Chris Broderick

Christopher Alan Broderick

“Chris”

Chris Broderick is a guitar virtuoso whose exceptional skills earned him a place in Megadeth after Glen Drover's departure, and who has continued to shine in the international metal scene. Born in 1970 in Colorado, Chris began playing classical guitar at age 11 and received academic training in music, giving him impeccable technique and stylistic versatility (he masters everything from extreme metal to violin pieces on guitar). He made his name in power metal by joining Jag Panzer in 1997, recording several albums and standing out for his intricate solos and ability to fuse classical influences with modern metal. He was also a live guitarist for Nevermore in the 2000s, which put him on Mustaine's radar. In 2008, after Glen Drover left, Dave Mustaine invited Broderick to join Megadeth, impressed by a video where Chris played classical and electric pieces with equal mastery. Broderick debuted with Megadeth on the 2008 tour and contributed his first studio work on 'Endgame' (2009). His influence there is notable: lightning-fast solos with neoclassical arpeggios (for example on 'Dialectic Chaos') and complex riffs that revitalized the band's technical sound. Chris also contributed to the composition of songs like 'Never Dead' and 'The Hardest Part of Letting Go'. On tour, his presence was imposing: he flawlessly performed historic solos by Friedman or Poland, sometimes adding his own touch. His tenure included highlights like Megadeth's participation in the historic Big Four concert in Bulgaria 2010 before 80,000 people, where Chris received unanimous praise for his performance. He remained until late 2014, when he and Shawn Drover decided to start their own project, Act of Defiance, seeking greater creative freedom. Act of Defiance released two powerful albums (2015 and 2017), with Chris showcasing his mastery of shred and modern metal. In 2019, Broderick joined the renowned Swedish band In Flames, initially as a live guitarist and later as an official member, participating in the album 'Foregone' (2023). This demonstrated his relevance and ability to adapt to different metal schools. It's worth noting that Chris Broderick is also a guitar instructor and has released educational material, sharing his vast knowledge with new talents. His time in Megadeth produced three albums of varied reception, but in all, his virtuosity was unquestionable. Many fans consider him one of the most technically gifted guitarists to have played in the band. Tall, with a calm and academic personality, Broderick earned the respect of Mustaine and the audience. He continues to build his legacy, and his chapter in Megadeth is remembered as the fusion of classic aggression with the modern precision of a musician who can literally play anything on guitar.