GUS G. releases new single ft. MATT BARLOW - and new album is out today!

Published April 24 2026 at 11:43

It's here!

Internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer, and FIREWIND mastermind Gus G. releases his fifth solo album 'Steel Burner' today, April 24, 2026.

Marking his first solo offering in five years, the record delivers a blistering fusion of modern instrumental metal and carefully curated vocal collaborations with some of heavy music's most legendary voices.

To herald the album's arrival, Gus G. has dropped a powerhouse new single and accompanying video for "Dancing With Death," featuring the unmistakable, commanding vocals of former ICED EARTH and current ASHES OF ARES frontman Matt Barlow. An epic metal track with a contemporary edge, "Dancing With Death" explores the dark, gripping theme of addiction.

The track is available for streaming from all major platforms now.

Gus himself comments:

"My new solo album has finally arrived and now it's yours! To celebrate this big day, I wanted to drop yet another new video, this one from my collaboration with the one & only Matt Barlow of Iced Earth & Ashes of Ares fame.

Matt's vocal style is unique and will definitely remind you of those 90s Iced Earth vibes. But make no mistake - this is a power metal track with today's energy, aggression and passion, forged in the here and now, and one that hopefully will stand the test of time.  Enjoy!"

Following an intense cycle of post-pandemic touring, 'Steel Burner' represents a renewed, razor-sharp creative focus for Gus G.'s solo vision. The album showcases his signature guitar style - combining technical precision, rich melody, and sheer intensity - while expanding its emotional and thematic reach through its high-profile guest vocalists.

Interestingly, the album's title track served as the catalyst for the entire project. Originally commissioned for a company that manufactures industrial machines used to shape metal, Gus G. drew heavy inspiration from a massive piece of equipment fittingly named "Steel Burner." The relentless energy of that instrumental track became the foundation for the album's overall concept and ultimately its title.

While the instrumental cuts on 'Steel Burner' highlight Gus G.'s continued evolution as a composer and six-string virtuoso, the vocal tracks stand as defining moments on the record. The album's lead single, "Nothing Can Break Me," features Metal Queen Doro Pesch on a soaring anthem focused on inner strength, perseverance, and resilience.

"No One Has To Know," featuring Dino Jelusick, delivers a punchy, modern hard rock approach that tackles the artificial lives and curated personas plaguing social media.

Additionally, the album features two tracks from Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW), a collaboration that was born directly from Gus G. and Romero's recent joint world tour, further shaping the album's dynamic, collaborative direction.

With 'Steel Burner', Gus G. delivers a confident, forward-looking statement - an album that honors the roots of heavy metal while boldly embracing modern themes, production, and the power of collaboration.

TRACKLIST ALBUM:

01. Steel Burner

02. Nothing Can Break Me (Featuring Doro)

03. Dancing With Death (Featuring Matt Barlow)

04. Advent

05. What If

06. Frenemy (Featuring Ronnie Romero)

07. No One Has To Know (Featuring Dino Jelusick)

08. Confession

09. My Premonition (Featuring Ronnie Romero)

10. Closure

LINE-UP 'STEEL BURNER':

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

Previously the tracks "My Premonition", "Advent" and title-track "Steel Burner" have all been released as digital singles.

The full album will also be available for streaming from all major platforms starting today.

'Steel Burner' on physical formats is available as a tri-fold digipak CD and on high quality gatefold-sleeve vinyl LP (several colour options available) from good distributors and directly from Metal Department - order here:

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