Hungry? Have some Snakebyte cake!

We don't know much about Jeppe Brandt, other than a) he loves his LTD EX-401 and that he worships Metallica (he told us those things). But since he can't yet afford a new James Hetfield Snakebyte signature series guitar, he decided to make one for himself. But instead of a playable version, he made an edible version...



Apparently, one string was enough for this tasty delight. We doubt anyone eating the Snakebyte cake would complain. By the way, we saw this pic posted on the wall of our official ESP Guitars Facebook page at www.facebook.com/espguitars. If you haven't liked us yet, be sure to do so now... otherwise, we might never see your pics of guitar cakes, and other cool stuff you can show us.

Now... who's got a fork?

ESP Co-Sponsors Firewind "Frets of Fury" Fall Tour

FIREWIND Announces Their “Frets of Fury” Headlining North American Fall Tour; Gus G. Comments On The Tour and Special VIP Ticketing Options

You've probably seen modern day guitar hero/ESP player Gus G. tearing it up on tour with Ozzy, but believe it or not, his own band Firewind has never done a North American headlining tour... until now!

The Firewind “Frets of Fury” tour, sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World, kicks off on Oct. 9th and features a wide array of metal's elite: Arsis, White Wizzard and Nightrage. This is easily one of the most diverse and exciting tours of the fall and stay tuned to www.facebook.com/firewindofficial over the coming weeks for the entire list of tourdates and VIP ticketing options.

Gus G. states: “We couldn’t be happier to announce our first full North American tour! It’s been over three years since Firewind toured from coast to coast across the U.S. and we’re coming back stronger than ever with a killer package. We put a lot of thought into who we wanted to go out with us and truly believe that each band on this bill brings something special to the table making this a very diverse line-up. However, shredding guitar driven metal remains the prominent feature across the board.

“In fact there’s more to it than just that, as this package is somewhat of a musical family tree. Not many people know this but Arsis’ guitarist James Malone and I went to Berklee together back in 1998. We had an instrumental band together for awhile, which later became Firewind. James is a kick ass shredder and I’m glad our bands are finally touring together.

“Also, most people don't know that I played in Nightrage for few years. I did two albums with them and their main-man Marios Iliopoulos is a phenomenal guitar player. He also filled in on bass for Firewind this year, when Petros was unable to tour. Nightrage is one of my favorite bands and you definitely got to come down early to check them out. White Wizzard are currently making noise worldwide and they’re definitely a band to watch out for as well. We’re proud to have these great bands on board with us, making this such a high quality package for all metal fans.

“We will also offering special VIP ticketing options for each show on this tour that will allow you access into a private meet and greet with the band, a signed poster and limited edition laminate. See you out there this fall.”

In other news, FIREWIND have also recently launched a free and official iPhone App, which can be downloaded for free here. Don't forget to pick up FIREWIND's latest album, Days of Defiance, which is an epic, exhilarating rollercoaster of melodic metal proficiency coupled with a barrage of jaw-dropping guitar-work that will leave you breathless. Finally, you can always take a look at Gus G's complete line of Signature Series guitars at the ESP web site.

MMA Superstar Josh Barnett Announces Japanese Benefit Show

ESP Co-Sponsors May 26 House of Blues (Hollywood) Japan Benefit Show featuring All Shall Perish, Animals As Leaders, Thrown Into Exile and More

It's common knowledge that actions speak louder than words, and MMA superstar Josh Barnett is truly a man of action as he has spearheaded a relief fund to help the victims of the recent tragedy that hit Japan. Barnett is very open about his love of heavy metal and he knew it made perfect sense to put together a show that featured some of metal's best acts to raise some money for this very worthy cause.

This special event featuring All Shall Perish, Animals As Leaders, Cattle Decapitation, Abysmal Dawn, Internal Corrosion and Thrown Into Exile is set to take place at the House of Blues in Hollywood on Thursday, May 26th and all net proceeds go directly to the American Red Cross Japanese relief effort. Tickets are only $15 and are on-sale now at www.hob.com or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Barnett states: "As someone that has worked in Japan over the last nine years and even lived there for a time, I felt an obligation to try and help a country which has shown so much love and hospitality to me over the years. This event dealt a devastating blow to the 'Land of The Rising Sun,' not only economically but to the hearts, minds and souls of its people. I don't think that my event can in any way reverse what has happened or completely restore a country and its people, but music has the power to move the heart and soul. That kind energy can reach masses and be transferred to others and if even one person can be helped, it was worth it. In any form that we can generate funds, support and just simply the bushido spirit to all those affected by this we will be successful and keep the sun forever rising in Japan.

“I am incredibly lucky and thankful for all the bands, companies and people that have helped me organize such an awesome show and I not only look forward to seeing everyone there but to sit back and be a fan myself. I'll be the big blonde guy headbanging, horns in the air."

New ESP video demos from Rob Caggiano, Rowan Robertson

Hey ESP fans... we are going to town on new video demos. You want to hear our guitars? Now you can! We're inviting some of our well-known players to do demos just for you, and the first batch is ready to bring joy to your eyes and ears.

1. Rob Caggiano (Anthrax/The Damned Things) gives you a demo of the LTD H-1001! More info on the H-1001 here .



2. More Rob Caggiano, this time with the ESP Horizon NT-II. More info on this guitar here.



3. You can't get enough Rob Caggiano, can you? Here he is giving you a demo of the new LTD Xtone AC-30E. More info on the AC-30E here.



4. Here's Rowan Robertson, who played with Dio among others, showing off the LTD EC-1000T/CTM. More info on this guitar here.



5. Another Rowan Robertson video, this time for the new LTD Xtone AC-10E. Get more info on the AC-10E here.



As always you can get the latest info on our guitars and basses at www.espguitars.com, and you should also join us on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute news on what's happening in ESP-land!