Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 04:20 PM by Lilliana Tseka
Genre: Heavy Metal
Label: Century Media Records
Country: Greece
Year: 2015
Since Firewind were put to ice for some time, Gus seized the opportunity to work for another solo album, the third in his career. As it always happens in these kinds of albums, the artists reveal their other side, trying several new things, different from the style they were used to.
Gus however doesn’t fall far from trivial. All the known features that are his highlights are on this album. The most daring thing he does is the cooperation with producers like Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Steel Panther, etc.) and the more modern compositions in terms of style and sound. This may discomfort several of his “traditional” fans, but since he is given such an opportunity to evolve I salute him and think it was a good choice. Becoming a bigger brand name will be beneficial to Firewind as well.
The album was mixed by Mike Fraser (Metallica, AC / DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, etc.) and the team that handled the record of “I Am The Fire”is here, i.e. Jo Nunez (Firewind) on drums and Marty O ‘Brien (Lita Ford) on bass.
In most of the tracks Jacob Bunton was chosen to sing, who is unknown to me (Adler, Lynam). In the record participated legendary Jeff Scott Soto once again and Mats Levén (Candlemass, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen etc.). The big surprise is the participation of Elize Ryd (Amaranthe) in «What Lies Below», perhaps the best track of the album that moves in modern metal style. Excellent and one of the best tracks Gus has written. Apart from the opening track «The Quest», which is the only instrumental track as a matter of fact, just like a good shredder he shows us his credentials, reminding us the old instrumental tracks from Firewind era.
With Jacob Bunton on his side, Gus chose to move in a more modern and contemporary soundscape of the American hard sound, with the title-track and «Burn» standing out. They may be commercial but the way Gus is playing boosts them; that’s the difference. With the two veterans the tracks move in classic heavy metal lines and each of their performances is like the good old wine, not to be compared with those of the new guy (Jacob Bunton). The difference is huge.
The album has it all. Gus honors his past, not being afraid of the present and dares for the future that belongs to him. Enough with the solo album Mr. Gus. Everybody wants the new Firewind.
