I started playing guitar when I was 12, and I started getting into more metal, like Maiden and Metallica... Of course, as I kind of got better and better in the guitar, I was listening to more guitar players, so then I got into, I guess, more of the prog side.

I know we play a part in the story of progressive music, but for us those influences are the real fathers, the ones that we were interested in.

First and foremost, with everybody we wanted to see if they can pull off the songs, play them correctly, and that they it felt right musically. That's something Mike [Mangini] did, it felt like the band. He really gets the style and delivers in a powerful metal way.

As far as bands doing that in a way where they think they're going to fight the government, the only people they're really hurting is the fans.

I don't have very eclectic tastes in music.

I think I'm a father, but a father of three kids! :)

Real thick strings - your hands start to get fatigued. As much as you practice, and as much experience as you have, and as long as you've been playing, there is a fatigue point during the show, as with anything that's physical. So I wanted to basically pace myself better.