American guitarist Joe Stump is known for his speedy shredding guitar work and has been associated with guitarist David Chastain and the latter’s Leviathan Records. He also occupies his time with his ‘band’ Reign Of Terror. Stump’s work is generally more metallic than the likes of Steve Vai or Joe Satriani. In more recent years, Stump has also issued several instructional videos. His work has also been licensed to Lion Music for Europe.
ESP guitars sponsors stump.

JOE STUMP - SPEED METAL MESSIAH - LION
It takes a powerful centre of gravity to hold an album comprised of sixteen songs of shredding solos together, but Joe Stump has what it takes. Whatever Stump's past output or history - all of which is unfamiliar to this writer - Speed Metal Messiah takes the spirit of the first Yngwie Malmsteen album a step forward with its Classically-influenced fret-fest. While reviews of other 'guitar hero' types might induce certain fans to stop reading, this album is actually quite good given its power, variety, bewildering dexterity and devotion to its core competency. The other instruments take a backseat to the guitar and with no vocalist in sight it is up to the axeman to sink or swim. It is a testament to the man's sheer talent that song after song - occasional known medley included - manages to grab the listener by the ear and demand his full attention. Some might hail Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani (the other JS) or Steve Vai as the masters of this much-maligned genre. It is Joe Stump who currently shows the most flame, devotion and speed on the guitar though. - Ali "The Metallian"