A buddy of mine came over and played me some of his stuff. I really got into it, and have been meaning to find some more of his work. I'm a guitarist and was once in a band, so I've got a profound respect for talent like him.

I've recently gotten hooked on an artist named David Valdes. He's a virtuoso out of Spain. He does a ton of shredding and general metal chops, but has got the ability to play some amazing rhythms and insanely melodic solos. Check this video out: Paradise Lost - David Valdes.