This thing is called Icy Metal because I couldn't decide which one it looked more like, ice or metal. I've used this effect in many of the graphics that can be viewed on this site, so I hope you like it.
Start out with a blank canvas (duh). Select your gradient tool and use the following settings...
Now, just draw lots of random gradients all over your canvas. Your result should be something like the picture below.
click the picture to see the full-size image
Then go up top to Filter --> Stylize --> Find Edges. Your results should look like this.
click the picture to see the full-size image
After that go to Image --> Adjustments --> Brightness/Contrast and make the colors bolder...
click the picture to see the full-size image
Next, duplicate the layer so that you have two copies. On the top layer, go to Filter --> Distort --> Wave and mess around with the different setitngs until you get something you like. To see the settings that I used, click here. I highly reccomend that you have Wrap Around checked.
You should get something like this on your top layer.
---> To the next part
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