Joe Stump is one of the most well known guitarists presently on the Neo-Classical scene, fusing complex neo-classical patterns with excellent rhythm work.

Joe first come to prominence in the mid 1980's with the band Trash Broadway before starting his solo career with Guitar Dominance (leviathan). This album saw Stump use many of the foundations laid down by the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore but with added stun value and even more complex classical structure orchestration - especially in his use of arpeggios.

This classic debut was swiftly followed by Night Of The Living Shred (leviathan) which Guitar World magazine called the best instrumental neo-classical release since Yngwie's Rising Force. Stylistically the album was more of the same with improved production and clarity.

Next came the stunning Supersonic Shred Machine (leviathan) which saw Joe fuse more complex metal arrangements in with his neo-classical workouts. The resulting album is one that any neo-classical fan should own. Next saw Rapid Fire Rondo which was let down by a muddy mix, however the playing is still impressive throughout.

Joe followed up this release with a few one-off projects and internet only releases and bounced back to solo action with 2001: A Shred Odyssey (leviathan) which saw rare studio and live material sitting alongside a few new compositions. Armed & Ready was next (part of Leviathan's Guitar Master's series) which is another impressive slice of music before Joe unleashed the stunning Speed Metal Messiah (Lion Music) in 2004 - another "must own" release.

2005 saw the release of Shredology, a collection of Joe's work on the Leviathan label and the addition of a live cd entitled Midwest Shredfest, this is a good starting point for anyone new to Joe's work.

While Joe certainly has the technique that secures his place amongst the neo-classical elite, he also has a very fine sense of melody from his years of studying classical music. Joe lists some of his main influences as Bach, Mozart, Paganini, Beethoven and Vivaldi along with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore amongst others.

Joe also is known for his band project Reign Of Terror who have released 4 albums to date with the best being the most recent releases with ex Malmsteen vocalist Mike Vescera on vocals. Track down Conquer & Divide and Sacred Ground. Most recently Joe is a member of Holy Hell with Tom Hess but no album has been released to date despite numerous gigs at metal festivals worldwide.

As you can tell from the album titles Joe has a good sense of humour about him and keeps everything in perspective. In addition Joe is the head rock and metal guitar instructor at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston.

Guitars
ESP Strats - modified with scalloped necks and DiMarzio HS-3 pickups.

Amps
Marshall 1987x 50 watt Head
Rhino YJM50 Black Star Head
Engl Ritchie Blackmore Signature Head

Effects
DOD250 Overdrive Preamp
Boss Delay
Boss Flanger
Boss Chorus

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