... These were some of my early influences. Through the years obviously there have been many bands who I've liked and respected and who have inspired me both as a guitar player, performer and as a song writer. I always listen to a lot of younger bands (some of which I can’t remember the names of and some of which I can’t even pronounce the names of) I try and listen to everything though, and not just listen but get to understand it and learn to like it. I feel this is important. I however, always move on, and very rarely look back. I learnt very early on never to dwell on any other band or musician for too long. Take inspiration but do it in your own way and forge ahead. Recognize the talent that’s within you and value your own technique and character. I used to practice for hours trying to copy other people’s licks and got frustrated because although I got close I could never quite play it the same. It was a revelation then, the day I realised that there was no point in playing it the same as someone else, it's already been done! Yes be inspired to a point, but do it in your own way. For one thing it's easier and secondly your nurturing your own style which then becomes more recognisable (this is important to not just yourself as a musician but as a band also). One thing I heard an artist say which I never forgot was that "It’s just as important to discard as to create". As a writer I sometimes have lots of unused ideas and get bogged down trying to make them work. Sometimes it’s good to discard these ideas and start afresh using brand new inspirations and ideas.

I listen a lot to Classical music and film themes. I love Film music, I find it big and dramatic and it really touches my emotions. I love the fact that you can put together a piece of video footage and music and the combination transforms the whole thing into something very special or emotional.

So you can see my influences, through the years and currently, are a mixed bag, but I believe that’s necessary to really give you the depth and inspiration you need to compose songs or play guitar. My main love is, of course, Metal. But i genuinely believe it really helps when writing if you take your inspiration from a wide choice of music so that what you create is very different and unique.

		J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
		HRMG,spa,Guido and Metallion.....seeing the new picture of the band with Faulkner sparked my interest into the band further,after Nostradamus it left me itching for "metal" no matter how good the album is to some it just didn't compleate a metal hunger,I really think that they should of made one disc totally heavy like Painkiller all songs,and the other one more mellow experimental like the entirety of Nostradamus,that at least would of fullfilled both metal rivit heads out there and the fans of Nostradamus type material. Or perhaps they should of had another album out one year after Nostradamus instead of waiting so long.  I am sad that K.K. is gone,but I'm glad to see this new photo and forum artwork....its inspireing to see,it gives us hope for a new album we have all been craving since after the release of Angel Of Retribution.  HRMG I agree we will see why K.K. left with this next album. If the album turns out like Nostradamus then perhaps K.K. wanted to do a traditional album,if the album turns out like a typical heavy briitish metal album then it must of been K.K. who wanted to continue more experimental material,we will see. My money is laying on Rob and Glenn putting out a kick ass heavy metal Judas Priest album,especially with new blood in the band. Last time they got a new member(Ripper) the album "Jugulator" was heavy as hell,it may not of been all that great of material but it was heavy as hell and I'd lay money on that Rob and Glenn will come up with something better than Jugulator.  I am excited about the new lineup and tour,I am in full support of Mr.Faulkner and in support of Rob,Glenn,Ian and Scott as I'm glad they are continueing Judas Priest for us "true fans".

Man guys wake up and boycott this farce, and let  Big Business know you won't accept it..   If Priest had any class they would get it together for the fans.  And don't blame Scott,  being the newest guy obviously he is the 'stooge' in this, I feel bad for him having to be the face on this debacle. And I wish I could stop posting...here I am in the middle of working on something important and the thought  "shit KK's not in Priest" is taking up my mindspace.  Thanks alot guys!!!