Mike Davis (guitarist)

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Mike Davis is an American metal guitarist. He is best known for his work in the progressive death metal band Nocturnus. He joined the band around 1988 (at the very young age of 18), apparently only as a rhythm guitarist at first, but took intense lessons from multiple teachers including famed Floridan guitarist Ralph Santolla. He eventually became the bands standout lead guitarist.

Davis played on all of Nocturnus's offical releases and was a key member of the band creativly around the time of Thresholds. Much of Nocturnus's science fiction themed lyrics were Davis's influence. He was very popular with fans because of his extreemly fast and technical shredding guitar style, but is also capable of emotive and tuneful solos (particuarly on Thresholds he shows his more mature side). Many regard Davis as a guitar virtuoso and one of the most underrated rock/metal guitarists of all time. Following Nocturnus he did start a new band with former Nocturnus bassist Emo Mowery, but very little is known about them.

Davis had somewhat of a trademark image in Nocturnus. He had a very youthful look (parcially because he was in fact very young) and a mullet hair cut. His trademark guitar was a yellow Jackson Warrior, which he used through Marshall Amplifiers. He was also good friends with Morbid Angel guitarist Trey Azagthoth, somewhat ironic considering his former bandmate Mike Browning's being fired from Morbid Angel due to conflicts with Azagthoth.

Apparently since Nocturnus Davis has moved on to having a stable career and family life, according to Browning. His current job is working with NASA.