Neo-classical Metal

Neo-classical metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is heavily influenced by classical music. It refers to very technical playing, consisting of elements borrowed from both classical and heavy metal music. Deep Purple pioneered the sub-genre with the famous Concerto for Group and Orchestra composed by Jon Lord. Later, Yngwie Malmsteen became the most notable musician in the sub-genre, and contributed greatly to the development of the style in the 1980s. Other notable players in the genre are Jason Becker, Shawn Lane, Paul Gilbert, Jeff Loomis, Ron Jarzombek, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore and Nocturnus. Rainbow albums from 1975 to 1978 with Ronnie James Dio as lead vocalist include hints of the genre, in such pieces as "Stargazer" and "Gates of Babylon".