Fuzz Kmak (Disturbed)

Name: Steve Kmak
Born: 3rd September, 1970 (Covington, Kentucky, USA)

Profile: He is an American bass guitar player, best known for his work with the heavy metal band "Disturbed".

History: Fuzz started to play bass guitar when he was young and founded the band "Brawl" in 1996 with guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren.

"Brawl" played small clubs in Chicago before singer David Draiman answered their ad, after which they changed the band name to "Disturbed". They then produced their first studio album 'The Sickness', released in 2000 and their second album 'Believe', released in 2002. Since the band's formation, they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful rock bands in recent years. The band have charted on the Billboard 200.

In 2003, after finishing the 'Music as a Weapon II Tour', Fuzz left the band. He was replaced with John Moyer, who is the current bass player, and he usually use three or more amplifiers when playing in a concert.

Influences: Rush, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and Pantera

Axology: Music Man Sting Ray basses - 5-string

Signature song(s): The Game - Disturbed (The Sickness, 2000)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqT-WuyewMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOMiBy5q2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYgkSnhJUyM

John Moyer (Soak/Disturbed)

Name: John Moyer
Born: 30th November, 1973 (El Paso, Texas, USA)

Profile: He is the current bassist and back up vocalist for the alternative metal band "Disturbed", replacing their former bassist Steve Kmak. Moyer also published "Disturbed's" albums; such as 'Ten Thousand Fists', 'Indestructible' and 'Asylum'. In addition to this, Moyer also works in partnership with Silver Tongue Management.

History: He started to play bass guitar in his teens, and Moyer was formerly part of the Texas hard rock act "The Union Underground". Prior to his stint in "The Union Underground", he was the bassist of the popular band "Soak", also hailing from Texas. He teaches at Natural Ear Music in Austin, Texas, where he works with a lot of young bands, which inspires him.

Moyer prefers picking over finger-style (he is still capable of playing finger-style) because it has a more aggressive feeling towards the style.

Moyer has a custom line with Traben bass company. He and the company produced his signature Traben Havoc. He also has custom amplifiers with Kustom featuring his own design printed on the front resembling a skull engulfed in flames.

Influences: (Texas hard rock bands)

Axology: Traben bass - signature series (Traben Havoc) and Kustom amplifiers

Signature song(s): Inside the Fire - Disturbed (Indestructible, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.disturbed1.com/ (Disturbed's Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfJC25nOSqE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K9jBL2syJ8

Dan Donegan (Vandal/Disturbed)

Name: Dan Donegan
Born: 1st August, 1968 (Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician and guitarist for heavy metal band "Disturbed". Previously, Donegan was the guitarist of 80's hair style band, "Vandal".

History: Donegan began playing guitar as a teenager and eventually formed a band called "Vandal". Most of the solo in "Vandal" where his solos were shred guitar solos, but he would incorporate other techniques, which many consider his own style of playing.

Donegan is a self-taught guitarist. He uses one handed and two handed tapping in many of his solos, with pull-offs, legatos and hammer-ons, also sometimes using the 'flick off' technique, as used in the solo for the song 'Indestructible', and in others as well. His heavy riffs and sweep picking are seen in many music videos. He uses his DigiTech Dan Donegan, "The Weapon" for many effects in and out of his solo work. He also combines arpeggios with finger tapping and many other techniques. He is known for shredding in some songs and uses finger vibrato on occasion. He uses the whammy bar in many songs to give it a certain sound effect.

Disturbed's frontman David Draiman mentions, that Donegan can rip with the best of them, and he also added; Donegan is among the best in existence, and he does not give himself enough credit.

Recently, Donegan was added to the guitar show 'Chop Shop's' list of "Top 100 Most Complete Guitar Players of All Time" at #76.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul Standards, Gibson SGs, Paul Reed Smith guitar models, Washburn Guitars, Schecter Guitars, Mesa/Boogie Amplifiers, Randalls amplifiers, Marshall amplifiers and DigiTech effects (Dan Donegan, "The Weapon", that DigiTech made for him).

Signature song(s): Indestructible - Disturbed (Indestructible, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.disturbed1.com/ (Disturbed's Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BU7LxcaCC4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXh5j6Z_-KQ

Rusty Cooley (Revolution/Outworld)

Name: Rusty Cooley
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is a self-taught American guitarist who influenced by many styles including Jazz, Classical, Funk, Blues and even Country. His guitar works can be heard in his previous and current band such as "Revolution", "Dominion" and "Outworld", respectively.

History: Cooley received his first guitar on his 15th birthday (a Peavey T27 guitar and a Peavey Decade amp) from that day on he immersed himself in music, practicing upwards of 4 hours a day. Unsatisfied with local Instructors, he began teaching himself through instructional books and videos.

During high school, young Cooley took music theory classes and also attended the National Guitar Workshop. He performed solo guitar in high school talent shows and performed such pieces as Van Halen’s 'Eruption' and Randy Rhoads 'Revelation Mother Earth' solos. During his senior year, he was offered his first teaching job at the same store, where he had bought his first guitar.

After graduating from High School, Cooley continued studying Music Theory at the local college, as well as Music History and Class Piano. In 1989, he joined the local rock band "Revolution", the band wrote, performed and recorded all original music. They became one of Houston’s top drawing bands, and opened for national acts like "Badlands", "Nitro", "Every Mothers Nightmare", and "South Gang".

In 1992, "Revolution" released a four-song EP. "Revolution’s" music was once described as "Skid Row" meets Yngwie Malmsteen. The band made two appearances on a local TV show called 'Metallurgy' and 'Metallurgy Unplugged'. Cooley also taught guitar on a college TV show called 'Stay Tuned'. In 1993, he quit the band and started a new band called "Dominion", this new band wrote and performed locally as well but was short lived and broke up in 1995. Also, during 1995 he entered and won the 'Guitar Master Series' winning the title of 'Best Guitarist' in Houston.

In 1996, marked the beginning of a new direction, Cooley bought his first 7-string guitar and decided it was time to go for it on his own. It was during this period that he began to work on instrumental guitar compositions. These songs represented his desire to record an over-the-top guitar instrumental release featuring state of the art chops and strong melodic content. He also hosted 3 episodes of a local cable show called 'World Class Guitar Techniques', which aired in the Houston area.

In 2000, Cooley released an instructional CD 'Shred Guitar Manifesto' and gained endorsements with Jackson Guitars and Seymour Duncan pickups, and started doing guitar clinics as well. In 2001, he released two more instructional CD 'Extreme Pentatonics' and 'The Art of Picking'. Soon after, Cooley was asked to headline Jemfest in Orlando, Florida in 2002. Late that year, he had a custom 8 string guitar hand made by Bill Conklin of Conklin guitars.

In 2003, Cooley was given the honor of the '7th Fastest Shredder of all Time' in Guitar One Magazine, and not wanting to be known for shred skills alone, he and Bobby Williamson formed "Outworld", recorded its self-titled debut which was released in 2006 to both critical and artist acclaim. With the success of "Outworld’s" debut, and increasing notoriety in guitar circles, Cooley garnered a significant number of endorsements with Dean Guitars, EMG pickups and Diamond Amplification. In 2007, "Outworld" won 10,000 in a Famecast contest similar to American Idol where viewers watched and voted for the favorite artist.

Influences: Randy Rhoads, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Allan Holdsworth, Paganini, Bach, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman, Shawn Lane, Derek Taylor, Buckethead, Todd Duane, Scott Stine and Haji’s Kitchen and Ritchie Kotzen

Axology: Jackson guitars, Dean Rusty Cooley signature series guitar - the RC7 Xenocide and Diamond Amplifiers

Signature song(s): Under the Influence - Rusty Cooley (Rusty Cooley, 2003)

Link(s):

http://www.rustycooley.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL3RJ4B349o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6frmbC3pdTs&feature=related

Rosli Mohalim (Sweet Charity)

Name: Rosli Mohalim
Born: 30th September, 1954 (Singapore)

Profile: He is a Singaporean musician, composer and a self-taught guitarist, better known for his guitar works in the 1970's legendary rock group "Sweet Charity" (AKA Singapore's "Deep Purple"). Other then music, Rosli also appreciate fine arts, he graduated from Nanyang Academy Singapore - Fine Arts in 1975.

History: He started to take an interest in music since primary school, from the influence of his brother, his brother was a music lover who always organized bands in the 60's, and every time there was a jammed session, Rosli will come along and play around with the drums. After he finished Primary 6, his brother bought him an acoustic Rossini guitar. Though Rosli did not have any interest in guitar at the time but he learn and developed some of his techniques from a friend named Fadhlin, and bought his first electric guitar when he was just starting his secondary school.

In 1970, Rosli joined a band called "Purple Grass" - which covered mostly "Deep Purple's" songs. After he graduated from school in 1975, he joined a band called "Sugar N Spice" which played mostly on clubs, this period was the era of funk and disco music, and Rosli at the time played bass guitar for the band.

In 1976, frontman Ramli Sarip and guitarist A. Ali of "Sweet Charity", met up with Rosli and asked him to joined "Sweet Charity" as a bass player replacing Wahid Warren. Ramli was very interested on how Rosli played his bass in one of the clubs where Rosli performed, but after guitarist A. Ali left the band, Rosli step up to take the guitar work and told Ramli to look for a new bassist (Rosli was replaced by the late Syed Hassan).

In 1978, "Sweet Charity" debut album was released, and it was the starting era of Rock & Roll in both Singapore and Malaysia. Followed by their second album, in 1980, 'Pelarian', this album consists of two legendary songs, such as; 'Musibah' and 'Zakiah'. Rosli and "Sweet Charity" managed to released 6 more albums until the late 80's, and did a reunion in 1996, with the original line-ups. Today, he is still in the music industry and is one of the high demand session for solo artists, both in Singapore and Malaysia.

Influences: Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Santana and Grand Funk

Axology: Fender Stratocaster guitar with Floyd Rose Tremolo

Signature song(s): Teratai - Sweet Charity and Kamelia - Sweet Charity (both songs are from - Koleksi Sweet Charity, 1984)

Link(s):

http://roslimohalimfriends.blogspot.com/ (Rosli's blog)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzeE3IU-XTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B4iD3en5GU&feature=related

Janick Gers (Gillan/Iron Maiden)

Name: Janick Robert Gers
Born: 27th January 1957 (Hartlepool, England)

Profile: He is an English musician, best known for his work with "Gillan" and as one of three current guitarists in "Iron Maiden" and a songwriter for the band.

History: Gers started to play guitar after the influence of "Deep Purple's" lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and wanted to start his own band ever since. Though he is left handed, he tried to play guitar right handed as his guitar hero and even played a Fender Strat guitar and used a lot of Pentatonic and Blues scales.

In the late 70's, Gers was the lead guitarist of the band "White Spirit" before joining "Gillan" (early in the 80's), a group formed by former "Deep Purple" vocalist Ian Gillan. After "Gillan" disbanded, he joined "Gogmagog" which included former "Iron Maiden" vocalist Paul Di'Anno and drummer Clive Burr, in 1985 and released an EP 'I Will Be There'. Gers also performed with other artists including former "Marillion" vocalist Fish.

In 1990, he played guitar on the first solo album of "Iron Maiden" vocalist Bruce Dickinson, 'Tattooed Millionaire'. During the recording of the album, he was asked to join "Iron Maiden" in place of departing guitarist Adrian Smith. He has remained with the band ever since, even after Smith rejoined the band in 1999.

Gers' playing style uses heavy distortion and is noted for having a very raw tone. He prefers staccato picking instead of playing legato using hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Influences: Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jeff Beck and Rory Gallagher

Axology: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Chet Atkins semi-acoustic model and Marshall 9200 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Holy Smoke - Iron Maiden (No Prayer for the Dying, 1990) and Lord of the Flies - Iron Maiden (The X Factor, 1995)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfLW9oN9-k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ2urYZcoyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLWZEfd3lU

Olivia Newton Bundy (Marilyn Manson/LUNGS)

Name: Brian Tutunick
Born: 31st March, 1968 (Tampa, Florida, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, vocalist and was the original bass player for "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids", he played during the first part of 1990, before Gidget Gein took over bass guitar in June the same year. His stage name combination is from actress/singer Olivia Newton-John (Grease), and Ted Bundy (the American serial killer).

History: Started to play guitar in his teens, then moved to bass few years later. In April 1990, Tutunick were brought in the "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" band as their bassist after, Manson and Daisy got their first club booking.

After he left the band, Tutunick founded "Collapsing Lungs" (aka LUNGS) in 1991, as a vocalist. "LUNGS" headlined the 1993 Slammie Awards at the Plus Five Lounge in Davie - the same year that rival band "Marilyn Manson" won the Slammie Awards for Band of the Year and for Song of the Year, 'Dope Hat'.

In 1993, "LUNGS" was signed to Atlantic Records. A year later, the band split after 3 years, although long disbanded, they played a one-off, well received reunion gig in 2003 at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

In 1996, Tutunick along with notable DJ Grynch formed the industrial band, "Nation of Fear". They released the song 'Immortal' on a compilation CD for the rock station 94.9 WZTA. Later that year, "Nation of Fear" would release their well-received self-titled album on DiMar Records. They would go on tour with "Genitorturers" and were even joined on tour by "Lords of Acid".

In 1998, the band's released their second album, 'Everything Beautiful Rusts', while receiving much more attention, Tutunick failed to keep the band together and by 2000 they had broken up. Tutunick can now be seen on a weekly music show Feedback featured on the PAX TV channel.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Faster - Nation of Fear

Link(s):

http://www.myspace.com/briantutunick (Official Myspace)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOBAwAZyrSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33cweEv3zm4&feature=related

Daisy Berkowitz (Marilyn Manson/3TG)

Name: Scott Mitchell Putesky
Born: 28th April, 1968 (Los Angeles, California, USA)

Profile: He is better known by his stage name Daisy Berkowitz, a professional musician and was the guitarist of industrial metal band "Marilyn Manson" before moving on to "Three Ton Gate" (3TG) and "Stuck on Evil". His stage name is formed from the names Daisy Duke and David Berkowitz.

History: Putesky's first musical instruments were the flute and the snare drum, and in 6th grade he joined the school's chorus, for which he apparently had a talent. His early loves were drawing and Sci-Fi movies (mainly Star Wars). His first record was the Star Wars soundtrack, and the influence that it had on him can be seen in much of his original artwork, which consists of aliens and spaceships.

In the late 70's, when he was in his early teenage years, he found admiration for artists such as David Bowie and "Talking Heads", influences that are apparent in his later work. In 1980, Putesky's discovery of MTV after his moving to Fort Lauderdale, gave him the inspiration to save up to buy a small Casio keyboard. He taught himself to play, and later, in 8th grade, took guitar lessons. Influenced by his early favorites, which lead to his development of an odd personal style sometimes described as a fusion between blues and grunge.

Putesky's first band was "The Flying Eggbeaters", with drummer Tom Wolf and bassist Jim Neuman. This gave him the experience needed to later go on to other bands, such as "Blue China" and "Ear Wacks". In 1988, after being given a small 4-track recorder by his parents, he bought a bass guitar and a drumkit to record his music with a full ensemble, at this period, he met with Brian Warner (future frontman of "Marilyn Manson") at a local party and the two instantly bonded.

Putesky, who had at this point not thought to advance his lyrical ability, began to meet up with Warner and brainstorm after his admission of wanting to start a band as a creative outlet for his poetry-writing abilities. Dual input from both parties gave the band its darkly psychedelic style, and as early as 1989, they began to record on Putesky's 4-track songs that would seven years later become known as 'Cake and Sodomy' and 'Dogma'. They quickly assembled a band with Warner's schoolmate Brian Tutunick (aka Olivia Newton Bundy) and Perry Pandrea (aka Zsa Zsa Speck). The band played its first show at Churchills, Miami and was known as "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids".

In the early 90's, the band quickly built a cult following, playing at clubs and later opening for several national acts such as "Danzig". In 1992, "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" played their last show and renaming themselves to a shorter "Marilyn Manson". Though the band built up a strong local fanbase throughout these years, it was not until their 1995 release 'Smells Like Children' that they caught the ear of the world with the darkly gothic cover of Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)'.

After opening for "Danzig", having two headlining tours, the band headed back to the studio to begin work on their new album 'Antichrist Superstar'. At this point, creative differences between Warner and Putesky reached their peak. Putesky left "Marilyn Manson", abandoning the Daisy Berkowitz moniker in favor of his own initials, SMP, and began recording demos for his first solo project, "Three Ton Gate".

In 1997, the album was released, written entirely by Putesky using the name Scott Mitchell (his first and middle name), and featured gothic vocalist Tyreah James. In 1998, Putesky joined up with longtime "Marilyn Manson" collaborators "Jack Off Jill", replacing departing member guitarist Ho Ho Spade and playing live on their 1999 West Coast tour. His first recorded work with the band was the EP 'Covetous Creature'. By early 1999, Putesky was no longer a member of "Jack Off Jill", by most accounts, he simply lost interest in the band and he kicked around several solo and collaborative projects.

He also re-established the "Rednecks on Drugs" project with fellow musician Rich Penny, eventually, "Rednecks on Drugs" metamorphosed into "Stuck on Evil", essentially a hard-rock band with gothic and early Rock 'N Roll influences. In 2001, the band recorded a 10-song full-length album, 'Suntanic', produced by Putesky. However, following the September, 11 (911) attacks, and the subsequent condemnation of 'evildoers' by President Bush, the band decided to drop the word 'evil' from its name, reverting to the original name of "Three Ton Gate", and Putesky recorded the album 'Lose Your Mind' in 2003.

Influences: David Bowie, "The Cure", "U2", "Talking Heads" and Star Wars (soundtrack)

Axology: Yamaha RGX 612-S

Signature song(s): Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Marilyn Manson (Smells Like Children, 1995)

Link(s):

http://www.myspace.com/threetongatemusic (Three Ton Gate's Official Myspace)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6VojYGrnpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0CliSpoCPQ

Zim Zum (Marilyn Manson/Pleistoscene)

Name: Timothy Michael Linton
Born: 25th June, 1969 (Chicago, Illinois, USA)

Profile: He is an American multi platinum musician, songwriter and former guitarist for "Life, Sex & Death" and industrial metal band "Marilyn Manson", and was known as Zim Zum. His current projects are "Pleistoscene", a solo project, and "The Pop Culture Suicides".

History: Zim starts to play guitar at the age of 13. His love in guitars, made him worked as a guitar repairman in a local guitar manufacturer. In his early days, before joining "Marilyn Manson", Zim reportedly previously played guitar for the band "Life, Sex & Death".

After responding to an ad in The Chicago Reader for an audition, for replacing the original guitarist Daisy Berkowitz of "Marilyn Manson", he got the job and performed his first live show with the band at Nothing Records' A Night of Nothing showcase, opening for "Nine Inch Nails".

In 1998, the album, 'Mechanical Animals' was Zim's second major label writing and recording, charted at #1 on Billboards Top 200 in its first week of sales, which makes it the first "Marilyn Manson" album to do so. It has since gone on to earn the multi-platinum status. He wrote and recorded on 10 of the 14 tracks on the album. Soon after the album was released, Zim left the band to pursue a solo interests, this includes collaborations with other artists, such as; Cher and her son, Elijah Blue Allman, "Korn" and "Jane's Addictions".

In early 2000's, Zim left Hollywood behind and returned to Chicago, compelled to explore his musical vision in an art and music district. Treading upon uncharted mental ground, he completely isolated himself in his studio for more than a year, cutting off all ties to the outside world in an effort to guarantee the creation and production of his music completely unique in perspective and true to his own definitive musical statement. During that 'self-imposed exile' he spent 14 hours a day writing and recording over 100 songs.

In 2002, Zim formed his unique studio project band, called "Pleistoscene". It was considered to be ahead of it's time for releasing 2 songs as free digital downloads before this was common practice. These downloads attracted over 500,000 hits in the first month it debuted. Even today, he talks about "Pleistoscene" as his 'own orchestra' and states that its still fully functional.

In 2005, Zim brought his main musical project, "The Pop Culture Suicides" to life. The band started releasing 4 songs through their official MySpace profile and have since released many more. And in 2009, he finished recording the band's conceptual double album that will be broken into and released as 4 EP's.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson SG, Fernandes guitars, 1976 Fender Stratocaster, 1976 Fender Tele-Deluxe, Fender Barritone guitar, Roland 707 Synth guitar, Washburn P4 guitar, Framus Cobra amplifiers and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinets

Signature song(s): Fundamentally Loathsome - Marilyn Manson (Mechanical Animals, 1998)

Link(s):

http://www.zimzum.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW8hb8hsx1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WUVoR8-krQ

John 5 (Marilyn Manson/Loser)

Name: John William Lowery
Born: 31st July, 1971 (Grosse Pointe, Michigan, USA)

Profile: He is an American guitarist, better known with his stage name John 5 which was bestowed on him in 1998 when he joined industrial metal group "Marilyn Manson" as their guitarist, and currently the guitarist for Rob Zombie. He is also a solo artist and works as a staff writer for Chrysalis Records, working with artists such as Avril Lavigne, "Garbage", Meat Loaf, "Scorpions", FeFe Dobson and has been writing and recording with southern rock band "Lynyrd Skynyrd".

History: Lowery first started playing guitar at the age of 7 after watching Buck Owens and Roy Clark's television show Hee Haw with his dad. His parents supported his playing as long as it didn't interfere with his education. They also accompanied him at the adult bars where he would play during the evening. In the 80's, Lowery started his career as a session guitarist having moved to LA from Michigan at the age of 17. His first band in L.A. was "Alligator Soup", which led to an important meeting with Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake), that would give him his first real bit of exposure.

This also saw him meeting producer Bob Marlette, who has worked with, among others, Tracy Chapman, Alice Cooper, Rob Halford and "Black Sabbath". Lowery began working on numerous projects with Marlette including TV show soundtracks, movie soundtracks, commercials and infomercials. This in turn saw Lowery being picked to play with Lita Ford (The Runaways), opening up for "Kiss", and started another long time friendship with Paul Stanley and various "Kiss" members.

In 1996, Lowery went for his first audition with "Marilyn Manson", but narrowly missed out (he was late to the auditions) and the guitarist role at that time was taken by Mike (Timothy) Linton, who became known as Zim Zum. Instead, Lowery teamed up with former "Judas Priest" frontman Rob Halford, to work on an industrial metal inspired album, under the band name of "2wo". The subsequent album 'Voyeurs' was remixed by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). The band embarked on a world tour, and were part of the Ozzfest line-up but the tour was pulled and "2wo" disbanded.

After "2wo" disbanded, Lowery's next piece of work came when he played on David Lee Roth's (Van Halen) solo project album, 'The DLR Band'. Lowery was already a fan of the band and was familiar with the playing style. He submitted 6 tracks he had written to Roth's management. Finding they suited, Lowery submitted further tracks to Roth's management. Eventually Roth and Lowery met and recorded 'The DLR Band' album in 2 weeks.

In 1998, the infamous band "Marilyn Manson" was looking for a guitarist to replace Zim Zum. Again, for the second time Lowery went to try out for the band audition. Following a tour with Rob Halford in Europe, Lowery received a call from Manson's manager asking if he would like to meet Manson for lunch. At the meeting Manson asked Lowery to join the band, taking the moniker, 'John 5', he signed on for the band's tour and to work on the next album. Lowery's first live performance for "Marilyn Manson" came on the MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2005, after Lowery left "Marilyn Manson", he formed the band "Loser", recruiting vocalist Joe Grah, bassist Charles Lee and drummer Glendon Crain, they began working on their debut album 'Just Like You'. The band had initial success not long after signing with Island Records, when the track 'Disposable Sunshine' became part of the Fantastic Four Movie soundtrack. At the same time, Lowery was also working for Rob Zombie and a working conflict occurred.

In 2006, Lowery left "Loser", and took up the role of Rob Zombie guitarist as a permanent gig. Lowery is also working on the musical score for Rob Zombie's 6th feature-length film, Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Starting in 2004, Lowery has gone on to record a total of five instrumental records. His works have had many guest players on them, from Steve Vai, Joe Satriani to Jim Root. And in 2009, Lowery released a remix album, 'Remixploitation', and has also released an instructional DVD entitled 'The Devil Knows My Name'.

Influences: Buck Owens and Roy Clark

Axology: Fender J5 Telecaster, Fender J5 Acoustic, Squier J5 Telecaster, Ibanez AX, Ibanez Iceman, Ibanez RG, Ibanez Talman, Gibson Les Paul, Taylor 912 Acoustic, Boss effects and Marshall amplifiers - JCM900

Signature song(s): The Fight Song - Marilyn Manson {Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), 2000} and Pear of Anguish - John 5 (Requiem, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.john-5.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdc7u4MUYYo

http://www.youtube.com/user/john5official?blend=1&ob=4

Christopher Amott (Arch Enemy/Armageddon)

Name: Christopher Amott
Born: 23rd November, 1977 (Halmstad, Sweden)

Profile: He is a Swedish guitarist, vocalist and younger brother of guitarist Michael Amott (Carcass) and founding member of the Swedish metal bands "Arch Enemy" and "Armageddon".

History: Inspired by his older brother Michael Amott's band "Carcass", Christopher began studying the guitar at 14, playing in local bands, and eventually attending music college at age 18. His style of playing consist of aggressive, fast vibrato, speedy alternate-picking and fluid lead lines.

While attending music school in 1996, Amott's brother Michael asked him to record solos for his new melodic death metal project "Arch Enemy". The 'Black Earth' album was released in Japan, and was an instant hit, receiving regular airplay on Japanese MTV. In 1997, the band were invited to play in Japan, and it was there that Amott secured a deal for his "Armageddon" side project. The project began as a melodic death metal band, similar in style to "Arch Enemy", but with a more conceptual feel to the lyrics. "Armageddon" released their first debut album 'Crossing the Rubicon' in 1997.

In 1999, with "Arch Enemy" gaining ground worldwide, Amott would go on to release 'Burning Bridges' and 'Burning Japan Live 1999', then take a break until the later part of 2000, when "Armageddon" released their second album 'Embrace the Mystery' in Japan. This time featuring a melodic singer, and more of an overall power metal feel, the album was a drastic shift from the straight ahead melodic death metal, and marked Amott's desire to branch out of the extreme metal genre.

In 2001, "Arch Enemy" were joined by new singer Angela Gossow, and the band reached new heights in worldwide popularity with the release of 'Wages of Sin'. After completing an extensive world tour with "Arch Enemy", Amott returned to his "Armageddon" project, and released 'Three' in 2002. This album featured Amott as lead vocals. In 2005, "Arch Enemy" released, 'Doomsday Machine', but immediately after the recording, Amott left the band.

He now spent the next two years teaching music in Sweden, as well as attending a university. In 2010, Amott revealed that he would be releasing a solo album early in the year entitled 'Follow Your Heart'.

Influences: John Sykes, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, John Norum and Michael Schenker

Axology: Caparison guitars, ESP guitars, Boss Digital Delay DD-3 and Peavey JSX amplifiers

Signature song(s): Seed of Hate - Arch Enemy (Burning Bridges, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7jbX2HKEOc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Dn02bR4pg&feature=related

Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe/Sixx: A.M.)

Name: Frank Carlton Ferrana, Jr.
Born: 11th December, 1958 (San Jose, California, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist, author, fashion designer, photographer and the main songwriter for the band "Mötley Crüe". He has also played bass for glam metal bands; "London", the experimental band "58", the hard rock band "Brides of Destruction" and more recently, "Sixx:A.M."

History: Since a teenager who lived with his grandparents, Ferrana was always into trouble. His grandparents sent him to live with his mother, who had moved to Seattle. He lived there for a short time, and learned how to play the bass guitar, having bought his first instrument with money earned from selling a prior guitar he had stolen. At the age of 17, he struck out on his own, moving to LA selling vacuums over the phone while he auditioned for bands.

During this period of time, he changed his name, basing it on the stage name of a Riverside, musician Jeff Nicholson, called Niki Syxx. He unsuccessfully auditioned for "Quiet Riot" and "Sister" before joining "London", a local glam outfit whose lineup saw numerous changes. Sixx soon left the band.

In 1981, Sixx founded "Mötley Crüe" with drummer Tommy Lee, later being joined by Mick Mars and Vince Neil. The band decided to self-record their debut album, 'Too Fast for Love', which was subsequently released in November 1981 on the band's own record label. After signing with Elektra Records they re-released the album. The band then went on to record a new album, 'Shout at the Devil', and raising the band to national fame.

In 1989, Sixx was a featured guest artist on the album 'Fire and Gasoline' by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), and co-wrote and performed on the song, 'We're No Saints'. In 1991, Sixx played bass on 'Feed My Frankenstein' on Alice Cooper's 'Hey Stoopid' album. Besides his "Mötley Crüe" duties, Sixx also had a side project dubbed "58", issuing their debut album in 2000, 'Diet for a New America'. Sixx also formed a band called "Brides of Destruction" with Tracii Guns (LA Guns). After one album, the band broke up due to extremely poor album sales and the inability to get any radio airplay.

Sixx wrote most of "Mötley Crüe's" material, including tracks such as 'Live Wire', 'Home Sweet Home', 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Kickstart My Heart' and 'Dr. Feelgood'. In 2006, "Mötley Crüe" completed a reunion tour featuring all four original members and embarked on a co-headlining tour with "Aerosmith", and in 2008, "Mötley Crüe" released their ninth studio album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', with Sixx credited as either writer or co-writer on all tracks.

Sixx also worked on a soundtrack to be released with the book called The Heroin Diaries. The soundtrack was recorded by his new band, "Sixx: A.M". The entire album was written and produced by Sixx. The album was released in 2007, and the book was released a month later. The single 'Life is Beautiful' went to #1.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Thunderbird, Gibson Blackbird, Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird, BC Rich Mockingbird & Warlock basses, Hamer made Thunderbird style basses, Ernie Ball Music Man 5-string bass, Fender Precision Bass, Squier Precision Bass, Fender Bassman and Ampeg amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe (Dr. Feelgood, 1989) and Life is Beautiful - Sixx: A.M. (The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, 2007)

Link(s):

http://www.nikkisixx.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrMVYukSIU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffWs2OU2yeg

Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)

Name: Jeff Loomis
Born: 14th September, 1971 (Appleton, Wisconsin, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician and guitarist, most notably known as the lead guitarist for the Seattle progressive metal band, "Nevermore".

History: Loomis started making music with drums, but soon he was bored and he started playing guitar. He got his first instrument at 9 or 10 years old, but did not start practicing seriously until around the age of 15. As a teenager in he played in a handful of cover bands and three death metal bands before joining more established bands. At the age of 16, Loomis won Wisconsin's 'Guitar Wars' contest.

After he won the contest, he auditioned for "Megadeth", after their lead guitarist Jeff Young left. After they played a few songs together, Dave Mustaine, the band's frontman, thanked Loomis and told him that one day he would become a great guitar player, but because of his age he was not right for the position.

Not long after the audition, Loomis join the band "Sanctuary" after guitarist Sean Blosl had left, however, because of a dispute caused by guitarist Lenny Rutledge wanting to make grunge oriented music, "Sanctuary" broke up 4 months afterwards. After the break-up, Loomis and former "Sanctuary" members vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard made plans to form "Nevermore", and in late 1994, Loomis became the lead guitarist of "Nevermore" after the brief period being in "Sanctuary".

Now, he is the main songwriter of the band, adding to the unique sound that fans are familiar with. Currently, Loomis plays an important role in portraying the sound that "Nevermore" has today, using a 7 string guitars and techniques such as sweep-picking. One of his more important musical showcases is in the critically acclaimed album 'Dead Heart in a Dead World', in which he wrote most of the songs before forming "Nevermore".

In 2005, Loomis reported that he would take some time as a break and then begin recording a solo album. In 2008, he announced that the album will be called 'Zero Order Phase', and was released on September via Century Media Records.

Influences: Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, Jason Becker and Marty Friedman

Axology: Schecter seven string guitars - Jeff Loomis C7 FR signature model, Schecter C-7 Hellraiser, Ibanez guitars, Gibson guitars, Jackson guitars, ESP guitars - Horizon 7 and Warmoth guitars, Peavey amplifiers and Krank amplifiers

Signature song(s): Timothy Leary - Nevermore (Nevermore, 1994) and Omega's Influence - Jeff Loomis (Zero Order Phase, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.jeffloomis.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvfg0iLnzsw

Number Four (Stone Sour/Slipknot)

Name: James Donald Root
Born: 2nd October, 1971 (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)

Profile: He is an American multi-talented musician known for being the rhythm and lead guitarist in "Slipknot", and also known by his number #4. He was the last member to join the current line-up of "Slipknot", in 1999. He was also known for his work as a lead guitarist and backing vocalist for "Stone Sour".

History: Root started guitar in his teens and was a self-taught guitarist. In his early days as a guitarist, he has performed in various bands such as "Anal Blast", "Atomic Opera", "Deadfront" and "Stone Sour". Prior to joining "Slipknot" in 1999, replacing their original guitarist, Josh Brainard, vocalist Corey Taylor invited Root to join the band based on Taylor's past experiences working with him in "Stone Sour".

Root and Corey reunited the band "Stone Sour", during the hiatus between the "Slipknot" albums 'Iowa' and 'Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)'. As well as lending his guitar talents to the band, he has also performed drums on one song the band has recorded.

In "Slipknot", most of the guitar work is fast and heavy. Root and co-guitarist Mick Thomson do trade some leads on the band's 'Vol 3' album, but their music is otherwise almost completely devoid of guitar solos. All guitars in "Slipknot" are tuned to 1 1/2 steps down from dropped D (low to high; B, F#, B, E, G#, C#) except for on the songs 'My Plague', 'The Heretic Anthem', 'Skin Ticket', 'New Abortion' and 'Iowa', on which they are tuned to B tuning dropped A (low to high; A, E, A, D, F#, B). While in "Stone Sour", Root's guitar works concentrates more on building melodic metal anthems.

Outside "Slipknot" and "Stone Sour", Root has appeared on "Slipknot" turntablist Sid Wilson's "DJ Starscream" album 'The New Leader' and John 5's 'The Devil Knows My Name', and also appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing the solo and harmony guitars on 'Tired 'N Lonely' from the project's album 'The All-Star Sessions'. He also appeared on Jonathan Davis and the SFA´s cover of Lil Wayne´s 'Got Money'.

Influences: Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, George Harrison (The Beatles) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Axology: Fender Telecaster, Gibson Flying V, Charvel guitar, Jackson guitars, PRS guitars, Maverick JR-4, Martin acoustic guitar, Dunlop Crybaby, DigiTech effects, Rivera amplifiers and Orange amplifiers

Signature song(s): Spit It Out - Slipknot (Slipknot, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.slipknot1.com/ (Slipknot's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wws7mnMewPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5PqJpk5lQ&feature=channel

Number Seven (Slipknot)

Name: Mickael Gordon Thomson
Born: 3rd November 1973 (Des Moines, Iowa, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, best known as being the lead and rhythm guitarist for the Grammy winning metal band "Slipknot", and known by his number #7. According to vocalist Corey Taylor, Thomson is an avid writer of poetry, loves cats, and has a fascination with serial killers.

History: In his youth, Thomson performed in bands such as "Body Pit", and joined "Slipknot" in 1997, replacing the band's guitarist, Craig Jones, who then became the band's sampler.

Thomson expresses his pseudonym as #7 more than most members of "Slipknot". For example, as well as being credited with the number in the liner notes of albums he has recorded, he also has the word 'seven' tattooed on his left arm, and features the word 'seven' on the designs all of his custom Ibanez guitars, and on all of his Ibanez MTM1's.

Outside "Slipknot", Thomson has taught guitar lessons at Ye Olde Guitar Shoppe, a local music shop in Des Moines, up until 1999. And has appeared on "Malevolent Creation's" album 'Doomsday X'. He also made a guest appearance in the music video for Lupara's 'No Pity on the Ants'.

Thomson commonly employs an extremely fast and accurate alternate picking technique, also implementing pinch harmonics into his work. He also utilizes sweep picking on occasion. Other characteristics in his playing includes tremolo picking passages, and dropped tunings.

Influences: Randy Rhodes and Paul Gilbert (Racer X)

Axology: B.C. Rich guitars, Ibanez guitars, Ovation semi-acoustic guitar, Rivera KR-7 amplifiers, Boss and DigiTech effects

Signature song(s): Spit It Out - Slipknot (Slipknot, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.slipknot1.com/ (Slipknot's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wws7mnMewPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5PqJpk5lQ&feature=channel

Number Two (Slipknot)

Name: Paul Dedrick Gray
Born/Died: 8th April, 1972 (Los Angeles, California, USA) – 24th May, 2010

Profile: He was an American musician, best known as the bassist of the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band "Slipknot".

History: Gray started playing guitar in 1990, and he was not interested to play any other instruments. But when he moved to Iowa, he started to play bass, and got in love with it ever since. His first bass was a right handed Charvel bass. He took a few bass lessons to learn slap and pop techniques, from a local bass player named Mark, and learned a lot of techniques from rock to funk and even jazz. In his youth, Gray performed in various bands such as "Anal Blast", "Vexx", "Body Pit" and "Inveigh Catharsi".

In 1995, an early formation of the band were beginning to coalesce, when Gray and drummer Shawn Crahan formed "The Pale Ones". The band played their first live performance under the name of "Meld" at a club called Crowbar in Des Moines. Soon after, drummer Jordison suggested renaming the band to "Slipknot", after their song that eventually appeared on the band's demo 'Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat'. The band also began experimenting with their image, wearing grotesque make-up and eventually the anti-image concept developed towards the members wearing masks.

In 1998, the band recorded their demo, which included 'Spit It Out'. The demo was sent to many record labels and, along with a growing popularity on the internet and help from their then manager Sophia John, interest grew from record labels and eventually producer Ross Robinson was contacted. The band, which had a strong interest in working with Robinson, met with him and it was then decided they would work together. Soon after, DJ Sid Wilson was brought in to the band after showing great interest and impressing band members. With the new member, the band signed to Roadrunner Records.

Besides "Slipknot", Gray filled in as bassist for "Unida" during their 2003 tour, appeared on 'Drop Dead, Gorgeous' Worse Than a Fairy Tale', he even toured briefly with "Reggie and the Full Effect" and appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing bass on 'The Enemy' and 'Baptized in the Redemption' from the project's album 'The All-Star Sessions'.

Gray used to wear tape around his head for his mask. Later, he switched to a Halloween styled Pig mask which he used for the self-titled era, and it represented his indulgent personality. During the touring cycle for Iowa, he used a black mask with dark eye and nose holes, with a small slit near his mouth, and it bore a striking resemblance to the Man in the Iron Mask.

Influences: Cliff Burton (Metallica), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Black Sabbath, KISS, Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys

Axology: Ibanez PGB1L signature model, Warwick basses, Ampeg amplifiers and Peavey amplifiers

Signature song(s): Spit It Out - Slipknot (Slipknot, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.slipknot1.com/ (Slipknot's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wws7mnMewPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5PqJpk5lQ&feature=channel

Scott Ian (Anthrax/Pearl)

Name: Scott Ian Rosenfeld
Born: 31st December, 1963 (Queens, NY, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist for "Anthrax". Ian is also the guitarist and a founding member of the crossover thrash band "Stormtroopers of Death". He has hosted The Rock Show on VH1 and has appeared on VH1's I Love the... series, Heavy: The Story of Metal and SuperGroup.

History: After witnessing "Kiss" live for the first time at Madison Square Garden in 1977, it made a huge impact on Ian, who has been very vocal over the years about his love for the band (KISS), he then started to play guitar and determined to form his own band.

In 1981, Ian met bassist Dan Lilker and formed a band called, "Anthrax" (they found the name in a biology textbook and claimed it because it sounded sufficiently evil to them). In a career spanning three decades, Ian helped to create the 'New Wave of American Heavy Metal' in the 80's alongside "Metallica". "Anthrax" have sold over 10 million records worldwide including 9 studio albums.

In 1991, Ian came up with the idea to crossover with rap pioneers "Public Enemy" and record what was to become the foundation of the Rap/Rock genre that exploded in the 90's. With their hit 'Bring The Noise', "Anthrax" reached new heights kicking open the door for such bands as "Rage Against The Machine", "Limp Bizkit", Kid Rock, and "Linkin Park".

Continually recording and touring through the 90's and into the new millennium, "Anthrax" has maintained the kind of career that only a handful of others can lay claim to as well. In 2009, the band celebrate its 25th anniversary of the release of its debut album 'Fistful Of Metal'.

In 2006, Ian starred in the VH1 reality series 'SuperGroup' with Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Jason Bonham, and Evan Seinfeld. The show was a huge success and once again pushed the boundaries of Ian’s career to new heights. He is currently in the studio recording what will be the 10th studio album by "Anthrax" scheduled for year 2010.

Ian is also playing guitar in the group "Pearl" and did tours with "Velvet Revolver" and Meat Loaf. The debut album from "Pearl" was released on January, 2010.

Influences: Iron Maiden, KISS and Judas Priest

Axology: Jackson custom guitars, Washburn guitars, ESP Custom M-II, Fender Telecaster, DigiTech effects, Randall amplifiers and Marshall JCM 800 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Madhouse - Anthrax (Spreading the Disease, 1985) and I Am the Law - Anthrax (Among the Living, 1987)

Link(s):


http://anthrax.com/ (Anthrax's official website)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us_IxW5LcvY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7_pytkPrlY&feature=related

Frank Bello (Anthrax/Helmet)

Name: Frank Bello
Born: 9th July, 1965 (New York City, New York, USA)

Profile: He is an American bass guitar player for the well known thrash band "Anthrax", and the nephew of drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax).

History: Bello started playing bass when he was 13, often jamming with his uncle, drummer Charlie Benante. His first bass was a 1972 Fender Jazz Bass. In 1984, after the first "Anthrax" album, 'Fistful Of Metal', Bello joined his uncle’s band, replacing original bassist Dan Lilker.

A series of classic punk/speed metal albums followed as "Anthrax" sonically pummeled everybody within earshot, quickly reaching the upper echelons of metal stardom. Unlike many of their contemporaries though, "Anthrax" had a sense of humor and willingness to experiment, as shown by their 1991 collaboration with rap’s "Public Enemy" on 'Bring The Noise'.

Originally Bello was a guitar technician for the band, but later he replaced Dan Lilker on the 'Spreading the Disease' album. After leaving "Anthrax" in early 2004 Bello joined "Helmet" - another NYC-based band, for a brief stint.

Bello has since reunited with "Anthrax" and in 2009, he was the featured guest on VH1 Classic's That Metal Show. The rest of the band was part of an interview segment while at the Red Bull Snowscrapers event on February, 2009 at East River Park in New York City.

Influences: Geddy Lee (Rush), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick), Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath, Priest and KISS

Axology: Fender P-Bass, Fender Jazz Bass and Squier Jazz bass

Signature song(s): Madhouse - Anthrax (Spreading the Disease, 1985) and I Am the Law - Anthrax (Among the Living, 1987)

Link(s):

http://anthrax.com/ (Anthrax's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us_IxW5LcvY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7_pytkPrlY&feature=related

Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe)

Name: Robert Alan Deal
Born: 4th May, 1951 (Terre Haute, Indiana, USA)

Profile: He is the lead guitarist and songwriter for American hard rock band "Mötley Crüe". In his career with "Mötley Crüe", Mars has created the aura of being a somewhat mysterious figure, letting the other members of the band speak for him in public and in print, despite being the eldest and most articulate member of the band. In what public interviews he has conducted, Mars often comes off as a very reserved and somewhat quiet individual.

History: After his family relocated from Indiana to California, Deal dropped out of high school and began playing guitar in a series of unsuccessful blues based rock bands throughout the 70's. After nearly a decade of frustration with the California music scene, Deal reinvented himself, changing his stage name to Mick Mars and dyeing his hair jet black, hoping for a fresh start.

In 1981, he put in a want ad in the LA newspaper 'The Recycler', describing himself as 'a loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player'. Bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee contacted him and after hearing him play decided he would be their guitarist. Upon Lee's prodding, they persuaded a former high school friend of Lee's and local rock & roll singer Vince Neil to join. It was Mars' suggestion that the band be called "Mötley Crüe", a name that had stuck in his head from his days as a member of a band called "White Horse".

Unlike many of the hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of his era, Mars' guitar style is steeped in the blues tradition. He employs frequent use of a metal slide in his soloing and takes on both the rhythm and lead guitar duties of the band. In the studio and live, Mars frequently tunes his guitar down a whole step to get a stronger and crunchier rhythm sound. The altered tuning also increases string slack to enable his characteristic hammer-on trills, pitch bending, and pinch harmonics during soloing. Mars also introduced the pedal steel guitar to many of "Mötley Crüe's" later recordings and live sets, and also taken a critical role in songwriting for the band, coming up with many of "Mötley Crüe's" best known riffs.

Recently, he contributed his songwriting skills to John LeCompt (Evanescence), "Machina" and to the Swedish band "CRASHDÏET". Mars also played lead guitar for "Hinder's" 2008 album 'Take It to the Limit' and "Papa Roach's" 2009 album 'Metamorphosis'. Currently, Mars is on tour with the three other original members of "Mötley Crüe", supporting their newest album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', which has revived a strong public interest in the band more than 25 years after its formation.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul customs guitars, BC Rich Warlock guitar, Hamer Blitz guitar, Gibson Flying V, Guild Flying Star, Kramer guitars, Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Too Young To Fall in Love - Mötley Crüe (Shout at the Devil, 1983)

Link(s):

http://www.mickmars.tv/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfU502fvO2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNMuzKc_0Mg

Michael Amott (Carcass/Arch Enemy)

Name: Michael Amott
Born: 28th July, 1970 (London, England)

Profile: He is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, founding member of the bands "Arch Enemy", "Spiritual Beggars", and "Carnage", as well as a member of the death metal band "Carcass". He is the older brother of Christopher Amott.

History: Amott began playing guitar as a young teenager, learning to play by copying Punk/Hardcore and Thrash/Speed Metal out of his record collection. he soon went to a new level with his playing. He has stated in guitar magazines that he has a preference for pentatonics scales, and his soloing style is frequently compared to that of Michael Schenker.

In 1988, Amott co-formed the death metal band "Carnage" with singer Johan Liiva, and released two widely traded cassette demos, gaining instant underground interest. Plagued by constant lineup changes, "Carnage" would eventually record their only album 'Dark Recollections'. In 1990, Amott was recruited by "Carcass", and released the album 'Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious' a year later, followed by, 'Heartwork', the album which help to define what is now known as melodic death metal.

In 1993, he left "Carcass" and decided to form a classic rock influenced band, "Spiritual Beggars". The band released their debut album a year later, which led to an European record deal with Music for Nations.

Still heavily into extreme metal, Amott formed a new melodic death metal project in the same vein as "Carcass", and he contacted original "Carnage" vocalist Johan Liiva, as well as his younger brother Christopher Amott and put together "Arch Enemy". The band's first album 'Black Earth' was originally intended to be a one-off project, but in 1997, the album's first single, 'Bury Me An Angel' received unexpected airplay on Japan's MTV Rocks! program.

In 2003, "Arch Enemy" released 'Anthems of Rebellion', and for the first time, their received US MTV airplay with the video for 'We Will Rise'. The band would reach new heights in popularity worldwide, and toured constantly until the release of 2005's 'Doomsday Machine'. Amott returned once again to "Spiritual Beggars" in 2005, releasing the album 'Demons'. He also recently performed a guest guitar solo on "The Haunted" and "Kreator".

Today, Amott is busy touring the world and recording with "Arch Enemy" and the re-formed "Carcass", and he does not rule out a return to "Spiritual Beggars" in the future.

Influences: Michael Schenker, Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Frank Marino and Uli Jon Roth

Axology: Dean guitar Micheal Amott Signature Tyrant Bloodstorm, ESP guitars, Ibanez RG 550 Road Flare Red, Fernandes guitars and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Heartwork - Carcass (Heartwork, 1993) and Bury Me An Angel - Arch Enemy (Black Earth, 1997)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf9UVqaBQI8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77NK4aPayIU