Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P) (Death, Control Denied)
Marty Friedman (ex Megadeth)
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
Nicko McBrian (Iron Maiden)
Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
Quorthon (R.I.P) (Bathory)
Mille Petrozza (Kreator)
Agree 100%, Nightingale, Edge of Sanity, Diabolical Masquerade, solo... the guy is incredible.
Some people I really admire:
Steve Harris
Bruce Dickinson
Michael Romeo
Alexi Laiho
Mikael Akerfeldt
Arjen Lucassen
Jeff Waters
all the guys in Agalloch
Kai Hansen
Michael Stanne (sp? the singer for Dark Tranquility)
Ritchie Blackmore (surprised he hasn´t been mentioned a LOT more)