Out of my house for 10 weeks doing a major refurbishment (including studio at attic level) so I don't have access to my studio etc so I'm taking a break from guitar and metal in general.

Currently I'm listening to a lot of Queen - very impressed with Brian May, from his amazingly thick tone to very odd musical structures and unorthodox playing style. Added bonus, my wife and kids like Queen too so I can actually play it in the car when we're all out together;-)

Still managed to sneak a shred cd out of the house before leaving, listening to a bot of George Bellas (Venemous Fingers) - this guy has the best legatto technique I've ever heard and among the fastest arpeggios. Gets a bit boring in places and the composition is a little weak but there are some stellar stand out tracks on that cd. Check him out on youtube for a demonstration of intense skill.