Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Firewind / Former Ozzy Guitarist Gus G at this year’s NAMM Show 2026 in Anaheim California on January 23, 2026
Guitarist Gus G talked about possible musical collaborations with former MSG, Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero who he recently toured with in Europe.
When asked about what the Gus G Ronnie Romero setlist looks like
“I would call it kind of like a rock jukebox type of set list if I can put it in a nutshell. We play some of our own music, but we also play rock classics and metal classics from obviously bands that we’ve been uh associated with like Ozzy, play some Sabbath stuff. We play Rainbow because of Ronnie’s connection to Blackmore. Deep Purple. So, stuff like that. So, it’s a very cool set list. “
When asked if Gus G and Ronnie Romero are planning on recording some new music together?
“It’s a great uh synergy, I would say. We did a tour in Europe, which was very successful. We wrote a couple of songs together that are going to be on my new album but I think later on we should probably do a full album just me and him, you know, under our names. So, let’s see if it happens. “
When asked about his thoughts on the passing of Ozzy Osbourne
“It was uh shocking for everybody, myself included, as a fan first and foremost, but I also knew the guy. I always consider my life to be pre-Ozzy and post Ozzy, my career, in my life. And uh it was really shocking for me when I first heard it uh when I first heard the news. Ozzy was the greatest man and I think his legacy and his spirit will live on forever. His music is timeless.”
When asked if there was any unreleased music he did with Ozzy
“No. No. We never got to do any. No. We wrote a couple of songs when we were on the road, but we were just like somef demos that I did. We never got to record anything properly.”
Italian death metal punks SKULLD have partnered with No Clean Singing to host the official premiere of their upcoming album, “Abyss Calls to Abyss”, ahead of its official release on January 30th, 2026 via Time To Kill Records.
Through the exclusive stream, listeners can experience the band’s complete vision in one unbroken descent into their relentless blend of old-school Swedish death metal, crust punk, and hardcore. Across eight tracks, SKULLD explore the abyss as both an inner and outer dimension—a space of dissolution and regeneration, death and renewal—where personal and collective struggles collide.
Written and recorded in 2025, the album captures the band at their most inspired and urgent, combining ferocious riffs and punishing rhythms with moments of dark melody and introspection. Beneath the raw intensity lies a layered conceptual depth, reflecting on mortality, existential tension, and the shadowed corners of human experience.
1. Healing the Wound 2. The Blink 3. Accabadora 4. Wear the night as a Velvet Cloak 5. Le Diable and The Snake 6. Mother Death 7. Drops of Sorrow 8. Sacred Fires
For fans of: Entombed, Dismember, The Crown, Trap Them, Martyrdöd
SKULLD formed in Romagna, Italy, in 2019 with the ambitious goal of blending old-school Swedish death metal with shamanic and esoteric overtones, all rooted in a strong feminist, anti-fascist, and anti-racist stance. Hailing from cities such as Cesena, Forlì, Bologna, Imola, and Milan, the members of the band have deep roots in the DIY punk and hardcore scene — a defining element of their artistic identity.
In 2020, they released their debut EP “Reinventing Darkness”, a DIY co-production with various Italian and international labels, distributed throughout the underground network. The lineup featured Pamela (vocals), Monti and Rappo (guitars), Ciufs (bass), and Teo (drums). The songs, fast and razor-sharp, combine Scandinavian death metal with crust and stenchcore, evoking dark and pagan atmospheres. The EP was well received for its raw and original sound, as well as for its lyrical themes — most notably the track “Satanic Feminism”, which explicitly ties death metal to political and gender awareness.
On March 20th, 2024, the band released their first full-length album “The Portal Is Open” via the French label World Eater Records. Recorded in Imola and mixed/mastered by Ulf Blomberg at Hobos Studio in Lund, Sweden, the album features eight tracks merging death and black metal with hardcore/crust influences and punk-infused vocals. The lyrics delve deeper into the concepts introduced on their debut, exploring pagan traditions, mythology, feminine archetypes, and esoteric and literary references.
In 2024, guitarist Moqi joined the band as a live replacement for Rappo, who had relocated to Berlin. He later became the sixth full-time member, contributing to the writing and recording of the band’s latest effort, “Abyss Calls To Abyss”.
Florida rock band Gunshine kick off 2026 with the release of their new single, “Goth Girl,” offering fans a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, Grand Rising, due out digitally on July 24 through vnclm_ / Create Music Group.
In celebration of the release, the band has unveiled the official music video for “Goth Girl”.
While the digital release of Grand Risingarrives later this summer, fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the record. Physical copies of the album will be available for purchase starting next week, including CD and double vinyl editions, alongside exclusive Gunshine merchandise. Physical formats will be sold online through the band and at upcoming live shows.
“Goth Girl”, the lead single from Gunshine’s upcoming album Grand Rising, is an irresistible hooky track with undeniable melody and attitude. A track that blends different flavors and styles seamlessly, showcasing Gunshine’s originality and songwriting prowess. This track also features a collaboration with highly acclaimed songwriter/producer Brian Howes (Hinder, Skillet, Nickelback, Daughtry). The single was mixed and mastered by Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake, Lynchmob). Austin Ingerman shares, “Chris has worked on all of the Gunshine material to date and adds a heavy duty production value, and is an integral part of the sonic translation of the band.”
“It started with several vocal melodies and a riff I had, then Jordan had a lyrical concept about a goth girl. We then collaborated with Brian Howes, and he loved it and we finished the rest of the song in Vancouver, Canada with him,” shares Austin Ingerman. “It was the first time we finished writing something on the spot just before tracking it, but that spontaneity brought out some magic. We recorded the basic tracks at The Armoury (where ACDC’s razor’s edge was recorded, Bon Jovi’s slippery when wet, etc), and finished all the rest at his home studio (built by Mutt Lange’s studio builder) on Vancouver Island. I came up with the breakdown on the spot while tracking at The Armoury. It was a cool unexpected left turn that shouldn’t work but does.“
Hailing from Pensacola, Florida,Gunshinehave built a reputation on catchy vocal melodies, clever lyrics, blistering guitar riffs and solos, and a lethal rhythm section. Their sound blends edgy, raw Rock ’n’ Roll attitude with a melodic, Pop-forward sensibility, creating music that hits hard while remaining instantly memorable. Combined with theirhigh-energy, commanding live performances, Gunshine continue to enthrall listeners and prove themselves a force to be reckoned with.
With Grand Rising,Gunshine raise the bar yet again in an exciting evolution of the band. The album takes listeners on a dynamic journey filled with genre-bending twists and turns, shifting moods, and unexpected vibes—all while staying true to the core elements that set Gunshine apart. Featuring 13 tracks, each single-worthy in its own right, Grand Risingis poised to become a modern-day rock classic.
Tracklisting:
Grand Rising Finite Goth Girl Single Looks Good On You My Oh Miley Mystery Man Down Leave the Light On I Know You Love Me Capt’n Save a Hoe Shark Lounge (feat. Michael Starr) Valentine Table Dancing
GRAMMY Award winning bassist DAVID ELLEFSON has announced his BASS WARRIORTOUR in Europe for March 2026. The tour will feature Ellefson and his solo band performing select cuts from his well-known catalog of Mega hits, including the Megadeth Countdown to Extinction album in it’s entirety, solo material and other hard rock & metal favorites which inspired him during his 40-year music career. Direct support on all dates is Mado.
Ellefson states, “Bass Warrior has become an annual celebration with my fans across Europe. This year I’m really excited to be performing the ‘Countdown to Extinction’ album in its entirety on the tour. It’s always been one of my favorite albums in my discography and I’m looking forward to celebrating those songs with my fans on the tour in March.”
Ellefson launched his Bass Warrior tour in 2024, with musical director Andy Martongelli (Ellefson-Soto, Artemis) as a way to perform songs for fans across Europe from his 40+ years as a world renowned recording artist.
Tickets go on sale now. VIP tickets will go live on Friday, January 30th.
The first solo album from Kevin Steele, One Thing Left To Do, will be released on February 27, 2026, via Steele Records/Amplified Distribution. It will be released digitally, on compact disc and on red vinyl. The first single “Snake Charmer” is out now on digital services.
The album features the first single “Snake Charmer”, with its sexy, hypnotic groove and killer guitar riffs it explores the age-old dilemma of female wiles versus a man’s blind obsession. The second single, “There’s A Better Day Comin’”, is a soaring Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem of hope. Its gospel-like arrangement is meant to convey a feeling of optimism in a world where we could all use some. In the third single, “Sad, Sad Song”, Steele delivers a poignant ballad recounting his hardscrabble life and tragic youth. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.
Steele said, “This is the record I’ve always wanted to make. It’s my first solo record. No compromises. I answered to no one but myself.”
All of these songs showcase Kevin’s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colorful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. Kevin’s band Roxx Gang were one of America’s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, sold over 250,000 copies. In a way, they were the bridge between glam and grunge and The Mojo Gurus played a vital role in keeping rock-n-roll alive in “the Tens” working with legendary producers Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, New York Dolls) and Tommy Henricksen (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, The Hollywood Vampires). With One Thing Left To Do, Steele brings his musical journey full circle with a truly remarkable record that you just have to hear.
Joining Kevin on this new record is guitar phenom / co producer Billy Summer (Florida, Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians)whose music has been heard on major TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, The Affair, Harpoon, Life and Beth, Chicago Fire, Property Brothers and many others.The result is one hot slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll revelry covering several genres that showcase a track list of impressive playing and songwriting.
“Billy and I made such a great team. Instant connection of the minds. He knew instinctively where I was going musically with each song before I would even tell him. That’s why they call us the Cosmic Twins”, said Kevin.
The band is an allstar collection of Tampa Bay, Florida musicians playing at the top of their game. They formed an instant camaraderie and the good times had in the recording sessions shine across every track!
Also, on Friday, February 27 he celebrates the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company. Kevin will perform the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.
Bayboro Brewing Company Presents: Kevin Steele – Record Release Concert –Special Guests: Saints of Saturn – Recent winners of Hard Rock Rising – Tampa –Friday February 27, 2026 –Bayboro Brewing Company 2390 5th Ave. S., Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 767-9666 –Doors at 7:00 PM – Show at 8:00 PM – All Ages
Kevin Steele – One Thing Left To Do
One Thing Left To Do 2:33
Snake Charmer 3:44
The Bedspring Boogie 2:48
I Know What Yer Up To 2:22
Sad, Sad Song 6:29
The 9 Lives Blues 3:36
Fingers Crossed 5:40
Nobody Tells Me When To Quit (The Na Na Song) 4:25
My Baby Didn’t Come Home Last Night 2:42
There’s A Better Day Comin’ 4:38
Kevin Steele – Lead Vocals, Harmonica Billy Summer – Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Percussion Steve Peake – Keyboards Steven C. Tanner – Drums Rob Pastore – Pedal Steel Guitar Jim Stevens – Bass on “The 9 Lives Blues” Kyle Lovell – Drums on “I Know What Yer Up To” Scott Myers – Trombone, Vocals Adam Turkel – Vocals, Percussion Linda Militello & Zoe Summer – Vocals
All songs written by Kevin Steele – Too Cool Music Publishing – BMI except Sad, Sad Song written by Kevin Steele & Billy Summer Too Cool Music Publishing – BMI & Billy Summer Music – BMI
Recorded at The Ward, St. Petersburg, FL Produced by the Cosmic Twins (Billy Summer & Kevin Steele) Engineered by Billy Summer Mastered by Brian Merrill at Studio B, St. Petersburg, FL Cover Art by Adam Turkel Photography by Linda Militello
The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is excited to announce the release of their latest single, “Concrete Angel”, via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. This incredible new track was co-produced by George Pond and David Caplinger.
Alongside the single, Swim the Current also premiered the official music video for “Concrete Angel.”
The band’s vocalist, Marcos Leal states, “‘Concrete Angel’ is a hard workers anthem, inspired by my father, my grandfather, my brothers, and all the guys who worked sun up to sun down to give me the opportunity to chase my dreams as a musician. This one is for my dad!!”
Bassist George Pond adds, “’Concrete Angel’ is a reminder that even in the hardest days, there’s beauty in endurance and grace in getting back up. Our angels help us get through the day. It’s a blue-collar heartbeat — long days, hard roads, whiskey nights, and the stubborn will to carry on.”
Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal (formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, takes the band’s sound to new heights.
Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.
The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, “We Are Not The Same”, everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of “We Are Not The Same” took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.
Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
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