Andy is one of my favorite guitar players ever. Love his work with KD and Death (Individual Thought Patterns rules). I hope for another Your videos with LaRocque's work in the future. Great job!
Individual Thought Patterns is such a masterpiece! Too bad that he didn't also tour with them. He also played an excellent guest solo on the beautiful At The Gates song "Cold" in 1995.
Andy is probably my favorite guitar player. An interesting mix of heaviness, melody and otherworldly darkness. Awesome video. I’m also going to the show in Brooklyn, super excited! I also actually saw him tour the Them album back in 1988 with Flotsam and Jetsam!
I can’t get enough! Watched it again. If I could like this video more than once I’d certainly do it. You nailed it Nico. So thankful for your program and you taking the time to share and explain the videos. I will be attending the show in Chicago and Milwaukee and hopefully see you and get the chance to meet you. 🤘🏻💪🏼
Andy has been an influence on me since being bown away by Them back in high school. Hes always shown just the right amount of flash but with always super catchy meoldy lines and original note choices. The last diamond album was no exception. Hes still got it!!! Thx for video
Excellent video Nico! Super enjoyable and fantastic song choice to showcase. Your clear and concise explanations on your channel really are just the best! I can't wait for the tour either, seeing them a few times in November! Love LaRocque's playing. His instrumentals too like Insanity from The Eye are beautiful and so underappreciated!
Wow. Spot on, one of my absolute favourite players/solo’s. Awesome video. I saw them twice at Graspop. Impeccable playing/sound/show on both occasions. Both Andy and Mike are sensational live. Really hope to see them at an European tour.
Great job, Niko! Andy’s my favourite guitar player. I would love to see a breakdown on his solo from “Lies” off of the Conspiracy album. That solo is another great example of Andy’s unique melodic phrasing and technical command. Cheers!
King Diamond is one of my favorite bands along with Iron Maiden and Helloween and Gamma Ray. Andy is probably my favorite guitarist. Them was the first album that I heard from them in 1992, it is very organic, fresh, not forced, sounds evil and powerful, all the solos are cool. From ’86 until Graveyard there were no bad albums, then there were worse ones - Spiders, Voodoo, House, Abigail 2. But the last two - Puppet and Give me, I think are some of the best of King’s entire career and I also consider all the solos from these albums to be the best from Andy and Mike throughout King's career. (IMHO)
Excellent comment about the solos as songs within songs. I really think that applies to Pete Blakk’s solos as well. “Them”, Conspiracy and The Eye - awesome stuff. Abigail too, though with M. Denner on the second guitar. Six-string storytelling at its best!!
Many moons ago I couldn't stand King Diamond. I didn't like King's falsetto singing and because of that I never gave the music a shot. Fast forward to when I was older and wiser, I decided that it was time to give his catalog a fair shake because, hey, my vocal tastes have broadened over time! Oh the magnificent guitar work by Andy I missed out on! I've since made up for lost time and have done the appropriate penances. And King's vocals fit the music so perfectly. Dunno what I was thinking.
This was great! Play some Mercyful Fate next! Andy is an excellent player for sure but there is something truly magic about the teamwork between Hank Shermann and Michael Denner
Nico, I applaud your choice to articulate your understanding of the pieces you analyze using music-theory terminology. When I initially found your channel, I was just starting to learn guitar and I thought music-theory was a pseudo-science. Your demonstrations of licks using scales and modes along with the music theory discourse me not only gave me a greater appreciation for the works, but also inspired me learn the theory (which led me to Rick Beato). I can't overstate how much the music theory parts elevate your presentations!
Well done Nico! This was truly an Awesome Video !!! I have practically "destroyed" "Them" vinyl because of overListening.... The creepy part you mentioned in your analysis in 5:09 left me in awe everytime I heard the song!!! LaRocque is a true genius ... but so does his "master" the King who thought of most of these great Riffs and Lyrics!
Saw King on the Conspiracy tour at the Warfield in S.F. one of the best shows I have ever seen it was a who's who in metal in the crowd Kirk Hammet the members of Exodus everybody was there King came up from under the stage in a burning coffin just the best 🤘
Andy knows exactly how to play lead and compliment a rhythm-guitarists different rhythm parts and chords that they play without even have to think, he can improvise to anything, he just does not speak the music-theory language that academics talk and discusses, that is at least my take and from what I have come to understand about it. And I know many guitarists that have been "home-schooled" like that , it is not like they do not know anything about music theory, like mentioned in video they have played for so long and with different bands, creating a lot of music and so on. Of course they know music theory, they just do not speak it and have not gone to music school to study it behind a bench, that is what it comes down to I think =)
Always had a high respect for the way these guys captured horror movie vibes within the tunes! Great explanation and expressions! Making me want to pick up my guitar later 🤘
I am so happy that UA-cam suggested this video to me. Well, you are awesome!! You played and analyzed the solo in a very entertaining and beautiful way! Andy is my all-time favorite guitar player and I had the honor of him playing a guest guitar solo in the opening track of my album. I subscribed to your channel and will be checking your other videos. I will definitely tell Andy about this video, I think he must watch it. Blessings and success for you always!
Hey thank you so much for this super nice comment! Really glad to know you enjoyed the video, and it's incredibly cool that you got Andy to play on one of your tracks!! I'll have to check that out 😃🤘 Thank you also for giving this video a shot and for choosing to stick around for more! Cheers 🤜🤛
Andy also ripped brutally and super tasteful on Death's album Individual Thought Patterns. It's an absolute death metal classic, but quite unusual, very jazzy in places with Gene Hoglan on drums and Steve DiGiorgio on bass. In my opinion Deaths best album. Those who don't know this album must give it a try.
Awesome video and great guitar playing! This is one of the best guitar solos ever, in one of the best metal songs ever, in one of the best metal albums ever, played by one of the best guitarists ever! Andy is in my top two favorite guitar players of all times, and he's second to no one! I really really liked the way you did the explanations. Of course, the trade-off is that the others have to understand the modes and the scales (at least to some extent), but that's the best way of communicating what is going on on each section, and the best way of remembering complex solos, because both harmony and melody are explained in context. You rock, man!
Is there anything you can't play? Man this is stop on! Andy is out of this world, and much like Adrian (Smith), Jake E Lee and many others, he is one of my all time favourites. Like you, I still dream of someone capable to pick up on this story and make a hell of a great Horror movie. The only time I was able to catch KD live, was on Hellfest 2016, where they were playing the whole Abigail set, and other selected classics! The show went great and I can't wait for the next opportunity to see them live. As always, GREAT JOB!
For me Andy is among most talented guitarist out there, I can't stand those guitar experts talking all day long about vai, van halen, Dimebag etc. But never about Andy, shame in them, Chuck Shuldiner knew how amazing Andy is.
Great video, Nico!!! So cool to watch a deep dive into one of my favorite solos by one of my favorite guitar players. Andy is a truly amazing musician. Can’t wait for the tour. Just got my tix for the Kansas City show. 🤘🤘
The playing and the sound of your covers are perfection! LaRoque is a heavy metal legend. 🤘 Nico, i remember from a comment that you don't really know well The Scorpions legendary guitarist Uli John Roth. Last weekend i've re-listened to all his scorpions albums from '74-'78 and something that i've constantly thought was: man, Nico would go crazy for his playing! If in the future you're looking for something cool and classic to hear...I'm sure that many guitarists and metalheads will tell you the same thing...
I heard some of his playing recently and it's definitely good stuff! I will definitely have to do a video on his playing in the future. Most probably not until next year, as this year is going quickly and I still have a lot to cover between now and December! 😅
huge appreciation for your effort and specially for andy one of the greatest of heavy metal. was getting ready to see king with mercyful fate in athens greece but it was canceled due to covid and never rescheduled for another day :'( fml
Andy is a monster player for sure! Def a huge influence on me. But it would be a sin to completely forget about the playing that Pete Blakk did on this album too. In fact, I kinda like the solo that Pete played for this song even better than the one that Andy played!
Never heard of them, will check out thanks :) PS. I just now put on their top song on Spotify (Screams in the night) and instantly got some Mercyful Fate vibes haha. Good stuff thank you =)
@@LicksOfTheBeast - You are most welcome! I don’t think I’ve dropped you a super thanks since the perfect solo from George Lynch dropped on the other channel a while back, definitely overdue!
Awesome video! This solo is Epic. I really like the other solo in this song too. Was the other one by Pete Blakk? I actually found that one to be just as challenging as this one despite sounding like it'd be easier. Both solos are masterpieces but this one takes the cake because of how it transitions into that heavy riff that closes out the song.
One day, when i get my Man Castle built, its gonna have alot like what you have. Tons if pics of my favorite guitarists on the walls, but i also want to have a wall with guitars (although dont have alot of them) If ya gonna dream, dream big i guess
NICO, Does King Diamond often use Tritone Modulation in most of their songs or solo sections? You should do a lesson about King Diamond using Tritone Modulations & mixolydian modes
Brilliant video, thank you for that 🤘😎👍 King Diamond rules 🤘 My actual favorites are Fatal Portrait, ABIGAIL and The Eye. Them is great but the production sucks 😢
Andy LaRocque is so underrated. He's one of the best.
Andy is one of the most exquisite and unique guitar players! Real ones know what’s up!
King diamond is SO DAMN GOOD!!
And Andy is a huge part of it being that good.
also....
INDIVIDUAL THOUGHT PATTERNS
Andy LaRocque is a beast!
Andy is one of my favorite guitar players ever. Love his work with KD and Death (Individual Thought Patterns rules). I hope for another Your videos with LaRocque's work in the future.
Great job!
Individual Thought Patterns is such a masterpiece! Too bad that he didn't also tour with them.
He also played an excellent guest solo on the beautiful At The Gates song "Cold" in 1995.
Thank you! I definitely will do more in the future. There is so much to learn from studying Andy's work!
I like Andy's work with Death , great player
Thanks for this breakdown.. never been much of a lead player or a guy who worships shredders.. Andy LaRocque is one of my favorite players
Cool thanks man. Andy is my favorite player.
Andy is one of my favorites!
Andy is probably my favorite guitar player. An interesting mix of heaviness, melody and otherworldly darkness. Awesome video. I’m also going to the show in Brooklyn, super excited! I also actually saw him tour the Them album back in 1988 with Flotsam and Jetsam!
so far, so good,
Man, "Them" is such an killer album! Absolutely love the kick and snare drum sound.
What I love about Andy Laroques playing is how he uses the floyd rose in such a musical and precise way.
right? his trem work is glorious
Anyone can benefit from a Floyd Rose and play/do pretty cool things with it, but it takes a champ to be able to play it like an art-piece like Andy =)
@@cbr9914 agreed!
All King Diamond discography and band is incredible. Same as mercyful fate.overkill amazing band
Andy is an incredible guitar player and his style is one of a kind its just brilliant I cant put words to describe it he's playing is just brilliant
Love Andy LaRocque 😊
Thanks for the great solo analysis. I think Andy La Rocque is one of the top 5 greatest guitarists of all time.
I can’t get enough! Watched it again. If I could like this video more than once I’d certainly do it. You nailed it Nico. So thankful for your program and you taking the time to share and explain the videos. I will be attending the show in Chicago and Milwaukee and hopefully see you and get the chance to meet you. 🤘🏻💪🏼
Thanks a ton!! 🙏🤘Really glad to know you enjoyed it so much
Andy has been an influence on me since being bown away by Them back in high school. Hes always shown just the right amount of flash but with always super catchy meoldy lines and original note choices. The last diamond album was no exception. Hes still got it!!! Thx for video
Andy is absolutely underrated! Finally he’s shown more love!
Don’t forget Pete Blakk on those albums, his playing is really good also and complemented Andy’s style.🎸
He was incorporating sweeps on Conspiracy
Andy the RIFFMASTER....
stuning intro attack for a video🫵👍😘
YES! i LOVE andy larocque. his phrasing is sublime, and his trem work is spine chilling. my fave larocque solo is the one at the end of haunted.
Yep going to see the show, tickets already bought!! It must be my 6th or 7th show from King/Mercy
Do more KD stuff!!
Excellent video Nico! Super enjoyable and fantastic song choice to showcase. Your clear and concise explanations on your channel really are just the best! I can't wait for the tour either, seeing them a few times in November! Love LaRocque's playing. His instrumentals too like Insanity from The Eye are beautiful and so underappreciated!
Much much appreciated! Thank you! You're traveling to different cities to catch multiple shows?
Yes my husband and I are seeing him in a few different cities! Hope you enjoy the show in November! 🤘
Wow. Spot on, one of my absolute favourite players/solo’s. Awesome video. I saw them twice at Graspop. Impeccable playing/sound/show on both occasions. Both Andy and Mike are sensational live. Really hope to see them at an European tour.
Nice! Andy LaRocque solos. Love King Diamond and Andy. Hope you cover more of them.
Now this is playing guitar, Andy is the King Kong off metal, played well! Respect 🎯
my favorite is the breakdown riff in "Bye Bye Missy" i would love to see you dig into that song
Andy LaRocque is my master 💪❤
Great job, Niko! Andy’s my favourite guitar player. I would love to see a breakdown on his solo from “Lies” off of the Conspiracy album. That solo is another great example of Andy’s unique melodic phrasing and technical command. Cheers!
Good one!
This is a special video for me. Andy ranks in my top three favorite guitarists 🎉
King Diamond is one of my favorite bands along with Iron Maiden and Helloween and Gamma Ray. Andy is probably my favorite guitarist. Them was the first album that I heard from them in 1992, it is very organic, fresh, not forced, sounds evil and powerful, all the solos are cool. From ’86 until Graveyard there were no bad albums, then there were worse ones - Spiders, Voodoo, House, Abigail 2. But the last two - Puppet and Give me, I think are some of the best of King’s entire career and I also consider all the solos from these albums to be the best from Andy and Mike throughout King's career. (IMHO)
Excellent comment about the solos as songs within songs. I really think that applies to Pete Blakk’s solos as well. “Them”, Conspiracy and The Eye - awesome stuff. Abigail too, though with M. Denner on the second guitar. Six-string storytelling at its best!!
Andy is my absolute favorite
Them, what an incredible masterpiece ❤
Andy larocque is so good love his guitar playing
Yeah King Diamond is just awesome They could make a great horror movie from the story and music
We need Edge of thorns solo Nico, ASAP. Please, you're the only one i trust to teach me that masterpiece.
Yep. Gonna catch them in San Diego. Should be an incredible show!
Many moons ago I couldn't stand King Diamond. I didn't like King's falsetto singing and because of that I never gave the music a shot. Fast forward to when I was older and wiser, I decided that it was time to give his catalog a fair shake because, hey, my vocal tastes have broadened over time! Oh the magnificent guitar work by Andy I missed out on! I've since made up for lost time and have done the appropriate penances. And King's vocals fit the music so perfectly. Dunno what I was thinking.
It's fun to go back and rediscover bands (and even movies) you didn't ever give a chance back then. 🙂
Super video encore une fois Nico
More Andy! This is awesome man!
This was great! Play some Mercyful Fate next! Andy is an excellent player for sure but there is something truly magic about the teamwork between Hank Shermann and Michael Denner
Schuldiner was a fan for a reason.
I remember when I bought Them and opening the case to my surprise… a golden disc. What an album!
How cool is this!!!! Very nice!
Nico, I applaud your choice to articulate your understanding of the pieces you analyze using music-theory terminology. When I initially found your channel, I was just starting to learn guitar and I thought music-theory was a pseudo-science. Your demonstrations of licks using scales and modes along with the music theory discourse me not only gave me a greater appreciation for the works, but also inspired me learn the theory (which led me to Rick Beato). I can't overstate how much the music theory parts elevate your presentations!
That's super encouraging, thank you!!
Well done Nico! This was truly an Awesome Video !!! I have practically "destroyed" "Them" vinyl because of overListening.... The creepy part you mentioned in your analysis in 5:09 left me in awe everytime I heard the song!!! LaRocque is a true genius ... but so does his "master" the King who thought of most of these great Riffs and Lyrics!
A.W.E.S.O.M.E. !!!!!
That's why KING is KING and ANDY is guitar GOD !
Saw King on the Conspiracy tour at the Warfield in S.F. one of the best shows I have ever seen it was a who's who in metal in the crowd Kirk Hammet the members of Exodus everybody was there King came up from under the stage in a burning coffin just the best 🤘
WOW!!
Andy knows exactly how to play lead and compliment a rhythm-guitarists different rhythm parts and chords that they play without even have to think, he can improvise to anything, he just does not speak the music-theory language that academics talk and discusses, that is at least my take and from what I have come to understand about it. And I know many guitarists that have been "home-schooled" like that , it is not like they do not know anything about music theory, like mentioned in video they have played for so long and with different bands, creating a lot of music and so on.
Of course they know music theory, they just do not speak it and have not gone to music school to study it behind a bench, that is what it comes down to I think =)
Stellar performance and analysis, love these vids
I loved Andy's solos from the first notes of dressed in white
Always had a high respect for the way these guys captured horror movie vibes within the tunes! Great explanation and expressions! Making me want to pick up my guitar later 🤘
I am so happy that UA-cam suggested this video to me. Well, you are awesome!! You played and analyzed the solo in a very entertaining and beautiful way! Andy is my all-time favorite guitar player and I had the honor of him playing a guest guitar solo in the opening track of my album. I subscribed to your channel and will be checking your other videos. I will definitely tell Andy about this video, I think he must watch it. Blessings and success for you always!
Hey thank you so much for this super nice comment! Really glad to know you enjoyed the video, and it's incredibly cool that you got Andy to play on one of your tracks!! I'll have to check that out 😃🤘
Thank you also for giving this video a shot and for choosing to stick around for more! Cheers 🤜🤛
I think Andy will be very surprised how he came up with this solo)
superb :)
Andy is phenomenal
Andy also ripped brutally and super tasteful on Death's album Individual Thought Patterns.
It's an absolute death metal classic, but quite unusual, very jazzy in places with Gene Hoglan on drums and Steve DiGiorgio on bass. In my opinion Deaths best album.
Those who don't know this album must give it a try.
I really hope there’s a full remastering of those early Death albums.
Awesome video and great guitar playing! This is one of the best guitar solos ever, in one of the best metal songs ever, in one of the best metal albums ever, played by one of the best guitarists ever! Andy is in my top two favorite guitar players of all times, and he's second to no one!
I really really liked the way you did the explanations. Of course, the trade-off is that the others have to understand the modes and the scales (at least to some extent), but that's the best way of communicating what is going on on each section, and the best way of remembering complex solos, because both harmony and melody are explained in context.
You rock, man!
Thanks a ton! Just saw King Diamond and co. play this live a few hours ago 😁
Thee band is sounding phenomenal!
🤘
@@LicksOfTheBeast Was this in Detroit at the Masonic Cathedral?
Here in Toronto. 🙂
Is there anything you can't play? Man this is stop on!
Andy is out of this world, and much like Adrian (Smith), Jake E Lee and many others, he is one of my all time favourites.
Like you, I still dream of someone capable to pick up on this story and make a hell of a great Horror movie.
The only time I was able to catch KD live, was on Hellfest 2016, where they were playing the whole Abigail set, and other selected classics! The show went great and I can't wait for the next opportunity to see them live.
As always, GREAT JOB!
Yeah...all the things I don't post 😅🤣
But seriously, thank you so much and let's keep our fingers crossed that it does become a movie someday!! 🤞🤘
Such a killer solo. Speedy, melodic, with tricks on the bar and just great phrasing.
Second solo on "The Invisible Guests" is my favorite solo on Them album.
For me Andy is among most talented guitarist out there, I can't stand those guitar experts talking all day long about vai, van halen, Dimebag etc. But never about Andy, shame in them, Chuck Shuldiner knew how amazing Andy is.
Great video, Nico!!! So cool to watch a deep dive into one of my favorite solos by one of my favorite guitar players. Andy is a truly amazing musician. Can’t wait for the tour. Just got my tix for the Kansas City show. 🤘🤘
🤘😃 🤘
Them is a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!! Got it the day it came out.
Terrific breakdown. Definitely need to revisit the catalog.
Amazing! You do do that solo justice! RESPECT
Thank you this was great ..I always wanted to play like Andy but never even got out the gate right.
Insane, just insane🔥
Wow...KING DIAMOND !!!! I wore out my Abigail cassette from repeated listening.
The playing and the sound of your covers are perfection! LaRoque is a heavy metal legend. 🤘
Nico, i remember from a comment that you don't really know well The Scorpions legendary guitarist Uli John Roth. Last weekend i've re-listened to all his scorpions albums from '74-'78 and something that i've constantly thought was: man, Nico would go crazy for his playing!
If in the future you're looking for something cool and classic to hear...I'm sure that many guitarists and metalheads will tell you the same thing...
I heard some of his playing recently and it's definitely good stuff! I will definitely have to do a video on his playing in the future. Most probably not until next year, as this year is going quickly and I still have a lot to cover between now and December! 😅
@@LicksOfTheBeast 🤘😎
Love Andy's 7th July 77 solo.
That's a good one too!
@@LicksOfTheBeast you know it bro
Hope to see some covering of Sherman & Denner
huge appreciation for your effort and specially for andy one of the greatest of heavy metal.
was getting ready to see king with mercyful fate in athens greece but it was canceled due to covid and never rescheduled for another day :'( fml
Andy is a monster player for sure! Def a huge influence on me. But it would be a sin to completely forget about the playing that Pete Blakk did on this album too. In fact, I kinda like the solo that Pete played for this song even better than the one that Andy played!
Killer job nailing it !
Amazing execution!
Great video !!! Well done !!!
You done man! Thanks for the great stuff! About your guitar tone ? Killer sound! Almoust Metaltronix Andy! STAY HEAVY!
They are also touring with Night Demon who are awesome. They have awesome guitarist Armand folks should check out!
Never heard of them, will check out thanks :)
PS. I just now put on their top song on Spotify (Screams in the night) and instantly got some Mercyful Fate vibes haha. Good stuff thank you =)
🤘🤘🤘
My deepest appreciation for your very generous and thoughtful support! 🙏🙏
@@LicksOfTheBeast - You are most welcome! I don’t think I’ve dropped you a super thanks since the perfect solo from George Lynch dropped on the other channel a while back, definitely overdue!
Awesome video! This solo is Epic. I really like the other solo in this song too. Was the other one by Pete Blakk? I actually found that one to be just as challenging as this one despite sounding like it'd be easier. Both solos are masterpieces but this one takes the cake because of how it transitions into that heavy riff that closes out the song.
Yup, that was Pete on the first solo.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I don't like King diamond. But the Way you explain it, it's sounds awesome. Exelente guitar playing.
great video, I share your enthusiasm
Thank you dude 🤘🤘🎸🎸🇹🇷🇹🇷
I am not in to King Dimond but Abigail and Them albums there are very clever guitar part and tremendous guitar tone.
Be a lot cooler if you were
Andy 🤘🔥🤘
One day, when i get my Man Castle built, its gonna have alot like what you have. Tons if pics of my favorite guitarists on the walls, but i also want to have a wall with guitars (although dont have alot of them) If ya gonna dream, dream big i guess
Damn right
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Wicked
I went to the Cleveland show 11/06/24
Fantastic video, Andy is so underrated!
NICO, Does King Diamond often use Tritone Modulation in most of their songs or solo sections? You should do a lesson about King Diamond using Tritone Modulations & mixolydian modes
Where was the audio source from? We all know the original is paper thin and I did my own master eq mix that thickens it up.
Killer guitar, Nico! Which one is that??
ua-cam.com/video/Qf4P22qP_sA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
I call it the tomahawk! My take on the classic Tele shape but metal. Check us out @clarkecustomshop
There ya go! 😄🤘
Holy frig. You smoked that lead into oblivion. Nice work.
What did you use to get that guitar sound?
Hahaha thanks a ton! I used the Neural DSP SLO-100X plugin for this one. Actually I've been using it quite a bit the last 6 months or so!
Vc, é bom 👍
Brilliant video, thank you for that 🤘😎👍
King Diamond rules 🤘
My actual favorites are Fatal Portrait, ABIGAIL and The Eye.
Them is great but the production sucks 😢
My favorite King Diamond album. Andy is one of my main influences, but I am nowhere near his level.