Photo: Michele Aldeghi
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Photo: Michele Aldeghi
About
Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Andy La Rocque has been the lead guitarist and a primary songwriter for King Diamond since joining the band in 1985 during the recording of Fatal Portrait. His neoclassical phrasing and fiery melodic solos have become a defining element of the band's iconic horror metal sound.
Beyond King Diamond, La Rocque has contributed memorable guest solos to albums by Death, At the Gates, Falconer, Witchery, Melechesh, and many more. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007 and is consistently recognized as one of heavy metal's most skilled and most distinctive guitarists, citing Michael Schenker and Randy Rhoads as key influences.
In 2026, Andy also steps forward with Lex Legion, a new band that reunites several legendary names from the classic metal world. With Andy on guitar and production, the project adds yet another chapter to his long and influential career, combining tradition, power, and melody with a fresh sense of purpose.
As owner of Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden, La Rocque is also a highly respected producer and engineer, having worked with artists including Evergrey, HammerFall, King of Asgard, Lord Belial, In Flames, and many others. For a complete discography and session history, see his profiles on Metal Archives and Wikipedia.
Guitar & Production — Andy La Rocque
Lex Legion is a brand-new band built from an extraordinary meeting of old friends. Four-fifths of the classic late-1980s King Diamond lineup — La Rocque, Pete Blakk, Hal Patino, and Mikkey Dee — reunite alongside the soaring vocals of Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind) for a record that is part homecoming, part declaration.
The self-titled debut is a single-minded, future-facing alchemy of world-class heavy metal: lean arrangements, virtuoso musicianship, and unabated melody and harmony — music for fans of heyday Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, Accept, and King Diamond, with a freshness only debut albums capture. As La Rocque puts it: "The right tempo and the right kind of vocals, both starting out like a fist in your face."
Lex Legion will be released by MNRK Music Group in June 2026.
Signature Guitar
Specs
The LTD ALR-II is the Signature Series guitar for Andy La Rocque — built for the demands of his melodic yet aggressive playing style honed over four decades with King Diamond.
Equipment
Studio
Varberg, Sweden
Professional recording, mixing, and production facility. Two optimized control rooms for tracking and overdubs. Where metal is forged.
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