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Katherine Thomas (born June 6, 1966), best known by her stage name The Great Kat, is an American guitarist and singer best known for her thrash metal interpretations of well-known pieces of classical music. Most feature her using the electric guitar, but on some she uses the violin. Thomas is a classically trained violinist, graduating from the Juilliard School and touring for a time playing conventional classical music before crossing over to metal.

Her classical background, technical skills and self-promotion are sometimes compared to Yngwie Malmsteen . In an interview in metallian.com she claimed to be the reincarnation of Beethoven.

Her public persona, as portrayed in her publicity photos and videos, is mainly compared to that of a dominatrix, albeit in an over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek manner.

In 1990, Swiss black metal band Mordor recorded for their first demo tape "Odes" a tribute song for Thomas, titled "The Great Kat Is God".

Discography

  • 1986 – Satan Says (demo)
  • 1987 – Worship Me or Die!
  • 1990 – Beethoven on Speed
  • 1996 – Digital Beethoven on Cyberspeed (EP)
  • 1997 – Guitar Goddess (EP)
  • 1998 – Bloody Vivaldi (EP)
  • 2000 – Rossini's Rape (EP)
  • 2002 – Wagner's War (EP)
  • 2005 – Extreme Guitar Shred (DVD)
  • 2008 – Total Insanity (compilation)
  • 2021 – Mozart Beethoven Bach and Shred (EP)
  • 2021 – Beethoven, Beethoven and the Reincarnation of Beethoven (EP)
  • 2022 – Ludwig Van Shred

References

  • Official website
  • 'Favourable' listener review of Wagner's War
  • UnRated Magazine Beethoven's Guitar Shred
  • Interview from Tuned-Out.com in Detroit. Reviews of Castration video with Kat's responses
  • Music Legends Interview with The Great Kat