Characteristics
“It’s substantial, dense, and distinctive. The tactile sensation is superb, and the neck is exceptional. It has weight to it, but that’s something I value in a guitar. The heavier, the better.” Once you handle Bill Kelliher’s recently unveiled ESP guitar, you’ll understand.
Mastodon’s Musical Journey
In 2021, Mastodon unveiled its most ambitious record to date, the 86-minute epic “Hushed and Grim.” At its core lies the same profound intensity and potency that Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher, the electrifying duo renowned for their hard-hitting riffs, have consistently delivered.
Few bands rock as intensely and fervently as this duo, often recognized as the lead and rhythm guitarists, respectively. Over the band’s eight-album discography, which includes iconic works like “Leviathan” (2004), “Crack the Skye” (2009), and “Once More ‘Round the Sun” (2014), Hinds’ solos are undeniably blistering – yet it is Kelliher’s soulful approach that has truly shaped Mastodon.
“We are sometimes polar opposites,” Kelliher shares with Guitar World. “When I compose songs, I dedicate months to meticulously crafting them, whereas Brent’s approach is more improvisational, opting to jam and create spontaneously in the studio. While this approach occasionally resonates with me, I generally prefer structure, exploring every potential direction the music could take.”
Kelliher reveals that he is already developing riffs for Mastodon’s forthcoming album. “I’m quite enthused because I have a plethora of ideas. Initially, my ideas may sound similar, but I must trust my instincts that they will evolve into distinct entities. It’s a gradual process currently, especially following the grand double album.”
“I aim to return to compositions akin to ‘Pushing the Tides,’ where the focus is strongly on guitar-driven melodies. We don’t often delve into simpler arrangements; our catalog boasts numerous 10- and 15-minute tracks. While they are commendable and enjoyable to perform, that’s not my current aesthetic. I’ve been leaning towards Drop C tuning frequently, so we’ll see where this exploration leads me.”
The Influence Behind ESP’s Royal Shiva
Your latest acquisition, the Silver Sunburst Royal Shiva, Bill Kelliher’s ESP signature guitar, made its debut ahead of NAMM. What sparked the creation of this masterpiece?
“For ‘Crack the Skye’ back in 2009, I envisioned a nine-string guitar with three high strings doubled up. At that time, my instrument was crafted by First Act, a custom double cutaway; I admired its tone and playability. I particularly appreciated its heft, weighing around 12 to 13 pounds – substantial and resonant.”
“Fast forward to approximately 2020, and I thought, ‘I’d love to have a guitar similar to that, but with only six strings.’ I simply sought a playable instrument, prompting my collaboration with ESP to craft a six-string variant, mirroring the previous model in essence.” » …
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