Andy James

For some time, he was widely regarded as one of the U.K.'s rising stars in the world of Shred & Metal guitar. With the arrival of 2011, Andy James has undeniably earned himself a place among the best in the world. Not since John Petrucci did we expect to see another world class guitarist, dare to step up and deliver such astounding displays of skill and creativity all at once.

Now, the long-awaited solo album has arrived. Andy James's self-titled album was released on July 18th via Transcend Music. It's inescapable; a tapestry of skilled writing and musicianship, of dynamic creativity and spirit; it's all we hoped for and more. It's Instru-Metal.

As a major contributor to Lick Library - the benchmark for web-based guitar instruction - Andy specialises in teaching lead techniques for Heavy Rock & Metal. It hasn't taken long for Andy James' name to become omnipotent in the world of Metal guitar; now endorsed by Blackstar Amplification, ESP Guitars & Rotosound, Andy can be found holding workshops and master-classes as far afield as N.A.M.M. and it has just been confirmed that 2011 will see Andy James release his very own custom signature ESP guitar.

His original material never fails to satiate those in need of a technical fix and never fails to surprise those waiting jump on the slightest hint of self-indulgence. In fact, Andy's ear for melody, rhythm and harmony has resulted in material that not only transcends genres, but provides an epic journey across sound-scapes as vast as his talent and will leave you standing - as many do at his live shows - in awe. It is no surprise then that his third self-titled solo album, due to be released this summer, is already causing excitement among fans.

Axe-man Andy has just finished recording with band Sacred Mother Tongue, finishing their follow-up album to 'The Ruin of Man'. He took the faces clean off those at Download Festival this year when they tore open second stage and are due to make many more appearances this year on the back of their hugely sucessful 13 date headline tour in April.

Be it workshops, exhibitions or with Sacred Mother Tongue, you must see this man live. To create the sound and dynamic, the dexterity and the speed, with which he plays, live on stage is one of the attributes that has made Andy James world-renowned in his field and this year, the world is his fretboard....

"Most instrumental shred albums are only of interest to other shredders... Andy James, on the other hand, has made a balls-out metal album that just happens to have no singing on it. Big hooks, big riffs and a big heart... this record fucking rips!"- Dom Lawson (Metal Hammer, Music Week)

"This is a genuine metal album, full of face-melting solos, killer riffs, and chunky rhythms... The music is so solid on this album, and each track is constructed meticulously. Technically challenging, but not so over indulgent as to be a pile of w*nking solos destined for the bin. I'm left completely awestruck ...music of this quality is just too good to pass up. It comes at you hard, right from the outset, and if you turn your back for a second, it'll rip you a new one, trust me." - CraveMetal

"You're Andy James! You're a sick guitar player... You're insane!" - John Petrucci (guitar maestro, DreamTheater)