As a lifelong musician I have been affected by many different influences. Probably the biggest factor in my decision to pick up a guitar was growing up around other musicians. Over the years my tastes and styles have varied, but the core influences have always remained the same. The following is a list of 5 albums that shaped (warped) me into the person I am today.

Danzig I by Danzig - Quite simply this album is evil on magnetic tape.The blues driven metal contained herein is almost primal in essence. Rick Rubin's stripped down production coupled with the thundering drums and powerful vocals puts the sound right in your face. It's almost like your standing right in front of the band. John Christ's restrained guitar work is really the glue that holds the whole production together. You catch brief glimpses of his genius during the solo for "End of Time".

Countdown to Extinction by Megadeth - I still vividly recall the first time I heard "Foreclosure of a Dream". I was in my parents basement listening to KSHE-95 while I was supposed to be doing my 6th grade homework. From the opening notes til the last cymbal hit I was awestruck. Needless to say the homework went away and the guitar came out. This album is a monument to the technical perfection that can be achieved by mortal man. Even if Dave Mustaine's vocals aren't your cup of tea, you have to revere his songwriting and guitar work. The guitar acrobatics performed by Dave and Marty Friedman are nothing short of spectacular.

Seasons in the Abyss by Slayer - Ah, my first Slayer album. Every metal fan wears theirs like a badge of honor. Serial killers, dystopian futures, gang violence, war atrocities, wailing guitar solos, wicked double bass work and Kerry King with hair. What more could you ask for in an album?

Symbolic by Death - This was my gateway to the wondrous world of death metal. Gene Hoglan's drumming alone is worth owning this album but that's only the beginning. Chuck Schuldiner displays why he is heralded as the Godfather of Death Metal. Blazing harmonic minor runs and impossibly fast syncopated rhythms are the hallmark of this albums guitar work. With profound lyrics and and a sense melody, Symbolic is very accessible to the ordinary listener. Think of it as Baby's First Brutal Album.

Vulgar Display of Power by Pantera - Wow. I've never been one for hero worship, especially when it comes to guitar players, but there is no denying Dimebag was a bad, bad man. 16 years later and "Hollow" is still my favorite song. The harmonized leads are phenomenal! Vulgar introduced me to the "groove" aspect of metal that has come to dominate so much of today's music. The ferocity and anger contained on this CD is staggering.