TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick, who has been an outspoken critic of America's 45th president on social media, has released another anti-Donald Trump song called "Wear A Fucking Mask". Skolnick explains: "My recent homespun rap track 'Trump Sucks' got so much attention, from being labelled 'an anthem' and 'brilliant' to 'pathetic' and 'cringeworthy,' that I just had to follow it up. "Staying in my lane is something I've never been good at. "I realize a jazz/rock guitarist widely known for his thrash metal work releasing old-school rap tunes with a sociopolitical message and Zappa-esque satire might not make sense. But my question to you is: Does anything make sense these days?" He added: "This sequel had more energy put into it so I hope everyone who appreciated the first one feels similarly about 'WAFM'. "The loss of my all-time favorite guitarist, Eddie Van Halen delayed things by about a week, as I and the world mourned. Coincidentally, this project includes some of the the most directly VH-influenced parts I've ever done; so much so that I'd taken out my exact replica of his guitar after quite some time (built by a pal of mine, Frankie Fulleda, who builds these just for fun). EVH influence on a rap/hip-hop track? Sure. Eddie's palm scratching technique on the VH track 'Atomic Punk' is a perfect stand-in for a turntable sound (and easier than coordinating with an actual DJ). The chorus is inspired by a VH groove so funky, it could have worked for rap/hip-hop ('Mean Street'). So in light of this, it's ironic and a bit eerie that EVH's influence was felt so strongly just prior to the news. "P.S.: To anyone who thought the first track represents the pinnacle of my rap technique, three words: HOLD MY BEER". Last month, Skolnick said it was "more urgent than ever" to vote Trump out of office in November. The 51-year-old guitarist has made no secret of his political views, frequently tweeting against Trump's policies, including the current administration's handling of the outbreak of of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus first observed in China. In March, the guitarist blasted Trump for not being able to "convey a sense of reassurance during a time of emergency." TESTAMENT's latest album, "Titans Of Creation", was released in April via Nuclear Blast.
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