The Greek 'Gus G.' ('Kostas Karamitroudis' by name) who is a well-known guitarist in the heavy metal world as he is the guitarist of 'Ozzy Osbourne' and the frontman of the band 'Firewind' has also released solo albums and, after 'Fearless' in which 'Dennis Ward' occupied the double role of singer and bassist, it's again the same trio that this time offers us an entirely instrumental album highlighting, of course, the Greek's talent as a guitarist and, to the first CD of original compositions, is added a second CD of a live album recorded in Budapest at the end of 2018. The instrumental part is composed of 11 tracks with, for the most part, energetic and fast atmospheres showing all the guitaristic velocity of 'Gug G.' like the beginning of the album with 'Into The Unknown' (see video above), or 'Exosphere' (see video here) or the album's self-titled track, or 'Fierce' (see video here). But, for my part, it's in the less technical parts that 'Gus G.' shows off his talent for conveying emotions the most and we can mention remarkable slower and quieter tracks like the magnificent ballads 'Enigma of Life' (see video here) and 'Not Forgotten' but also the catchy 'Night Driver' and 'Demon Stomp' and the last track 'Force Majeure' as a duet with 'Vinnie Moore', which even if the technique is there, offer us magnificent interpretations full of feeling. As for the second CD, if you're lacking in vocals, it allows you to hear tracks from the latest album 'Fearless' with notably the muscular cover of 'Money For Nothing' by 'Dire Straits' and the cover of 'Cold Sweat' by 'Thin Lizzy'. In short, with this latest album by 'Gus G.', one could make the same observation as I did for the latest album 'Parabellum' by 'Yngwie Malmsteen' in which virtuosity takes precedence over the emotion released, but let's not sulk in our pleasure, because, for all the lovers of long guitar solos, we are spoiled with 'Quantum Leap', which puts forward one of the most talented guitarists of his generation... | |
