He was the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth for a period of almost ten years (from February 1990 to December 1999). During this period, perhaps its most successful, Megadeth released a string of gold and platinum albums. At the same time, Megadeth's musical style became less Thrash, and more melodic, which many attribute primarily to Marty's creative influence.
Prior to joining Megadeth, he formed and played lead guitar in several bands that attained loyal and faithful followings, including Deuce, Hawaii, Vixen (not the all-female band of the same name), and notably Cacophony. Marty collaborated with Jason Becker on two albums, "Go Off" and "Speed Metal Symphony" that are considered masterpieces and works of reference for pure virtuoso and creative guitar playing. His solo albums, including one in conjunction with Japanese maestro Kitaro, reveal the wide range of Marty's musical exploration, from the very melodic music of "Scenes" and "Introduction" to the hard driving rock of "Music for Speeding", to the variety of styles presented in "True Obsessions". His solo albums seldom conform to a specific genre and often reminds the listener of Marty's creative exploration in music.
Currently living in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Marty travels the world giving eagerly anticipated clinics, performances and master classes in dozens of countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. He has become a major force in the Japanese music scene, playing lead guitar in the bands of the some of the country's most famous performers. He is also making his mark as a popular versatile and talented performer on several hit shows on Japanese television, and as a columnist for a major Japanese music magazine and a national daily newspaper.
Marty speaks fluent Japanese. He once appeared on TXN's musical TV program "hebimetasan" with Japanese idol Yoko Kumada etc. Marty has recently appeared on the track "Born Of Anger" on the album "All That Remains" by Fozzy. Marty is a big fan of the Ramones, KISS (during its early years) and Frank Marino. Marty very much enjoys playing guitar -- which he 'speaks' as fluently as he does Japanese. With music, there is never a language barrier.
Tornado of Souls
Marty Friedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The one that ends it all
Hanging up, I wanted to cry
But dammit, this well's gone dry
Not for the money, not for the fame
Not for the power, just no more games
But now I'm safe in the eye of the tornado
I can't replace the lies, that let a 1000 days go
In her way I'll surely die
In the eye of the tornado, blow me away
You'll grow to loathe my name
You'll hate me just the same
You won't need your breath
And soon you'll meet your death
Not from the years, not from the use
Not from the tears, just self abuse
Who's to say, what's for me to say... be... do
Cause a big nothing it'll be for me
The land of opportunity
The golden chance for me
My future looks so bright
Now I think I've seen the light
Can't say what's on my mind
Can't do what I really feel
In this bed I made for me
Is where I sleep, I really feel
I warn you of the fate
Proven true to late
Your tongue twist perverse
Come drink now of this curse
And now I fill your brain
I spin you round again
My poison fills your head
As I tuck you into bed
You feel my fingertips
You won't forget my lips
You'll feel my cold breath
It's the kiss of death
The lyrics of "Tornado of Souls" express the turmoil and hopelessness of a person who has made a difficult decision to end a relationship. The author of the song has finally mustered the courage to make "the call that ends it all." He is clear that his decision is not for money or fame but rather that he has had enough of the games that the relationship entailed. The singer is relieved to be "safe in the eye of the tornado," but he knows that he has let a thousand days go by with all the lies he had to cope with. He knows that he can never replace that time, but he will not continue living trapped inside the destructive relationship. However, he fears that if he chooses otherwise, he will die being trapped in the very lair that has caused him sadness, hurt, and pain.
The author reminds himself that the woman he is leaving behind will learn to despise his name and grow to hate him as much as he does. The singer attributes this to the fact that his girlfriend will suffer from pure self-abuse and that she will soon meet her death. The author suggests that he cannot predict what it is that he is supposed to be or do, but he is optimistic that his future is bright. Still, he is imprisoned in the bed that he has made for himself, and it is what he feels that he has to do.
To distort the woman's feelings about his departure, he warns her of his fate, which is too late now because he is already situated on the safer side, and she has grasped the curse of his goodbye. He adds that his kiss is "the kiss of death," and it will haunt her forever.
Line by Line Meaning
This morning I made the call
I have decided to make a final decision
The one that ends it all
My decision is to end everything, including my life
Hanging up, I wanted to cry
I felt sad and emotional after making the final call
But dammit, this well's gone dry
I have exhausted all my options and ideas
Not for the money, not for the fame
My decision is not influenced by money or fame
Not for the power, just no more games
I am tired of playing games and want to end everything
But now I'm safe in the eye of the tornado
I have reached a state of calmness and clarity amidst the chaos
I can't replace the lies, that let a 1000 days go
I regret the time I have wasted believing in lies
No more living trapped inside
I am no longer trapped in a destructive state of mind
In her way I'll surely die
The person or situation has been the cause of my pain and suffering
In the eye of the tornado, blow me away
I am ready to face the consequences and let go
You'll grow to loathe my name
My name will become a symbol of hatred and negativity to you
You'll hate me just the same
You will continue to hate me despite my decision
You won't need your breath
You won't be able to breathe because of the curse I have placed on you
And soon you'll meet your death
The curse will lead to your eventual death
Not from the years, not from the use
Your death will not be caused by natural causes or substance abuse
Not from the tears, just self abuse
Your death will be a result of self-inflicted harm
Who's to say, what's for me to say... be... do
I am questioning the purpose and meaning of my existence
Cause a big nothing it'll be for me
I feel that my life has no meaning and purpose
The land of opportunity
I live in a place with endless opportunities
The golden chance for me
I have the potential to achieve greatness
My future looks so bright
I believe that my future is full of possibilities and opportunities
Now I think I've seen the light
I have gained a newfound clarity and understanding of my life
Can't say what's on my mind
I am afraid to express my true thoughts and feelings
Can't do what I really feel
I am afraid to act on my true desires
In this bed I made for me
I have created this situation for myself
Is where I sleep, I really feel
I am truly affected by my situation
I warn you of the fate
I am warning you of the danger and consequences of your actions
Proven true to late
The consequences of your actions will be realized too late
Your tongue twist perverse
Your words are twisted and perverse
Come drink now of this curse
You are being cursed and punished for your actions
And now I fill your brain
The curse is affecting your thoughts and actions
I spin you round again
I am manipulating and affecting your life once again
My poison fills your head
The curse is affecting your mind and thoughts
As I tuck you into bed
I am taking control of your life and situation
You feel my fingertips
You can feel my control over you
You won't forget my lips
You will remember the words I have spoken to you
You'll feel my cold breath
You will feel the chilling effects of my curse
It's the kiss of death
The curse is leading to your eventual death
Contributed by Ian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joey VanOstrand
@Ashley Woolnough very, very good point . I've been following his solo work. Really good stuff!
I was actually quite disappointed at the way Mustaine handled the whole ordeal. In an act of what was seemingly moral and virtuistic hogshitttery, fighting the battle of preserving the pristine image and following yett never, ever deviating from, the path of purity, honesty, restraint, chastity, and sobriety he himself and many other band mates have had since anyone anywhere can remember, his only choice was evident.
Backed into a corner was he.
Horseshit. That was the last time he would EVER pay another MEGADETH "bandmate" that sort of money. Dave was the last bandmate. Temp labor on the books from here on out and the savings will be enormous!
Mustaine cared not one iota that David was ZOOMflappin' pappy to a legal, above the age of consent young lady whilst married to another woman who remained, until she didn't, unaware of the ongoing papflappery.
Pissed she was when she found out. Rightfully so.
Sticks with David. He didn't carry through with a physical slammhogging of the aforementioned young lady, just a bit of peek and furious waggle.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool built solely from honest, genuine love. But, forgiveness only goes so far towards the mortgage, braces, school shoes and septic system treatments. It actually does NOTHING now those checks stop being deposited. Wishing she hadn't made such a spectacle about the discovery of the GoOgLeMeAtBeAtS meetings, especially within earshot or email to Mustaine . That was his ticket to ride solo. The albatross of friendship and what he referred to as "Brotherhood" was no longer around his wallet chains.
That born again shit is for the media articles and the last few moments of life. That's when your hail Mary pass means the most. Dethbed 180° - Mustaine 101. Sneaky, slimy mothafuggga. But wholly expected.
Late
You know You are an ultimate guitar god when You got Dave and Kiko playing rhythm while you play the best solo in the world
brian bowes
I feel it's one of the only solos in metal where almost every agrees the solo belongs to the original player and everyone else is just covering it.
ROG S
@brian bowes 100% accurate
Torgo1969
Dave reveres Marty. In a documentary Dave describes the moment that Marty started playing at his audition as "the heavens opened and the angels started singing".
Sothis
Even though he butchered it in his old age?
Kinzalow
Far from the best solo 😂
Captain Zero
Really cool how they all stepped back and let Marty take the spotlight during the solo.
Mateusz Zacharewicz
And compare it to Metallica XXX concert. Dave have class
Black Phillip
Would've been a huge disservice to Marty and the fans if they hadn't.
Blastard
It being his composition, it couldn't be any other way.