Racer X is an American heavy metal band formed in 1985 in Los Angeles by guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Juan Alderete. The band is well-known for their fast-paced, virtuosic guitar work and intensive drumming, setting a high standard in the neo-classical metal and shred genres. They debuted with the album "Street Lethal" in 1986, which spotlighted their technical prowess and set the pace for subsequent releases. The band's lineup originally consisted of Gilbert, Alderete, vocalist Jeff Martin, and drummer Harry Gschoesser, who was later replaced by Scott Travis.

Over the years, Racer X became synonymous with guitar heroics, with Paul Gilbert gaining renown as one of the most accomplished guitarists in metal. Their sophomore album, "Second Heat" (1987), continued to elevate the band's status in the metal community, yielding classics that exemplified their intricate and melodic style. Despite a brief disbandment when Gilbert left to form Mr. Big, Racer X reunited in the late '90s and released several more albums, including the critically acclaimed "Technical Difficulties" (1999) and "Superheroes" (2001), as well as the energetically received live albums "Extreme Volume (Live)" and "Extreme Volume II (Live)". "Getting Heavier" (2002), their most recent studio album, stayed true to the band's ethos of blending breakneck riffs with melodic overtones. "Snowball of Doom (Live at the Whisky)" captures the band's electric live performances that have solidified their legacy as shred metal maestros. Despite their sporadic activity in recent years, Racer X remains a significant influence in the metal scene, celebrated for their technical skill and contributions to the evolution of metal guitar work.

Genres

Metal Guitar

Neo Classical Metal

Related Artists

Joe Satriani

Steve Vai

Yngwie Malmsteen

Mr. Big

Paul Gilbert

Metallica

Iron Maiden

Pantera

Cacophony

Megadeth

Slayer

Tony MacAlpine

Latest Release

Getting Heavier

Racer X

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 11, 2003