Black Metal

ESP released these LTDs calling them the Black Metal Series. These are only two from the lineup of six guitars. Variations apply, do visit the manufacturer's homepage to know more.

I actually find this Black Metal label rather contentious. We do know (my assumption) Black Metal is a music genre as well, yes? So by inviting this distraction, players might be thinking these guitars are for this music genre exclusively. Yes, the Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil pickups in these guitars are the perfect supplement for hard, heavy music but not exclusively. Reb Beach has EMGs in his guitars but he's not a metal guy. 

If that colour scheme looks familiar, it's actually the reverse of what SOLAR is doing with their Assassin models. 

And everyone was inspired by BC Rich, yes? 😅

Pics: ESP / SOLAR / GC

Seymour Duncan: Mortality

Yes, I agree to a liberal extent that Seymour Duncan is doing a Fluence of sorts. No, I disagree that this Seymour Duncan would be a ready / direct displacement for the Fluence. In any case, I am more of a passive camper, I have very few guitars with active electronics, regardless of the brand name. After years of playing, I am of the opinion that active pickups are excellent for detuned stuff / thicker strings.

Pic: SD