My parents, more specifically my Dad is a big metal fan. My first bedtime tape as a toddler featured Metallica, Slayer, Queen, Wolfsbane (and also a track by Shakespeare's Sister, but we don't talk about that). I grew up listening to metal with my parents on the way to school in the car, at home at the weekends and like so many do, radiated towards a want of playing guitar.

Throughout the early years of my life, I would prance around in my bedroom pretending to be able to play fast licks and hella cool solos because it made me feel awesome. My imagination would take me on stage in front of friends and family where I'd be playing this big show, loud and heavy. I used to love it.

I listen for the music and I was trying to explain to my SO at the weekend, I don't just like music, I feel like I need it. The goosebumps that you experience when you hear something that pleases you is something I don't think that everyone gets, though my friends who are metal fans are the same, I'm sure that's the same across many genres.

I've, like most people, been through all phases of liking different styles of metal, but I've never been in it for the headbanging or the anger. I enjoy the melodies and harmonies (GAAYYYYYYYY!) that are hidden in a loud, energetic track and sometimes, aged 28, I still listen to music and imagine being on stage.