Guitar virtuoso Gus G. has just completed his first solo tour of Europe with Marty Friedman. He recently released his first solo album “I Am The Fire” via Century Media Records. Check our review at this location.
Gus has posted a video to show fans what it is like inside the tour bus, along with some humourous comments, check it out below:
Century Media reports that OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist and FIREWIND mastermind GUS G. recently completely an exclusive interview for Fuse.tv’s series “Metalhead to Head”. Joined by Mark Heylmun (SUICIDE SILENCE), GUS G. discusses trying out for OZZY OSBOURNE‘s band while showing off some signature guitar licks. To watch the video, head over to Fuse.tv now:
http://www.fuse.tv/videos/2014/03/metalhead-to-head-mark-heylmun-gus-g
On Mar. 31, GUS G. will take part in an “Ask Me Anything” chat on Reddit.com. Fans are welcome to submit questions from 9PM CET//12PM PST//3PM EST to 10:30PM CET//1:30PM PST//4:30PM EST. GUS G. comments: “Wanna know why and how I created my debut solo album? Wanna know how I got the gig with OZZY OSBOURNE? Funny tour stories? Wanna talk about cats? Tattoos? Guitars? Gear and playing tips? Heavy Metal? Action heroes? Guitar heroes? Join me on Reddit on March 31st and Ask Me Anything.”
GUS G. recently released his solo debut, I Am The Fire, worldwide via Century Media Records. To purchase the album, please visit iTunes for a digital copy or CM Distro for a variety of physical formats. For a preview of I Am The Fire, be sure to check out the following videos:
GUS G. handles all guitar, bass and keyboards on I Am The Fire, and is joined by a roster of friends and guests that helped bring his vision to fruition: drummers Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO) and Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY), bassists David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH) and Marty O’Brien (TOMMY LEE, WE ARE THE FALLEN), and vocalists Mats Leven (CANDLEMASS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/THERION), Blake Allison (DEVOUR THE DAY), Michael Starr (STEEL PANTHER), Alexia Rodriguez (EYES SET TO KILL), Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY), Jacob Bunton (ADLER) and Jeff Scott Soto (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, ex-JOURNEY). I Am The Fire was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, STEEL PANTHER) and was recorded between Los Angeles and GUS G.’s home country of Greece through the latter half of 2013. The album showcases a well-balanced mix of active rock, classic hard rock, traditional metal and guitar-driven instrumentals, taking listeners on a diverse journey through GUS G.’s soulful playing.
I Am The Fire track-listing
1. My Will Be Done (feat. Mats Levén)
2. Blame It On Me (feat. Mats Levén)
3. I Am The Fire (feat. DEVOUR THE DAY)
4. Vengeance (feat. David Ellefson)
5. Long Way Down (feat. Alexia Rodriguez)
6. Just Can’t Let Go (feat. Jacob Bunton)
7. Terrified (feat. Billy Sheehan)
8. Eyes Wide Open (feat. Mats Levén)
9. Redemption (feat. Michael Starr)
10. Summer Days (feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
11. Dreamkeeper (feat. Tom S. Englund)
12. End Of The Line (feat. Mats Levén)
GUS G. online:
http://www.gusgofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialgusg
Review By Ali Blackdiamond
Artist: GUS G.
Album: I Am The Fire
Release Date: March 18th 2014
Label: Century Media Records
Tracklisting:
1. My Will Be Done (Feat. Mats Levén, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, CANDLEMASS)
2. Blame It On Me (Feat. Mats Levén)
3. I Am The Fire (Feat. Blake Allison, DEVOUR THE DAY)
4. Vengeance (Feat. David Ellefson, MEGADETH)
5. Long Way Down (Feat. Alexia Rodriguez, EYES SET TO KILL)
6. Just Can’t Let Go (Feat. Jacob Bunton, ADLER)
7. Terrified (Feat. Billy Sheehan, MR.BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH)
8. Eyes Wide Open (Feat. Mats Levén)
9. Redemption (Feat. Michael Starr, STEEL PANTHER)
10. Summer Days (Feat. Jeff Scott Soto Ex- JOURNEY, Current TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA)
11. Dreamkeeper (Feat. Tom S. Englund, EVERGREY)
12. End Of The Line (Feat. Mats Levén)
Guitar virtuoso Gus G. has worked extremely hard over the years to achieve his current status in the music world. He is the creating force behind Greek metallers FIREWIND and in 2009 was chosen by Ozzy Osbourne to be guitarist in his band, as well as being involved in various other projects along the way.
Now Gus has released his first ever solo album. He has spoken many times over the last year about it being different to his other work. As mentioned in his 2013 interview with Blackdiamond, Gus stated that “a lot of the stuff is a bit more mellow, a bit more classic rock-ish sounding.”
As well as playing guitar (of course!), Gus also handles the keyboards and some bass on this 12 track offering, as well as producing the album. Joining the already mentioned guest artists are drummers Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO), Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY) and bass player Marty O’Brien (TOMMY LEE, WE ARE THE FALLEN).
“I Am The Fire” was released on March 18th and features quite a diverse selection of guests, as stated above. Cue vocalist Mats Levén on the storming intro track ‘My Will Be Done.’ It is full of catchy hooks and great melodies which are matched perfectly with Mats‘ gravelly tones. Already the album is oozing a classic rock vibe.
Even early on in the album, it’s obvious to see how well matched as a musical team Mats and Gus are, creating fantastically executed harmonies and layers of classic rock sounds on the second track ‘Blame It On Me.’
The selection of friends to appear as guests on this album has obviously been very carefully thought out by Gus, each one stamping their individuality on the songs. Even though there are two vocalists who aren’t really my ‘cup of tea’ (Blake Allison and Alexia Rodriguez), I can’t say anything bad about those songs, because they still sound great, especially the music.
Of course there are plenty of shredding solos to be heard on “I Am The Fire” by Gus, demonstrating his outstanding technical abilities, but always played with flair and feeling. The composition of the songs is first class; changes of pace, classic riffs and melodies, with a great production.
The two instrumental tracks, ‘Vengeance’ featuring David Ellefson and ‘Terrified,’ with Billy Sheehan are pure molten metal, the heaviest on the album. They’ve been on repeat at full blast since I first heard “I Am The Fire.” ‘Vengeance’ is over 4 minutes of paradise for fans of shredding and doesn’t let up whatsoever; this would be awesome to see live on stage. ‘Terrified’ is a little shorter, but no less of a metal onslaught to the eardrums, fantastic!
‘Redemption,’featuring Michael Starr of STEEL PANTHER makes a more than subtle change from his usual style and lyrical content, another classic rock style song.
Jeff Scott Soto’s contribution to “I Am The Fire” needs a huge highlighting mention. ‘Summer Days’ is a full-on ‘80’s nostalgia trip containing big rock sounds mixed with some softer moments. Again, a perfect blend of Jeff’s voice with the precision of Gus’s guitar riffs. A sure fire hit with fans of ’80’s rock, whether they were there at the time or not.
The whole album is like a breath of fresh air and it’s great to see Gus venturing into pastures new with “I Am The Fire.” Definitely a new favourite in my collection and I’m sure it will be for both fans of Gus G. and classic rock.
Rating: 9/10
OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist and FIREWIND mastermind GUS G. has launched a track-by-track video for his upcoming solo album debut, I Am The Fire, due out tomorrow (March 18th) in North America via Century Media Records. Featuring clips of each album track and an exclusive interview with GUS G., the video can be viewed here:
Also check out:
1. My Will Be Done (feat. Mats Levén)
2. Blame It On Me (feat. Mats Levén)
3. I Am The Fire (feat. DEVOUR THE DAY)
4. Vengeance (feat. David Ellefson)
5. Long Way Down (feat. Alexia Rodriguez)
6. Just Can’t Let Go (feat. Jacob Bunton)
7. Terrified (feat. Billy Sheehan)
8. Eyes Wide Open (feat. Mats Levén)
9. Redemption (feat. Michael Starr)
10. Summer Days (feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
11. Dreamkeeper (feat. Tom S. Englund)
12. End Of The Line (feat. Mats Levén)
Guitar virtuoso Gus G., well known in the Metal and Rock universe for his work as leader of his own group FIREWIND and also as member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, has now digitally released the first single for his first, long overdue solo album solo album “I Am The Fire”.
Head over to iTunes, pre-order the new album and receive instant access to the brand-new single “I Am The Fire (Feat. Devour The Day)” here.
The album “I Am The Fire” is set to be released on March 17th, 2014 in Europe and March 18th, 2014 in North America via longtime international partners Century Media Records. The album can be pre-ordered now as Digipak CD, as black or limited red 180gr. vinyl LP versions or as bundle with a t-shirt from CM Distro here.
Gus G. recently announced the first tourdates in support of the “I Am The Fire” album release in Europe. Further dates have been added to the “Guitar Universe” featuring Gus G. and Marty Friedman, so check out the updates (Marked *) as follows:
Gus G. + Uli Jon Roth, Jorn Lande & Mats Levén / “Unity 1” Tour:
07.03.2014 Kerkyra (Greece) – Eptatehnon
08.03.2014 Thessaloniki (Greece) – Block 33 / http://www.ticketarena.gr
09.03.2014 Edessa (Greece) – Kanavourgeio
10.03.2014 Larnaca (Cyprus) – Savino Rock Bar
11.03.2014 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live / http://www.ticketarena.gr
12.03.2014 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live / http://www.ticketarena.gr
Gus G. + Marty Friedman / “Guitar Universe 2” Co-Headline Tour:
01.05.2014 Tampere (Finland) – Klubi
02.05.2014 Helsinki (Finland) – Nosturi
03.05.2014 Stockholm (Sweden) – Stockholm Rocks Festival
05.05.2014 Gothenburg (Sweden) – Trädgårn * New show
07.05.2014 Malmö (Sweden) – KB * New show
09.05.2014 Krakow (Poland) – Lizzard King * New show
10.05.2014 Warsaw (Poland) – Progresja * New show
12.05.2014 Munich (Germany) – Backstage
13.05.2014 Colmar (France) – Grillen * New date
15.05.2014 Essen (Germany) – Turock
16.05.2014 Zoetermeer (The Netherlands) – De Boerderij
17.05.2014 Hasselt (Belgium) – MuziekoDroom * New Show
18.05.2014 Uden (The Netherlands) – De Pul
20.05.2014 Savigny Le Temple (France) – L’ Impreinte
21.05.2014 London (UK) – O2 Islington Academy
22.05.2014 Nuneaton (UK) – Queens Hall
Here is the complete track-listing for Gus G.’s “I Am The Fire” album:
Gus G. – “I Am The Fire”:
1. My Will Be Done (Feat. Mats Levén)
2. Blame It On Me (Feat. Mats Levén)
3. I Am The Fire (Feat. Devour The Day)
4. Vengeance (Feat. David Ellefson)
5. Long Way Down (Feat. Alexia Rodriguez)
6. Just Can’t Let Go (Feat. Jacob Bunton)
7. Terrified (Feat. Billy Sheehan)
8. Eyes Wide Open (Feat. Mats Levén)
9. Redemption (Feat. Michael Starr)
10. Summer Days (Feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
11. Dreamkeeper (Feat. Tom S. Englund)
12. End Of The Line (Feat. Mats Levén)
A first taste of the album has been made available with the launch of the opening track, “My Will Be Done (Feat. Mats Levén)”, via a video produced by Patric Ullaeus / revolver.se (Within Temptation, In Flames, Lacuna Coil, Europe, etc.), to be seen here:
The “I Am The Fire” album sees Gus G. handling guitar, bass and keyboard duties and showcases a long list of highly skilled instrumentalist peers as well as several remarkable vocalists joining Gus to stress the versatile stylistic approach of the 12 featured songs. The roster of friends and guests that help bring Gus G.’s vision to fruition include drummers Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Devo) and Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy), bassists David Ellefson (Megadeth), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) and Marty O’Brien (Tommy Lee, We Are The Fallen) as well as Mats Levén (Candlemass, ex. Yngwie Malmsteen/Therion), Blake Allison (Devour The Day), Michael Starr (Steel Panther). Alexia Rodriguez (Eyes Set To Kill), Tom S. Englund (Evergrey), Jacob Bunton (Adler) and Jeff Scott Soto (TSO, ex Journey) as guest vocalists.
“I Am The Fire” was mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther, etc.) and was partly recorded in Los Angeles and partly in Gus’ home country of Greece during the past months. The album showcases a well-balanced and inspiring mixture of precise song writing, driven contemporary active rock songs, a classic Hard Rock vibe, pounding Metal cuts as well as breathtaking instrumentals. The album takes you on a diverse journey and opens the door to Gus G.’s soulful guitar playing.
More details about Gus G.’s solo debut “I Am The Fire” will follow soon…
Source: Blabbermouth
Capital Chaos TV has uploaded video footage of Greek guitarist Gus G.‘s (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND) January 22 private showcase at Swing House studios in Los Angeles, California. Gus performs the BLACK SABBATH classic “Into The Void” and two solo tracks, “My Will Be Done” and “Blame It On Me”, with drummer Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO), bassist Marty O’Brien (TOMMY LEE, WE ARE THE FALLEN, LITA FORD), and vocalist Mats Levén (CANDLEMASS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION). He also plays another solo cut, “Long Way Down”, with singer Alexia Rodriguez (EYES SET TO KILL). Check out the footage below:
Gus G.‘s first, long-overdue solo album, “I Am The Fire”, will be released on March 17 in Europe and March 18 in North America via longtime international partners Century Media Records.
“I Am The Fire” track listing:
01. My Will Be Done (featuring Mats Levén)
02. Blame It On Me (featuring Mats Levén)
03. I Am The Fire (featuring Devour The Day)
04. Vengeance (featuring David Ellefson)
05. Long Way Down (featuring Alexia Rodriguez)
06. Just Can’t Let Go (featuring Jacob Bunton)
07. Terrified (featuring Billy Sheehan)
08. Eyes Wide Open (featuring Mats Levén)
09. Redemption (featuring Michael Starr)
10. Summer Days (featuring Jeff Scott Soto)
11. Dreamkeeper (featuring Tom S. Englund)
12. End Of The Line (featuring Mats Levén)
The cover artwork, pictured below, was designed by Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, KAMELOT, DREAM EVIL).
A first song from the album can be heard via the video for the album’s opening track, “My Will Be Done” (featuring Mats Levén), which was produced by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
Gus handles all guitar, bass and keyboards on “I Am The Fire”, and is joined by a roster of friends and guests that help bring his vision to fruition: drummers Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO) and Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY), bassists David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH) and Marty O’Brien (TOMMY LEE, WE ARE THE FALLEN, LITA FORD), and vocalists Mats Levén (CANDLEMASS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION), Blake Allison (DEVOUR THE DAY), Michael Starr (STEEL PANTHER), Alexia Rodriguez (EYES SET TO KILL), Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY), Jacob Bunton (ADLER) and Jeff Scott Soto (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, TALISMAN, ex-JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN).
“I Am The Fire” was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, STEEL PANTHER) and was recorded between Los Angeles and Gus‘ home country of Greece through the latter half of 2013. A few of the album’s tracks include “Eyes Wide Open”, “Redemption”, “End Of The Line” and “Blame It On Me”. The album showcases a well-balanced mix of active rock, classic hard rock, traditional metal and guitar-driven instrumentals, taking listeners on a diverse journey and opening doors to Gus G.‘s soulful playing.
The album’s first commercial single — title track, “I Am The Fire” — will be released digitally February 25 in North America.
Gus G. has had an amazing rise within the worldwide rock and metal scenes and has amassed an impressive body of work, both in studio and touring. He emerged as an up-and-coming talent with the groups DREAM EVIL (Sweden), MYSTIC PROPHECY (Germany) and NIGHTRAGE (Greece), but it is his work with his own band FIREWIND (who have released seven studio albums and two live releases) and as a member of Ozzy Osbourne‘s band that have helped him emerge as one of the world’s top metal and rock guitarists. His work on Ozzy‘s “Scream” album led to a Grammy nomination in 2010, and his list of accolades includes Guitar Player magazine’s “Best Metal Guitarist,” the “Dimebag Darrell Shredder” award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, and Metal Hammer Greece “Best Guitarist” on four separate occasions.
Click image to watch the video
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