A high-contrast digital painting in the style of Don Brautigam, featuring a powerful warrior in intricate armor riding a rearing, muscular horse. The warrior, with flowing hair and a fierce expression, exudes strength and determination. The horse, captured mid-motion, has detailed muscles and a wild, untamed look. The background is dark, emphasizing the dramatic, dynamic composition. The atmosphere is intense and epic, with a sense of impending battle. The color scheme is primarily monochromatic with deep blacks and intense whites, accented by subtle highlights to emphasize the details of the warrior and the horse. This image should evoke the powerful energy and mystique of a heavy metal album cover for a band like Metallica.