Neoclassical metal

[1][Note 2][2] Other notable players in the genre are Randy Rhoads, Luca Turilli, Michael Romeo, Jason Becker, Vinnie Moore, Alexi Laiho, Jani Liimatainen, Kiko Loureiro, Uli Jon Roth, Stéphan Forté, Wolf Hoffmann,[3] Timo Tolkki, Syu and Marty Friedman.

On the other hand, neoclassical metal music does not restrict itself to a return to classical aesthetic ideals, such as equilibrium and formalism.

Neoclassical metal musicians such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Joshua Perahia are inspired by this aspect of Baroque music[1][Note 4] and also by later composers such as the violinist Niccolò Paganini in using runs and other decorative and showy techniques in their performances.

Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, widely regarded as the originator[Note 6] and still-reigning king of neoclassical metal,[4] was brought to the United States by Varney to sign with Shrapnel Records in 1982.

Many subsequent Shrapnel artists,[1][Note 7] including Tony MacAlpine,[1] Vinnie Moore,[1] Joey Tafolla, Michael Angelo Batio, Paul Gilbert, David T. Chastain, Jason Becker,[1] and Marty Friedman, emerged in the latter 1980s as exemplars of the neoclassical style.