Truth In Shredding

Herman Li: Honest Review - Nuno Bettencourt Washburn N4 Authentic 'Relic'

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:21:58 GMT

I bought the Washburn N4 Authentic, the Nuno Bettencourt signature guitar which is now discontinued.

Honest Review: Nuno Bettencourt Washburn N4 Authentic 'Relic'

Nick Johnston: My 5 Go-To Techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:18:26 GMT

Nick Johnston: Biography & Album Information

Biography

Nick Johnston is an acclaimed Canadian virtuoso guitarist, composer, and solo artist widely celebrated for his highly melodic, vocal-like phrasing and sophisticated modern instrumental progressive music. Blending elements of technical shred, blues passion, jazz harmony, and cinematic orchestration, Johnston has carved out a distinct identity in the global guitar community. His solo records consistently feature collaborations with elite musicians such as Guthrie Govan, Paul Gilbert, Marco Minnemann, and Bryan Beller. In addition to his prolific solo catalog and signature guitar line with Schecter, he has contributed guest leads to prominent modern acts like Polyphia, Periphery, and Intervals, and expanded his footprint into heavy metal as a touring and recording member of Mastodon.

Key Albums & Discography

Atomic Mind (2014): A breakout independent release featuring fan favorites like "Silver Tongued Devil" (with Guthrie Govan) that cemented his technical and compositional style.
Remarkably Human (2016): A critically lauded masterpiece showcasing his signature emotive phrasing, complex arrangements, and seamless blend of aggressive shred and organic blues.
Wide Eyes in the Dark (2019) & Young Language (2021): Deeply expressive conceptual releases exploring lush harmonic palettes, intricate time signatures, and rich atmospheric storytelling.
Child of Bliss (2024): His acclaimed seventh full-length solo album, dedicated to his wife, blending delicate acoustic passages, rich orchestral arrangements, and soaring electric guitar work on tracks like "Voice on the Wind" and "Moonflower".
Early Mercy (with Harrison / Johnston, 2025): A brilliant collaborative project pairing his intricate guitar textures with master drummer Gavin Harrison.

Nick Johnston's legato and picking chops have stunned fans of his instrumental albums and his live work with Mastodon. For the free lesson with tab/notation head to: https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/a...

0:31 Ex 1a - Hybrid picking and string crossing (v1)
1:24 Ex 1b - Hybrid picking and string crossing (v2)
1:27 Ex 1c - Hybrid picking and string crossing (v3)
2:04 Ex 2a - Fast legato chromatics (v1)
2:11 Ex 2b - Fast legato chromatics (v2)
2:14 Ex 2c - Fast legato chromatics (extended)
3:03 Ex 3a - Bluesy phrasing
3:51 Ex 3b - Bluesy phrasing (v2)
4:48 Ex 4 - Picking and intervallic variations
6:41 Ex 5 - Percussive phrasing

Nick Johnston: My 5 Go-To Techniques

Scott Ian: ANTHRAX/SOD/MR BUNGLE Breaks Down The Best Of His Career | Metal Injection

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:16:08 GMT

Scott Ian: Biography, Bands & Album Information

Biography

Scott Ian (born Scott Rosenfeld) is an American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and primary lyricist of the legendary thrash metal band Anthrax. Formed in New York in 1981 alongside bassist Danny Lilker, Ian helped pioneer the "Big Four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Instantly recognizable by his trademark goatee, aggressive right-hand downpicking style, and energetic stage presence, Ian is also celebrated for bridging the gap between metal and hip-hop via Anthrax's historic 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy on "Bring the Noise". Beyond Anthrax, he has maintained a prolific career across side projects, crossover thrash, alternative metal, and spoken-word performance.

Key Bands & Side Projects

Anthrax: The foundational thrash metal institution he has captained for over four decades, defining the genre's East Coast sound.
Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.): Influential crossover thrash/hardcore punk supergroup featuring bandmate Charlie Benante and bassist Dan Lilker, known for launching the satirical speed-metal template with Speak English or Die.
The Damned Things & Motor Sister: Modern hard-rock and heavy blues supergroups showcasing his melodic songwriting and rock-and-roll sensibilities.

Key Albums & Discography (with Anthrax)

Among the Living (1987): The landmark thrash metal masterpiece featuring classic anthems like "Indians" and "Caught in a Mosh".
Persistence of Time (1990): A heavier, darker, and more progressive record that earned the band their first Grammy nomination.
Sound of White Noise (1993): A major commercial success debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, introducing John Bush on lead vocals with tracks like "Only".
Worship Music (2011) & For All Kings (2016): Critically acclaimed late-era triumphs marking the triumphant return of classic vocalist Joey Belladonna and showcasing enduring heavy metal craftsmanship.
Cursum Perficio (2026): The band's highly anticipated studio release continuing their decades-long reign at the forefront of aggressive music.

Scott Ian of ANTHRAX/SOD/MR BUNGLE Breaks Down The Best Of His Career | Metal Injection

Scott LePage, Tim Henson,: Polyphia - POWER IN THE BLOOD

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:12:44 GMT

Polyphia: Biography, Members & Album Information

Biography

Polyphia is an American instrumental progressive rock and math-rock band formed in Plano, Texas, in 2010. Renowned as one of the most innovative and influential instrumental acts of the 21st century, the band has steadily evolved from a traditional technical metalcore style into a genre-defying powerhouse. Their signature sound fuses intricate fingerstyle guitar acrobatics, rapid-fire alternate picking, and complex polyrhythms with smooth trap beats, R&B grooves, hip-hop production, and infectious pop hooks. Spearheaded by guitar virtuosos Tim Henson and Scott LePage, Polyphia has amassed a massive global following, achieved viral mainstream crossover success, and collaborated with a diverse roster of legendary guitarists and iconic vocalists.

Band Members

Tim Henson (Guitars): Co-founder, primary songwriter, and cultural icon celebrated for his revolutionary hybrid fingerstyle technique, melodic phrasing, and trend-setting aesthetic.
Scott LePage (Guitars): Co-founder and lead guitarist known for his blazing speed, fluid sweep-picking, and vibrant harmonic interplay with Henson.
Clay Gober (Bass Guitar): Masterful low-end groove architect whose signature finger-funk slapping style provides the rhythmic backbone for the band's dense arrangements.
Clayton "Clay" Ashburner (Drums): Dynamic percussionist delivering tight, pocket-heavy rhythms and complex timing shifts that anchor their syncopated tracks.

Key Albums & Discography

Muse (2014) & Renaissance (2016): Their early independent and major breakthrough releases, transitioning from progressive metalcore roots to a clean, neoclassical, and melodic math-rock framework.
New Levels New Devils (2018): A landmark critically acclaimed album featuring heavy electronic production, trap beats, and high-profile guest guitar contributions from artists like Jason Richardson and Ichika Nito.
Remember That You Will Die (2022): A massive commercial and critical success featuring the viral Billboard-charting single "Playing God," alongside eclectic guest appearances by Steve Vai, Chino Moreno, and $not.
Be Not Afraid (2026): Their highly anticipated fifth full-length studio album, exploring heavier eight-string "rave-riff" dynamics and innovative heavy electronic textures led by singles like "Can You Feel It?" and "Power in the Blood".

"Power In The Blood" is out now—buy/stream at http://polyphia.lnk.to/PITB BE NOT AFRAID 10/23– preorder now at https://polyphia.lnk.to/BENOTAFRAID Tour Dates: http://polyphia.com Guitar, Bass & Drum tabs: https://polyphiatabs.com SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1SCcPtd Production Company: Hand Crank Films Local Production Company, Brazil: Story Productions

Polyphia - POWER IN THE BLOOD (Official Music Video)

Polyphia - CAN YOU FEEL IT (Jam Session)

Polyphia - CAN YOU FEEL IT (Official Music Video)

Polyphia - CAN YOU FEEL IT

Anika Nilles: RUSH drummer talks to Modern Drummer.

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 15:48:05 GMT

Anika Nilles: Biography, Project & Album Information

Biography

Anika Nilles is an internationally acclaimed German drummer, composer, educator, and musical artist. Rising to prominence through viral YouTube drum performance videos showcasing her staggering technical precision, complex odd-meter grooves, and syncopated phrasing, she quickly transitioned into a global touring clinician and heavyweight recording artist. Blending elements of progressive rock, modern jazz-fusion, and pop, Nilles is widely celebrated as a master of contemporary rhythmic concepts. Alongside her extensive solo career and masterclass education work—serving as a lecturer at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg—she has expanded her global footprint as a high-profile collaborative artist, famously stepping into the fold as the touring drummer for legendary progressive rock icons Rush.

Key Albums & Discography (with Nevell)

Pikalar (Album, 2017): Her highly anticipated debut full-length instrumental album released via Sakurai Records, featuring intricate rhythmic compositions that established her backing band Nevell and earned her a cover feature on Modern Drummer magazine.
For a Colorful Soul (Album, 2020): Her sophomore full-length release, expanding on her signature blend of melodic fusion, heavy groove architecture, and complex odd-tuplets.
Opuntia (EP, 2022): A dynamic conceptual EP release highlighting tight ensemble interplay and atmospheric sonic textures.
False Truth (Album, 2025): Her powerful fourth full-length studio release, featuring intricate progressive fusion tracks such as "Fiji," "Float," "Glitch," and the single "Drip".

In this exclusive interview, filmed in July 2026, Modern Drummer's David Frangioni sits down with powerhouse drummer Anika Nilles a day after she stepped off the stage in Chicago. They dig into her musical journey that led her to one of the most coveted drum thrones in music history — RUSH. Along with her approach to preparing for Rush, they cover her creative process and gear choices. Anika Nilles has built a reputation as one of the most innovative and technically gifted drummers of her generation, known for her intricate playing and genre-blending style. This conversation offers a rare, personal look at the artist as she steps into one of the biggest roles of her career. Check out Anika's 2026 Modern Drummer Cover Story for free! -
https://planet.moderndrummer.com/anika
Anika Niles
/ anika.nilles
David Frangioni Instagram:
/ davidfrangioni
YouTube: / @davidfrangioni

http://rush.com/

00:00 - Intro
00:40 - How to Pronounce Nilles
01:18 - Nevell
05:08 - Jeff Beck
13:24 - Preparing for Rush
24:02 - Neil's Feeling
29:09 - Paying Tribute to Neil
31:58 - Anikas Influences
33:52 - Hardest Rush Song
37:02 - Studying w/ Claus Hessler
44:06 - Warm up Routine/ Double Bass
50:18 - Electronics/ Drums/ Future

The Anika Nilles | Rush | Modern Drummer Interview

Ben Eunson: Arpeggio Solo LIVE Guitar solos + Guitar TRIO Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 15:38:40 GMT

Ben Eunson: Biography & Album Information

Biography

Ben Eunson is an acclaimed Australian-born guitarist, composer, and educator based in New York City. Recognized for his distinct fusion of modern jazz harmony, soulful R&B phrasing, and rock virtuosity, Eunson relocated to the United States in his early twenties and quickly integrated into New York’s competitive West Village jazz and contemporary music scenes. Described by Guitar Player magazine as "innovative", he has built a prolific career performing and recording with a diverse roster of legendary artists—ranging from jazz icons like Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Liebman, and Randy Brecker to mainstream luminaries such as John Legend, Questlove, Queen Latifah, and Lalah Hathaway. He is also widely followed for his comprehensive digital masterclasses and guitar educational platforms.

Key Albums & Discography

Autumn (EP, 2015): His highly praised debut recording featuring Sean Wayland, Alexander Claffy, and Kush Abadey, establishing his sophisticated modern jazz guitar style.
ACE (Album, 2019): His landmark full-length studio debut album released via Ocean Road Sounds. Recorded in an instrumental trio format with Alexander Claffy (bass) and Kush Abadey (drums), the album features standout tracks like "Shadow In The Sky", "Growing Pains", and an evocative interpretation of Stevie Wonder's "Cause We've Ended As Lovers".
Notable Collaborative & Sideman Credits (2016–Present): Key genre-spanning recordings including Theo Croker's acclaimed Escape Velocity (2016), Elise LeGrow’s Playing Chess (2018) featuring Questlove, and Chad LB & Sonic Magic releases.

Guitar solo live at ‪@thedjangonyc9658‬ with ‪@AlexanderClaffyMusic‬ on bass, Daniel Dufour on Drums and Addison Frei on Piano, August 2026.

Arpeggio Solo: LIVE Guitar Over 2 Chord Vamp

LIVE Guitar: Funky Blues in G, in New York, August 2026

Guitar TRIO Jam: "I'll Remember April"—Live in Austin, TX

Alex Sill: Live with Simon Phillips' Protocol 6 and the stunning "Rain Dance"

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 15:12:23 GMT

Alex Sill: Biography & Album Information

Biography

Alex Sill is an acclaimed American jazz-fusion guitarist, composer, and bandleader based in Los Angeles, California. Born into a rich musical lineage (grandson of legendary music producer Lester Sill), he began playing piano and guitar in his early teens. Sill quickly rose to prominence by winning the rock category of Lee Ritenour's Six String Theory International Guitar Competition and studying jazz composition at CalArts under mentors like Larry Koonse and Steve Vai. Known for his sophisticated post-bop harmonic vocabulary, intricate rhythm work, and soaring lyrical technique inspired by guitar legends like Allan Holdsworth and Pat Metheny, Sill gained international acclaim as the lead guitarist for legendary Toto drummer Simon Phillips' Protocol band. He is also celebrated for his high-profile tribute performances honoring Allan Holdsworth alongside fusion luminaries such as Virgil Donati and Jimmy Johnson.

Key Albums & Discography

Montana Suite (as Trifield Guitar Project, 2013): An expansive, multi-guitar long-form compositional debut born from the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival, featuring cutting-edge acoustic and electric interplay.
Experiences: Real and Imaginary (Solo Album, 2019): His critically lauded debut solo album exploring themes of Jungian psychology and "interior cinema". Produced with top-tier Los Angeles jazz musicians, the record features special guest appearances by legendary Grammy and Academy Award-winning pianist/composer Dave Grusin.
Simon Phillips’ Protocol – Protocol V (2022): A landmark progressive jazz-fusion powerhouse release featuring high-energy compositions co-written by Sill and Simon Phillips, showcasing blistering guitar and keyboard interplay.

Alex Sill is a monster jazz fusion guitarist - Live with Simon Phillips' Protocol 6

"Rain Dance" guitar solo with Jeff Lorber Fusion

Oliver Nagy: Suhr Ivanyi Contest - #suhrivanyicontest

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:42:45 GMT

Suhr Ivanyi Contest - Oliver Nagy #suhrivanyicontest

Carlos Timaure: My Most Fluid Improv Yet Over a Crazy Complex Instrumental #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:41:16 GMT

This is my entry for the ‪@jnivanyi‬ guitar contest: a fully improvised, super-fluid solo over one of the most complex instrumentals I’ve ever tackled.

It was a real challenge, but I loved every second of it. Fingers crossed I get that Suhr soon!

Thanks a lot for watching, hope you enjoy the ride.

#SUHRIVANYICONTEST – My Most Fluid Improv Yet Over a Crazy Complex Instrumental

Elaizah Foning: #SuhrIvanyiContest

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:39:35 GMT

didn't get time to think of anything substantial to play over this but kinda liked the backing track enough to sit down with it as i was recording it.

JN ivanyi rocks, super underrated dude
, what are they feeding aussies that they seem to be producing so many cracked prog playing dudes😭

Suhr Asatobucker here, rarely get to use it because of a faulty selector switch but absolutely love it🛐 the original Seymour Duncan Fortuna bridge humbucker felt too much like a low output single coil in my personal experience, but i love the Fortuna single coils✌️

#SuhrIvanyiContest - Elaizah Foning

Mats Moland Træen: My solo for the #suhrivanyicontest

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:37:55 GMT

My solo for the #suhrivanyicontest

Zephyr: Suhr James Norbert Ivanyi 2026 Contest - stunning little guy!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:36:43 GMT

Suhr James Norbert Ivanyi 2026 Contest | Zephyr

Peter Vavulin: SUHR X IVANYI CONTEST 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:35:19 GMT

SUHR X IVANYI CONTEST 2026 - PETER VAVULIN #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

Leandro Farias: Suhr Contest 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:34:28 GMT

Suhr Contest 2026 - Leandro Farias #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

Tramaine Jonathan: Suhr Guitar Contest 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:33:16 GMT

Suhr x JNI Guitar Contest 2026 - Tramaine #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

Talisson Cristino: Suhr Contest 2026 - Talisson Cristino #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:31:47 GMT

Suhr Contest 2026 - Talisson Cristino #SUHRIVANYICONTEST

Mark Gibson: Another Day Improvised + James Norbert Ivanyi Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:28:44 GMT

Playing my own version of Petrucci’s ‘Another Day’ solo

Instagram.com/markgibsonmusic
Facebook.com/MarkGibsonMusicianandArtist

‘Another Day’ solo (Alternate Version in my Own Style)

Suhr James Norbert Ivanyi Contest Entry #suhrivanyicontest

Adam Tam: 譚錫森 This is not shredding🗣️🚨❌

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:26:04 GMT

Bandcamp: https://theancientmentalhk.bandcamp.com/

This is not shredding🗣️🚨❌

Jack Gardiner: Burnout, AI & The Future of Being a Musician

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:58:18 GMT

🔵 30% OFF SALE ON ALL LESSON PRODUCTS 💥 DEBUT ALBUM KINTSUGI IS OUT NOW: https://jackgardiner.com/

Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer (Urushi) mixed with powdered gold. Rather than hiding damage, the cracks are revealed - becoming part of the object’s story. What was broken is not erased, but transformed.

Like many musicians, I struggle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Kintsugi is about learning to honour those breaks - moments of doubt, change, and repair - and carrying them forward as strength. https://www.theatlantic.com/category/ai-watchdog/

Burnout, AI & The Future of Being a Musician

Sacra Victoria: Master Two String Sweep Picking with Canon Rock | 5-Level Guitar Workout

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:09:16 GMT

Sacra Victoria: Biography & Project Information

Biography

Sacra Victoria is an American virtuoso guitarist, composer, and educator based in Nashville, Tennessee. A recipient of a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, she has built a prominent reputation in the modern guitar and heavy metal communities for her blistering speed, advanced sweep-picking technique, and deep melodic phrasing. Alongside her solo instrumental work, she is widely recognized as the co-founder of the symphonic instrumental metal duo Sacred Symphony (alongside guitarist James Moody) and as the lead guitarist for California-based melodic death metal powerhouse Area 51, in addition to performing live and touring with extreme metal acts like Castrator.

Key Projects & Releases

Solo Instrumental Work & EPs: Acclaimed independent guitar-centric compositions and technical showcases distributed via Bandcamp and digital platforms, highlighting her classical influences and shred mastery.
Sacred Symphony – Awakening (Singles & Concept Project, 2024–Present): An ambitious instrumental symphonic metal collaboration featuring cinematic orchestrations and high-octane dual-guitar shredding on singles like "Voyage" and the title track "Awakening".
Area 51 – Upcoming Material (2025–2026): Melodic death metal releases featuring her technical lead guitar work, recorded and produced with legendary producer Joost van den Broek.

🔥 Two String Sweep Picking Workout | Pachelbel’s Canon/Canon Rock Level up your sweep picking through 5 progressive levels built around the iconic Pachelbel’s Canon progression. Start simple and work your way up as the patterns become faster and more challenging. 🎸 Get the complete collection on Patreon, including:
2, 3, 4, 5 & 6-string sweep picking workouts
Guitar Pro files so you can slow down, loop & practice along
PDFs for players without Guitar Pro
Backing tracks
Bonus material & exercises
You can purchase the full collection individually on Patreon or subscribe to get access to this collection plus more guitar workouts, licks, exercises, and new material. ⚡ Master the progression. Build the technique. Level up your sweep picking.
0:00: Intro
2:09 Level 1
2:43 Level 2
3:12 Level 3
3:46 Level 4
4:14 Level 5
4:43 Outro 👉 Patreon:
👉 Patreon:
/ sacravictoria
⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share 🤘🔥 💻 OFFICIAL WEBSITE
https://sacravictoria.com/

Master Two String Sweep Picking with Canon Rock | 5-Level Guitar Workout

Rick Graham: Level Up Your Legato

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:06:36 GMT

50% OFF ALL LESSON DOWNLOADS HERE: ▶Download my HD guitar lessons here: http://www.rick-graham.co.uk

Level Up Your Legato

Manuel Gardner Fernandes: Top 10 Unprocessed Riffs

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:04:24 GMT

Unprocessed: Biography, Members & Album Information

Biography

Unprocessed is a German progressive metal and djent band formed in Wiesbaden in 2013. Led by virtuoso guitarist and vocalist Manuel Gardner Fernandes, the band has evolved from an underground technical metal project into a globally influential powerhouse on the alternative metal scene. Unprocessed is celebrated for its futuristic, genre-bending hybrid sound that merges crushing down-tuned riffage, complex polyrhythms, and fingerstyle guitar acrobatics with darkly atmospheric electronica, cinematic soundscapes, and infectious pop hooks. Known for high-profile collaborations (including tracks with Polyphia's Tim Henson and guest spots featuring members of Paleface Swiss and Fever 333), they are a prominent fixture of modern progressive music.

Band Members

Manuel Gardner Fernandes (Vocals & Guitars): Founder, primary songwriter, and technical anchor renowned for his distinct hybrid fingerstyle technique and soaring vocal delivery.
Christoph Schultz (Guitars): Rhythm and lead guitarist providing intricate heavy counterpoint and atmospheric textures.
David John Levy (Bass & Synthesizers): Masterful low-end groove architect and synthesizer specialist who shapes the band's modern electronic integration.
Leon Pfeifer (Drums): Rhythmic powerhouse whose fluid precision, blistering speed, and dynamic pocket drive the band's complex arrangements.

Key Albums & Discography

Artificial Void (2019): A breakout critical success that established their dark, heavy progressive metalcore identity.
Gold (2022): A major stylistic pivot showcasing an expanded palette of electronic textures, catchy vocal hooks, and technical wizardry.
...And Everything in Between (2023): A landmark critically acclaimed album featuring viral tracks like "Thrash" and "Lore," pairing ultra-heavy compositions with immense emotional depth.
Angel (2025): Their powerful sixth studio album, exploring conceptual themes of inner transformation and duality through polished metalcore heaviness, drum-and-bass influences, and standout collaborations with Zelli (Paleface Swiss) and Jason Aalon Butler.

My personal picks for the Top 10 Unprocessed riffs across our discography, performed by me. Which riff is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!
UNPROCESSED ON TOUR
w/ Of Virtue Daedric
Tickets: https://ffm.live/unprocessed-eu-tour-...
29 Sep – Brussels, BE – Botanique
01 Oct – Manchester, UK – Academy 3 ❗️ low tickets
02 Oct – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
03 Oct – Paris, FR – La Maroquinerie
04 Oct – Tilburg, NL – 013 Next Stage
05 Oct – Nijmegen, NL – Doornroosje
06 Oct – Cologne, DE – Gebäude 9 ❗️ low tickets
07 Oct – Hamburg, DE – Kent Club
08 Oct – Berlin, DE – Hole 44
09 Oct – Munich, DE – Strom
10 Oct – Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp, UNPROFEST also with Floya & The Oklahoma Kid

Top 10 Unprocessed Riffs

Rafael Trujillo: I practiced this song for 30 days and here is what happened

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:02:19 GMT

For 30 days, I practiced “The Glass Prison” by Dream Theater to see how much progress I could actually make. In this video, you’ll see where I started, the challenges I faced along the way, and the final result after one full month of focused practice.

I practiced this song for 30 days and here is what happened

Ben Lechuga: Sterling by Music Man: Axis Demo

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:01:18 GMT

Ben Lechuga: Biography & Album Information

Biography

Benjamín "Ben" Lechuga is a Chilean-born composer, producer, and virtuoso guitarist based in Los Angeles, California. Rising to prominence as a founding member and lead guitarist of the acclaimed Chilean progressive metal band Delta, Lechuga gained international recognition when he was selected by Steve Vai as the worldwide winner of the Steve Vai Scholarship in 2011 to study at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London. Known for pushing the boundaries of modern instrumental metal, his style seamlessly weaves complex rhythms, advanced jazz-fusion harmonies, flamenco flourishes, and orchestral arrangements. In recent years, Lechuga has garnered widespread acclaim for pioneering a radical shift into custom fretless electric guitars, collaborating with artists like David Maxim Micic, and composing for major media networks.

Key Albums & Discography

Lechuga (2011): His highly anticipated debut solo studio album, released following his scholarship win under Steve Vai, establishing his complex instrumental progressive metal framework.
The Search Part 1: Introspection (2014) & The Search Part 3: The Hypothesis (2017): An ambitious conceptual multi-part album series showcasing intricate guitar workouts, sophisticated horn and string arrangements, and deep stylistic exploration.
It's Not What It Seems (2021): A critically praised full-length record inspired by physics, astronomy, and the perception of time, featuring guest performances by global fusion and metal artists.
Delta – Career Catalog (2003–Present): Extensive discography with his foundational progressive metal band Delta, comprising multiple landmark LPs, live DVDs, and EPs.

Ben Lechuga demos the Axis in Lava Burst. Learn more here: https://sterlingbymusicman.com/

Sterling by Music Man: Axis Demo (ft. Ben Lechuga)

MEGURI,YU-KI,MIPOW: Paranoid Void Live at Asia Rock Fest Bhutan 2025 + MOM Livehouse Hong Kong 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:58:40 GMT

Paranoid Void: Biography, Members & Album Information

Biography

Paranoid Void is an acclaimed all-female Japanese instrumental math-rock and post-rock trio formed in Osaka in 2013. Known for their intricate time signatures, shimmering delay-drenched guitar textures, complex melodic interplay, and dynamic rhythmic shifts, the band has become an essential fixture in both the Japanese underground scene and the global math-rock community. Their sophisticated compositions balance mathematical precision with deep emotional resonance, featuring occasional atmospheric vocal styling and sweeping ambient soundscapes. Having completed extensive international tours across Asia, the UK, Europe, and the US, they are celebrated worldwide for their telepathic live synergy.

Band Members

Meguri (Guitar): Primary composer and guitarist whose delay-laden melodic lines, intricate tapping, and atmospheric phrasing anchor the band's signature sound.
Yu-ki (Bass &Keyboards): Masterful low-end anchor utilizing two-handed tapping, driving grooves, and rich keyboard washes to support complex harmonic structures.
Mipow (Drums & Pads): Versatile rhythmic engine whose precision timing, fluid meter shifts, and integrated electronic percussion propel the trio's dynamic arrangements.

Key Albums & Discography

Pop Music (Mini-Album, 2016): The band's foundational debut release that established their distinct blend of mathematical precision and catchy melodic sensibilities.
Literary Math (Album, 2017): Their critically praised full-length debut, featuring standout tracks like "Dog of Karma" that showcased progressive jazz-fusion textures and spoken-word elements.
Travels in My Universe (Album, 2022): A sweeping, atmospheric conceptual sophomore release exploring expansive post-rock soundscapes, cinematic transitions, and rhythmic maturity.
Action (Album, 2026): The trio's triumphant third full-length studio album featuring high-energy, technically adventurous tracks such as "Will," "Wanderlust," "Expansion," and "Slow Motion Perception".

Paranoid Void set the stage on fire as they perform at this historic event that brought together 12 incredible bands.

This live performance captures the raw energy, passion, and talent that defined the opening night of Asia Rock Fest Bhutan 2025.

Event Organiser: Rock Hard Studio( @NorthHBhutan )
Brought to you by: @domciipbhutan
Event partner: @ParoFootballClub
Event Sponsor: ESP, @EmbassyofIndiainBhutan

FOLLOW ASIA ROCK FEST BHUTAN:
Instagram: @asia_rock_fest_bhutan
Tiktok: @asia.rock.fest.bh
Facebook: @asiarockfestbhutan

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Paranoid Void Live at Asia Rock Fest Bhutan 2025

Paranoid Void Live MOM Livehouse Hong Kong 2026