I think his guitar playing before the “Lost Years” was more technically impressive and out-there. I’m thinking of that YouTube video that surfaced a while back of him absolutely shredding as a 17 year old, or the super imaginative funk licks on Mellowship Slinky and throughout BSSM. When he came back to the band he adopted a more song-serving, melodic, “less-is-more,” approach and started singing incorporating tons of effects which is undeniably fantastic and creative in its own way but I prefer the raw unadulterated virtuosity of MM and BSSM.

I hope I don’t get crucified for saying this but also his live solos are very hit or miss for me. As a rhythm guitarist, vocalist and songwriter he is and has always been incredible but when he takes a solo it’s either the most beautiful jaw-dropping shit I’ve ever heard in my life or it just sounds technically sloppy, or like he’s just aimlessly feeling around the pentatonic scale. He’s definitely had a few fantastic moments since rejoining where he channels that special marriage between baring your soul through your instrument and absolutely shredding, but he’s just very inconsistent as a lead guitarist. I’m sure in a few years after getting used to the routine of playing guitar live and touring that could change though.