David Valdez - amazing guitarist

Hey guys,
I can't believe this guy is not more well known. I got his cd there a while back and it is absolutely amazing ('Paradise Lost'). Brilliant shredding skills but more importantly beautiful phrasings and uber melodic passages. Not all maximium speed but when he opens up the speed is very impressive and flawless. It's been a long time since I got a cd that I was thoroughly satisfied with from start to finish and this guys style and technique is quite inspiring. Sounds like a cross between Jason Becker and Marty Friedman, kind of like where Cacophony would have gone had they lasted. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvsgklXyyZA&mode=related&search= for a selection of videos on youtube.
If you love melodic challenging instrumental stuff then check it out.

Coincidently, I had never heard of this guy but stumbled on some of his clips on you tube...

very impressive as you say, and if I', honest I've 'borrowed' a couple of things off him.... :D