Guitar shredder Ben Katzman has announced his new album, Transcendental Shreditation (AWAL), out December 15th via AWAL. Pairing massive riffs with positive messages straight from the heart, the record is a speed metal odyssey about the power of self-belief and wearing your heart on your sleeve. Lead single “No Posers Allowed” sets the tone — speaking to the power of showing up for yourself when the going gets rough and the shredding gets tough 

Produced by Ryan Halt (Torche, Jacuzzi Boys) and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Nevermind, Siamese Dream), Transcendental Shreditation was inspired by the concept of music as a tool for better mental health. It was through stepping into the role of guitar teacher and mentor for student rock bands in his hometown of Miami that Ben returned to the idea of playing music as a path to personal growth and radical self-acceptance, rather than to build a career for success’ sake. Embodying a real-life Jack Black from School of Rock, Ben developed genuine bonds with his students — which have helped to heal his bullied inner child — and he even found a protege in one of them: a 17-year-old shred phenom named Deo Budnevitch, who’s featured on the new record. 

When he’s not making his own music or helping to shape the next generation of guitar heroes, Ben can be found rocking with acts like Guerilla Toss, Mannequin Pussy, and Colleen Green. With all of his work, Ben looks to legends like Eddie Van Halen and Ace Frehley for the inspiration to take musicianship seriously while still having a hell of a good time.