In the new March 2012 issue of Guitar World, Lamb of God’s Mark Morton and Willie Adler tell how the most important contemporary metal group in the world has blazed a new trail for itself with Resolution, Lamb of God’s diverse new album.

Chickenfoot -- Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and fill-in drummer Kenny Aronoff -- have announced a 20-date North American tour that kicks off in May.

These are the sounds of a man granted a private preview of a masterpiece-in-progress by a giant of rock guitar. Open-mouthed enthusiasm hardly becomes a Jaded Journalist, but what can you do when you're blown away? I'm sitting In Joe Satriani's cozy suite in L.A.’s Le Parc Hotel. The guitarist opens a door leading to the terrace and considers unpacking his clothes. We agree to first hear “a few” of his new tunes, and discuss rock star finery later (particularly our mutual fondness for Big John black jeans).

Guitar World exceeds the legal limit with this roundup — in alphabetical order — of the 50 fastest masters of the fretboard.