Blind Guardian: Mirror Mirror.....imo the best band in the world. Perfect blend of speed, technique, emotion and arrangement. It's fast, mid paced, slow and awesome! Check out Andre Olbrich's wah wah guitar solo. It's technically proficient without being pretentious. Also check out the folk inspired ending !!! A perfect metal song !!!
I remember my first time seeing them at the Glam Slam in Minneapolis in very late eighties or super early nineties. That was still when Popper wore the bandolier of harmonicas and threw them into the crowd whenever he blew one out. It was so freaking loud I had napkins stuck in my ears and it still felt like blood was oozing down both sides of my neck. Those boys used to be able to throw a hall dance.
The one and only King Diamond. The combo of King Diamond and Andy LaRocque are the most prolific combo in metal history. They have produced so much great music. Listen to those whammy bar scoops by Andy after the opening riff !!!