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10. David Tomkins – Lord Helmet

David laid down plenty of alt edge and riffy madness on Lord Helmet’s latest. Many of the songs have a surging, reeling quality to them that betrays masterful control. In addition, he hits some truly epic solos that reveal their brilliance over time.

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9. Johan Niemann – solo

Yeah, Johan is Evergrey’s bassist, but his solo album The Vast Expanse displays his excellent guitar abilities, too. His style on the album is sauntering and careful, with hints of Gilmour and Satriani. In his hands, the guitar speaks with expressive and beautiful results.

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8. Marco – Edenya

I was impressed with Marco’s guitar work from the first time I heard his music. The style of music with Edenya is fairly mild and melodic, but Marco’s guitars are always powerful and authoritative, and his soloing is fantastic.

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7. Mike Lamb – Remina

Mike’s guitar is the other voice beside Heike in Remina’s sound. He provides doomy, dark riffs that hit with calculated precision, but he also gives us pealing, trembling emotions that fly high above the shadowy music.

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6. Robin Armstrong – Cosmograf

Through the years, Robin’s guitars have only gotten stronger and more muscular. He doesn’t seem shy about it anymore, instead laying down solos, riffs, and licks that I find bold and immaculately performed.

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5. Ally Carter – The Emerald Dawn

Ally is a scientist on the guitar, even though he plays other instruments for The Emerald Dawn, too. I love how soulful his playing is, echoing as if through mountains and hills and across oceans. It feels faraway, but deeply human.

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4. Adrien Djouadou and Adrien Guingal

– Hartlight

Hartlight released a major step-up with their latest album, and the guitars were the first thing to enchant me. It’s not just the tone, but the proggier playing, the vicious darkness, the powerful presence. It’s such a joy to hear.

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3. Karl Westerlund

– An Abstract Illusion

I was immediately impressed with Karl’s playing, not only in how heavy and technical it can be, but also because he can fade into the background and support the melody with ease. There are moments on The Sleeping City where he is the shining force, but also moments where he is the foundation upon which everything else depends.

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2. Brenton Lush and Matt Gashk

– Primrose Path

Brenton and Matt provide the rip-roaring heaviness of the Primrose Path sound. Equal parts grunge and progressive metal, they lay down some incredible solos and winding passages that bring the music to life.

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1. Tony Piccoli and Scott Thompson

– Imminent Sonic Destruction

Like with other lists, I knew ISD would top this one before I even started putting it together. Tony and Scott gave us some incredible guitars on Floodgate: terrifically heavy, occasionally vulnerable, and super fun to watch. I love their penchant for the almighty riff, like a celebration or a tribute to the metal gods of the past.

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