2005 IN THIS YEAR…

Youtube is launched Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans

At the Live 8 concert in London, Pink Floyd reunite with Roger Waters for a one-off performance

A LITTLE LESS SIXTEEN CANDLES...

FALL OUT BOY

The number of people who like this song is double those who admit it. Everyone else is missing out.

THE HAND THAT FEEDS

NINE INCH NAILS

Trent Reznor proved his best days weren’t behind him with arguably NIN’S catchiest song ever.

BUILDING THE CHURCH

STEVE VAI

Described by the Badhorsie legend as having a “popcorn crazy” feel, the Dm11 arpeggio that kicks off his seventh album is perfectly mind-boggling.

BAT COUNTRY

AVENGED SEVENFOLD

Moving away from the metalcore of their debut to a more classic heavy metal and hard rock sound, Synyster & Zacky’s finest songwriting chops to date are on display here.

A GUNSHOT TO THE HEAD OF TREPIDATION

TRIVIUM

There are more popular Trivium songs, but the epic guitar playing on display here should come with a health warning.

TWISTED TRANSISTOR

KORN

A decade on from pioneering guitar sounds for the nu-metal revolution, Korn were still discovering new meanings to their heaviness.

WELCOME HOME

COHEED AND CAMBRIA

The big single from the New Yorkers’ major label debut felt new and exciting –like hearing an emo metal take on Kashmir.

WINGS OF A BUTTERFLY

HIM

Long-time Gibson and Laney endorsee Mikko ‘Linde’ Lindström dialled in some truly jaw-dropping tones on this 2005 single from the Finnish gothic rockers.

I WILL FOLLOW YOU INTO THE DARK

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

Without the need for percussion, the guitar creates a head-nodding backbeat. The minor IV chord takes it over the top.

FROM THE FLOORBOARDS UP

PAUL WELLER

Paul’s Telecaster sounds gritty, urgent, and ready to compete with all contemporary Weller wannabes. Features a spectacular stuttering lead break.

DAKOTA

STEREOPHONICS

The only Stereophonics song ever to top the UK singles chart, and a covers band classic.