Guitarist GUS G, of Greek power-metal band FIREWIND. has his 5th solo album coming out. Gus G is also known for his association with OZZY from 2009-2017, plating on the ‘Scream’ album, as well as being Ozzy’s touring guitarist in this period.
I’ll confess, I am not very familiar with Gus G’s past, nor is Scream high on my list of Ozzy album;s, but his soon to be released Steel Burner is something I can get in to. There’s a short list of guest vocalists and players here (see below). There are a few instrumentals here, such as the title track that kicks things off, which is excellent, as is the more moving piece “Confession” and final cut “Closure”, which features acoustic guitar before it changes, picks up pace and metal, before settling back down in the end.
Of the vocal tracks, favorites include “No One Has To Know” w/ Dino Jelusic (Jelusick, Animal Drive, Stone Leaders), “My Premonition” w/ Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, Elegant Weapons), and “Frenemy” (also w/ Romero). Love the big guitar sound, the production, and plenty of solid rock and metal, with enough changes to keep the listener interested throughout the 10 cuts here. Check it out!
Press info:
Internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer, and FIREWIND mastermind Gus G. will release his fifth solo album, ‘Steel Burner‘, on April 24, 2026 via Metal Department Records. The album marks his first solo release in five years and blends modern instrumental metal with select vocal collaborations.
Following an extended period of post-pandemic touring, ‘Steel Burner’ reflects a renewed focus on Gus G.’s solo vision. The album highlights his signature guitar style — combining technical precision, melody, and power — while expanding its scope through collaborations with some of metal’s most respected voices.
The album’s title track, “Steel Burner,” served as the starting point for the project. Originally commissioned by a company that manufactures industrial machines used to shape metal, Gus G. drew inspiration from a machine bearing the same name. The track’s driving energy ultimately set the tone for the album and inspired its title.
While the instrumental pieces showcase Gus G.’s evolution as both a guitarist and composer, ‘Steel Burner’ also features several standout vocal performances. Metal icon Doro Pesch appears on “Nothing Can Break Me,” a powerful anthem centered on perseverance and resilience. “No One Has to Know,” featuring Dino Jelusick, takes a modern hard rock approach while exploring the artificial lives and personas often projected through social media.
Matt Barlow (Iced Earth, Ashes of Ares) brings his unmistakable intensity to “Dancing With Death,” an epic metal track with a contemporary edge that tackles the darker theme of addiction. Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) also appears on two tracks, a collaboration that grew out of his recent world tour with Gus G.
Reflecting on the release, Gus G. comments: “This is my first solo album in five years. I’ve been busy touring in the post-pandemic world, but I always knew I wanted to make another solo record. This time I wanted the best of both worlds — exploring instrumental guitar music while also collaborating with singers I admire and am a fan of.”
‘Steel Burner’ was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (Helloween, Pink Cream 69, Magnum), delivering a clear and powerful modern production that complements both the album’s instrumental depth and vocal performances.
With ‘Steel Burner’, Gus G. delivers a confident and forward-looking record that honors metal’s roots while embracing modern production, themes, and collaboration.
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