Mike Davis (guitarist)

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Mike Davis (born circa 1970, resided in Florida) 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 official releases and was a key member of the band creatively 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). Following Nocturnus he did start a new band with former Nocturnus bassist Emo Mowery and former Crimson Glory vocalist Wade Black was they dubbed Tiwanaku, but Davis left this band early in their career. Later, after Davis departed, the band also included Richard Christy on drums. They eventually evolved into Lease Law

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 (later through Mesa Boogie and Crate). He was also good friends with Morbid Angel guitarist Trey Azagthoth (to whom he sold his famous yellow Jackson Warrior [1]), somewhat ironic considering his former bandmate Mike Browning's being fired from Morbid Angel due to conflicts with Azagthoth. The two apparently began working on a project together after the breakup of Nocturnus but this has yet to, if ever see the light of day.

Apparently since his time in Nocturnus, Davis has moved on to having a stable career. He was involved in the infamous "Nocturnus copyright steal" with Louis Panzer and Sean McNenney but apparently now regrets this and has made peace with Browning.

Mike is a big fan of the Metal Gear video game series. The Nocturnus song "Subterranean Infiltrator" on the Thresholds album is inspired by the first Metal Gear game.

In early 2008 there was a rumor that Davis had passed away, which was proved false later by Mike Browning (it ended up being an anonymous YouTube spammer referring to someone entirly different).