project, Alex Skolnick Trio (AST), showcases his versatility as a musician, blending jazz, rock, and metal influences. AST's latest album, 'Prove You're Not A Robot', is a testament to their innovative sound and has garnered critical acclaim. Skolnick's diverse musical career and his contributions to the thrash metal scene make him an iconic figure in the world of heavy metal.
