(Heavy Metal/Shred) [CD] Gus G. - I Am the Fire - 2014, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Guitar phenomenon Gus G. has been shredding up the metal underground for the past decade. In 2009 Ozzy Osbourne handpicked him to replace Zakk Wylde as his new axe slinger. Also known for being the brainchild behind power metal band Firewind, he has finally released his first solo offering, I Am the Fire.

Gus’ history is a diverse one as he has dabbled in melodic death, progressive and power metal genres. Early in his career he played in many different outfits as he performed with Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy and Nightrage. Most of his attention has been given to Firewind, so it was with anticipation wondering what a solo offering would bring.

Like many prominent solo releases today there are multiple singers that contribute vocals. Some of the diverse group of vocalists are Mats Leven (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen), Black Allison (Devour the Day), Michael Starr (Steel Panther), Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen).

The material is diverse and at its core the record is a mishmash of genres. It never knows exactly what type of record it wants to be. “Summer Days” has a classic rock vibe with another good performance from Soto. “Just Can’t Let Go” and the title track are seeped in contemporary riffing and melodies that try too hard to be a part of modern rock radio.

Leven sings on four of the twelve tracks that comprise the record. “End of the Line” and “My Will Be Done” are the best of his contributions, with the former being an excellent blues inspired hard rock track.

The shining moment is the tender “Dreamkeeper.” Englund’s voice blends perfectly with the acoustic guitars and gorgeous string arrangement. Englund proves over again why he is one of the best vocalists in metal today and this is no exception. The emotion that he conveys with his melodies sits beautifully along the moving guitar solo that Gus lays down. It is played with such finesse and sophistication that you will be left in awe.

Another highlight is the two instrumental tracks where Gus’ playing is a throwback to the amazing Shrapnel label. Featuring David Ellefson (Megadeth) on bass, “Vengeance” is a riff fest with an incredible uptempo groove and some frenetic lead playing from Gus.

On “Terrified” there is a blazing tempo and some amazing neo-classical guitar leads. The infamous Billy Sheehan holds down the bottom end and doesn’t miss a beat. Both songs feature tasteful drumming from Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy).

When Gus lets loose and slays on the guitar the record is top-notch. The Soto and Englund songs are incredible and it would have had a better outcome if they had handled the majority of the vocals. When the material tries to hard to be contemporary is when it can fall short and comes across as inauthentic. Overall Gus’ first solo record is solid with some jaw dropping moments.

Review written by Dan Drago for www.heavymetal.about.com

Gus G. - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards

Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals (Track 10)
Jacob Bunton - Vocals (Track 6)
Tom Englund - Vocals (Track 11)
Alexia Rodriguez - Vocals (Track 5)
Michael Starr - Vocals (Track 9)
Blake Allison - Vocals (Track 3)
Mats Levén - Vocals (Tracks 1, 2, 8, 12)
Marty O'Brien - Bass
Billy Sheehan - Bass (Track 7)
David Ellefson - Bass (Track 4)
Daniel Erlandsson - Drums
Jeff Friedl - Drums