Lisa Occhino of BerkleeGroove.com recently conducted an interview with metal guitar master Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR) about his recently released ninth solo album, "Revenge Of The Shredlord". A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

BerkleeGroove.com: How does the overall sound of "Revenge Of The Shredlord" compare to your previous releases, or your role in bands such as RAVEN LORD and HOLYHELL?

Stump: My new record, solo-wise, is my best to date, but, of course, just about every artist says that about every new record they make. But every aspect of this record is a step up and then some. The playing, compositions, guitar tones and overall production are all notches above my previous solo efforts. I've been at this a long time, so I'm always trying to improve my craft in all areas. It's very cool when it all comes together. Even though I write tunes for HOLYHELL and contribute in many other areas, it's very much a band thing. The RAVEN LORD bit I've just recently got involved with.

BerkleeGroove.com: Who are your main musical influences?

Stump: Guitar-wise, my main influences are the European masters that shaped the way metal guitar is played — Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, Gary Moore, and Michael Schenker (Yngwie and Blackmore being my biggest). I also love classical music by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Paganini, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and Beethoven. I like and listen to all schools of metal and hard rock, as well as retro players like Hendrix, Frank Marino, Robin Trower, and Tommy Bolin.

BerkleeGroove.com: What's the number one piece of advice you give your guitar students?

Stump: That if you want to become a monster metal player and musician, it takes hard work, dedication, and a disciplined work ethic. But also it should always be fun and enjoyable, and you should really love to play. If you work hard and dedicate yourself, good things will happen. The music biz is tough enough, and if you don't really love it, I'd imagine it's even tougher.

Read the entire interview at BerkleeGroove.com.