Guitarist for the symphonic metal band Within Temptation who has also pursued a solo career, including the project For All We Know.
He started out playing the keyboard before switching to guitar, which he picked up after watching Iron Maiden perform on video.
He met the other members of Within Temptation at a festival in 1998, but did not join them until 2001.
He was an only child.
He and Robert Westerholt are both members of Within Temptation.
