12 Facts About Andy LaRocque

Andy LaRocque was born on Anders Allhage, 29 November 1962 and is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter and record producer, best known as a member of the heavy metal band King Diamond since 1985.

Andy LaRocque played on the Death album Individual Thought Patterns and the IllWill album Evilution, along with former members of Mercyful Fate.

Andy LaRocque can be heard on other albums as well, such as Falconer's Chapters from a Vale Forlorn, where he performed lead guitars on the song "Busted to the Floor".

Andy LaRocque contributed a guitar solo to the track "Cold" on the album Slaughter of the Soul by Swedish melodic death metal group At the Gates.

Two days after receiving the cassette, Andy LaRocque laid down a guitar solo for the song within half an hour.

Andy LaRocque opened a studio called the "Los Angered Recordings" in Angered, Sweden in 1995, where he produced and recorded albums for many bands.

Andy LaRocque is known for his signature playing style which incorporates neoclassical elements, using exotic scales such as harmonic minor, phrygian dominant, and diminished minor.

Andy LaRocque's extended theory knowledge enables him to mix these scales with others such as the blues scale and melodic minor.

Andy LaRocque has a distinct guitar tone for his solos, and often incorporates layers of harmonies over his runs and phrasing.

Andy LaRocque frequently uses a mixture of classically-flavored arpeggio sequences and alternate picked runs mixed with melodic lines to create his signature style.

Andy LaRocque is regularly listed as among the best or most underrated guitarists in heavy metal.

Andy LaRocque cites Michael Schenker and Randy Rhoads as major influences.