Though I don't have a problem with it, I'm only an occasional listener of shred metal, mostly because a lot of the artists seem interchangeable (with a few exceptions.)

But now that I'm on the subject, I'm about to drop a bomb on y'all. I definitely don't doubt that there is talent involved in that kind of music, but sometimes one guy can inadvertently show up a whole genre of musicians before that genre even exists.

What I'm trying to say is that you can have your Malmsteens, Van Halens, and JerryCs - If I needed a hardcore shredder, I'd call up Jose Feliciano. All I have for evidence are these two Youtube videos:

1) "Malaguena" - 2) "Flight of the Bumblebee" -
To recap, this guy plays faster than 95% of modern guitarists on an acoustic guitar with his fingers. Oh yeah, and he's blind.

Just sayin', newer isn't always better.

(P.S.: While I'm choosing sides for a band, I'm also taking this guy)