Mattias IA Eklundh

Mattias IA Eklundh is a Swedish guitarist considered one of the most innovative and groundbreaking players in contemporary music. Starting as a drummer at age six after buying Kiss' "Destroyer," he switched to guitar at 13 and became entirely self-taught, learning music theory from library books.

Seeing Frank Zappa perform at age 11 changed his musical perspective forever. Eklundh considers his major influences to be Zappa and Kiss, reflecting a unique blend of complexity and raw power that defines his approach.

After recording with the group Frozen Eyes in 1988, Eklundh joined Danish band Fate, releasing "Scratch 'n' Sniff" in 1991. Japanese magazines hailed him as "The guitar player of the 90s." In 1992, he formed Freak Kitchen, his primary musical vehicle.

Eklundh's solo work includes the acclaimed "Freak Guitar" (1999) and "Freak Guitar - The Road Less Traveled," both showcasing his distinctive minimalist approach. He uses no effects or processors, extracting unconventional sounds directly from the instrument itself. His innovative techniques include using household items like hose-clips and remote controls.

A left-handed player who performs everything "backwards," Eklundh's playing style has earned five-star reviews from publications like Kerrang and Guitar Techniques. UK Guitarist praised him as "faster than Malmsteen, smoother than Michael Lee Firkins and better than Vai - undoubtedly the future of this style of guitar playing."

Beyond performance, Eklundh regularly travels globally conducting seminars on his unconventional playing techniques. He has released instructional videos including "Freak Guitar Vol. 1" and Japanese DVDs "Hyper Freak Exercise" and "Super Virtuosity." He has contributed to tribute albums for Yngwie Malmsteen and Jason Becker.

Eklundh's work transcends traditional guitar virtuosity, emphasizing memorable songs and musical innovation over technical display. His eclectic record collection spans gypsy jazz, Zappa, Kiss, Miles Davis, and Slayer, reflecting his belief that guitar instrumental music should appeal to all music lovers, not just "guitar nerds."