Internationally acclaimed guitarist / composer and Firewind mastermind Gus G. will release his fifth solo album, “Steel Burner”, on April 24th, 2026, through Metal Department Records.
The album marks his first solo release in five years and captures a powerful fusion of modern instrumental Metal and carefully curated vocal collaborations.
Following an extended period of post-pandemic touring, “Steel Burner” represents a renewed creative focus on Gus G.’s solo vision. The album showcases his signature guitar style – combining technical precision, melody, and intensity – while expanding its emotional and thematic range through collaborations with some of the Metal scene’s most legendary and respected voices.
Watch the official video for “Steel Burner” below.
The album’s title track, “Steel Burner”, was the catalyst for the entire project. Originally commissioned for a company that manufactures industrial machines used to shape metal, Gus G. drew inspiration from a machine fittingly named Steel Burner. The track’s energy became the foundation for the album’s concept and ultimately its title.
While instrumental tracks highlight Gus G.’s evolution as a composer and guitarist, “Steel Burner” also features several standout vocal songs.
The undisputed Metal Queen, Doro Pesch appears on “Nothing Can Break Me”, a powerful metal anthem focused on inner strength, perseverance, and resilience.
“No One Has to Know”, featuring Dino Jelusick, delivers a modern hard rock approach while addressing the artificial lives and personas often portrayed 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 twist that explores the darker theme of addiction.
Additional collaborations include Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), whose work with Gus G. originated from their recent joint world tour and resulted in two tracks on the album, further shaping its collaborative direction.
Reflecting on the upcoming release, Gus G. comments:
“This is my first solo album release in 5 years. As I’ve been pretty busy in the post-pandemic world with heavy touring, I always had the idea to put out another solo album at some point. This time around, I felt I wanted the best of both worlds – being able to explore guitar instrumental music, but also collaborate with singers I love and am a fan of”.
“Steel Burner” was mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Dennis Ward (Helloween, Pink Cream 69), delivering a clear, powerful, and contemporary sound that complements both the album’s instrumental complexity and vocal performances.
With his 5th solo album, Gus G. delivers a confident and forward-looking statement – an album that honours Metal’s roots while embracing modern themes, production, and collaboration.
“Steel Burner” will be available as a tri-fold digipak CD and on high quality gatefold-sleeve vinyl LP (several colour options will be available) from Metal Department on April 24th 2026.
Tracklist:
01. Steel Burner
02. Nothing Can Break Me (feat. Doro)
03. Dancing With Death (feat. Matt Barlow)
04. Advent
05. What If
06. Frenemy (feat. Ronnie Romero)
07. No One Has to Know (feat. Dino Jelusick)
08. Confession
09. My Premonition (feat. Ronnie Romero)
10. Closure
Line-up:
Gus G.: All Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums
Doro Pesch: Vocals on Track 2
Matt Barlow: Vocals on Track 3
Ronnie Romero: Vocals on Tracks 6 and 8
Dino Jelusick: Vocals on Track 7
Andrea Arcangeli: Bass on Tracks 6 and 8
Dennis Ward: Bass on Track 2
Weblinks:
www.gusgofficial.com
www.facebook.com/officialgusg
