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By Andrew Bansal

Greek guitar hero Gus G capitalized on down time in the Ozzy Osbourne camp and hiatus with Firewind to launch his solo career, releasing his debut album ‘I Am The Fire’ in 2014 and receiving unanimously positive reactions from listeners worldwide. Now, a little over a year after, Gus G has returned with his second solo effort ‘Brand New Revolution’, presenting an expansion of the guitarist’s musicality and featuring guest vocalists Jeff Scott Soto, Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Jacob Bunton (Adler, Lynam) and Mats Levén (Candlemass, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen). Recorded with the amazing Jay Ruston, the album was released July 24 2015 via Dismantic / EOne in North America and Century Media in Europe, Australia and South America. Last week, I spoke to Gus G to discuss the making of this album, working with Jay Ruston, touring with Marty Friedman, playing in front of guitar players, future plans and more. Enjoy the conversation below:

Continue reading “Gus G Talks About Sophomore Solo Album ‘Brand New Revolution’”

By Andrew Bansal

American progpower stalwarts Symphony X have hardly put a foot wrong in their revered two-decade career thus far, and have released some tremendous material in recent years such as ‘Paradise Lost’ (2007) and ‘Iconoclast’ (2011). Four years later, the band unveiled their ninth full-length studio album ‘Underworld’ on July 24th 2015 via Nuclear Blast Records, and will be embarking on a potentially fascinating North American co-headline tour with fellow New Jersey veterans Overkill in September-October this year. A few weeks ago, I spoke to guitarist Michael Romeo about the new album and much more. Enjoy the conversation below: Continue reading “In Conversation With Symphony X Guitarist Michael Romeo”

By Andrew Bansal

Longstanding Los Angeles-based experimental hard rock trio Owl, featuring former The Cult/current Ace Frehley band bassist Chris Wyse as the frontman on bass and vocals along with Jason Mezilis on guitar and Dan Dinsmore on drums, is getting ready for the release of their third full-length studio album ‘Things You Can’t See’ via Overit Records on July 28. The album witnesses further expansion and development of Owl’s seemingly boundless sonic landscapes, but maintains its signature hard rock groove. As part of a short run of shows, Owl will perform with Dave Lombardo’s equally experimental project Philm at the Whisky-A-Go-Go on Tuesday July 21. Two weeks ago, I spoke to Chris Wyse about all things Owl. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “Former The Cult Bassist Chris Wyse Talks New Owl Album “Things You Can’t See””

By Andrew Bansal

Much to the delight of fans worldwide, Los Angeles classic metal veterans Armored Saint are back into fully active mode in the year 2015, with the release of their seventh studio album ‘Win Hands Down’ via Metal Blade Records, the recently concluded high-profile mini-tour with Saxon, and upcoming festival appearances in Europe. Boasting excellent songwriting and crystal-clear production, ‘Win Hands Down’ sees Armored Saint at their creative peak, doing full justice to their roots but at the same time venturing into newer elements to stay relevant in the modern era. I spoke to singer John Bush a few days ago to discuss the album in detail, among other things. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Armored Saint Singer John Bush”

By Andrew Bansal

Canadian traditional power/thrash metal warriors Striker have waged the battle for the genre for more than seven years, in the process enhancing their country’s great reputation of producing old-school metal talent. Striker released their third studio album ‘City Of Gold’ in 2014 via Napalm Records, a righteous follow-up to the scintillating 2012 effort ‘Armed To The Teeth’. They’ve actively performed in Canada, Europe and other territories around the world but for one reason or another, never got a chance to tour the United States. This has finally been rectified, as Striker are currently in the final week of their first ever US run as main support to Danish thrash veterans Artillery. The tour started in Los Angeles with a gig at the Five Star Bar on April 10th 2015, and a few hours before they satiated the crowd, I spoke to drummer Adam Brown about all things Striker. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Striker Drummer Adam Brown”

By Andrew Bansal

NWOBHM legends Raven are ready to release their thirteenth full-length studio album called ‘ExtermiNation’ via SPV/Steamhammer, and boasting a hearty 15-song serving of pure old-school delight, it’s their crowning achievement. The trio of John Gallagher (bass/vocals), Mark Gallagher (guitar) and Joe Hasselvander (drums) have carried the torch for the genre authentically for what seems like an eternity, and based on the strength of their new material and modern-day live show, it is fair to say that they will indeed rock until they drop. I recently had the pleaure of speaking with John Gallagher for an in-depth chat about the new album, their adventures in Europe and South America, the Kickstarter campaign, acoustic kitchen jams, future plans and more. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With John Gallagher Of Raven”