Gus G Brings The Fire To Los Angeles

By Jason Williams

October 15th 2014, The Whisky-A-Go-Go, West Hollywood CA: From fretboard shredding to being Ozzy Osbourne’s current guitarist, Gus. G has been a more surging name in the metal community. With his guitar skills, collaboration with various singers, and a new album ‘I Am the Fire’,  Gus G isn’t slowing down. Performing with his band at the Whisky with former vocalist of Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Scott Soto laying down the pipes, and a various group of rock bands including glam group Lynam as the support act of this short US West Coast tour, this evening brought something different for me. While I do enjoy rock extensively, I rarely get to attend a show where the only metal band is the headliner. Drifting out of your comfort zone is always a healthy thing to do, especially when musically it could open your mind to something better for yourself. The famous Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Blvd was the right setting for a rocking evening.

The show started at 8 PM, as the alternative rock trio After opened the night.  The crowd turnout so far was still fairly light, given a Wednesday in the middle of October. Hailing from right around the corner in North Hollywood, After plays a progressive style of rock, something I felt would fit for this type of show. Guitarist, vocalist and keyboardist Jose Freitas displayed a solid level of musicianship, going back and forth on the six string axe and the keys, as well as meaningful singing to go along. The rest of his bandmates, drummer Mike Robbins and bassist Matt Denis kept the beat thick and well on time. The Whisky, being my third time in the venue, is known for a great live sound setting, and After complimented that with a powerful guitar tone and well-balanced sounding keyboards, something I wish more bands, metal especially, would learn to get right. Thankful to the small crowd in attendance, and getting a warm welcome in return, After started the evening off right, and was hoping the rest of the lineup would be of similar sound, although for most of the evening it wouldn’t exactly be the case.

Next up were Australian rockers The Joy Evelation. Noticing right away as they opened their set, their session bass player (announced later in the set) could easily be in a jazz fusion group, with quick fret work and a fat bass tone that should have been turned up a little more. Their style of rock was something I’m a little apprehensive towards; a more mainstream approach. Singer Mia Joy was happy to be playing to the crowd, jumping along with her guitar, although low in the mix. She also provided a unique style of singing, letting her accent take over most of the lyrics, giving it a somewhat lurkier vibe. I must also give her credit for being very generous and active with the audience, even dedicating a song to one in the crowd simply for being there. While the interactions were a nice touch, the choruses lacked hooks and most of the riffing was rather generic. Here and there though, they would play darker and edgier material, something I thought fit Joy’s vocals much more. The crowd enjoyed them and clapped and cheered after every song, so while I didn’t get too much out of The Joy Evelation, their journey from down under was not forgotten by the crowd tonight.

State Line Empire followed, noticing immediately guitarist Aaron Cat’s beautiful transparent glowing colored guitar on stage. The lights were fairly dim for their set, but the guitar amazingly lit the room. Unlike The Joy Evelation, State Line Empire’s style of rock was more of a grungy kind. Heavier for sure, and it got some crowd movement through their set. Not just the kind of guitar he had, but “Cat” was quite talented behind the axe, with loads of leads and fast buildups through the fretboard. Vocalist Tyson Yen’s vocals were a little rough in the beginning, but as the songs progressed on, he seemed more comfortable and was able to generate more power into his words. The chord work reminded me of Alice in Chains, heavy, clear and a little sprinkle of dissonance. Drummer Jay Michaelis really stood out from the group. Huge presence, sound and drumwork alike. The drum mics picked up every cymbal crash and double bass hit. There was noticeably more headbanging in the crowd. State Line Empire put on a decent grunge rock set, and while not blowing the roof off, their set was more fitting for the night ahead.

Being the only actual other touring band for Gus G., Alabama’s Lynam came on stage at 10:30, slightly behind schedule. By this time, the venue was more packed than it had been when I arrived. Much different than I’m used to seeing, the crowd was more on the older side, with a more formal attire than the metal shirts I’m used to being around. There were a decent amount of women in attendance as well. And even though the crowd size was good but I thought it would have been larger with Gus G known for his involvement in Ozzy and Firewind. Nevertheless, there were various Lynam fans in the crowd. Their style of glam rock with some catchy riffs and prominent fun would make the likes of Motley Crue smile and nod. Frontman Jacob Bunton absolutely loved being on stage and it was apparent in the amount of interaction, shredding faces that he made and his charming banter throughout their 30 minute set. Speaking of shredding, although he only played the guitar sporadically, his lead guitar work was actually really impressive. Tapping appregios and fast licks, it also fit in the music with their festive level of playing. Bunton, coming from Alabama, commented to the crowd how there’s nothing to do over there, except play music. And also appreciated the crowd getting involved, too. Their single “Cold”, from their latest album Halfway to Hell, was one of my highlights of the set. From their look alone, I was a little skeptical, but they brought some life into the evening with their powerful, non typical blend of rock with a glam look. I’m happy they’re getting more exposure after moving to CA two years ago. Anyone who enjoys a good live rock band should hear Lynam.

To the sound of cheers in the crowd and great anticipation among them, Gus G finally arrived to the stage, bringing along his band and standout vocalist Jeff Scott Solo in pure excitement, gazing at the crowd. “My Will Be Done” started off their portion of the night from his latest album I Am the Fire. Blitzing guitar work, catchy hooks and some outstanding singing were in mix. You don’t get to see many singers who have worked with Malmsteen before, and seeing this legend was a real treat. Fans all around had their phones and cameras ready anytime Gus G. would blaze the room with his proficient, incredibly clean playing and remarkable dexterity on the guitar. The two Firewind tracks played back to back, “World on Fire” and “The Fire and the Fury” received the biggest ovations in the crowd, as within the older sections of the crowd were younger fans who recognized these songs more. The instrumental tracks really stood out, especially “Vengeance” from the new record. The passion onstage was a sight to behold, as Soto gave a little story to the song he sang in on I Am the Fire, “Summer Days”. Reminding of his childhood growing up and how he said Gus truly spoke to him with the music for it, Soto got a little emotional on stage, and turned that song into a stellar performance for all. They even played a new song from Soto’s work, “Wrath” which I thought was a nice touch. I might lose metal brownie points, but although their cover of Sabbath’s “Into the Void” was impressive and a nice change from the usual Sabbath songs covered by bands, I felt was a little unnecessary. I already knew that he would be playing an Ozzy song at some point, adding an Ozzy-fronted Sabbath song I felt was rather not needed. And speaking of, ending the set was the song that brought Ozzy back to life, “Crazy Train”. Not to ever speak lightly of the legendary work of virutoso and long passed Randy Rhodes, Gus G.’s work on the song was precise and very impressive. His 70-minute set came to a close with the ones in attendance grateful and called for another song, although it would not come to fruition.

Despite the decent but still somewhat underwhelming turnout for the event, it was a bright evening of rock and metal. Gus G.’s momentum has never been higher, and any fans of fantastic guitar work and catchy metal need not wait to see Gus G.

Set List:
01. My Will Be Done
02. Eyes Wide Open
03. Blame It On Me
04. Vengeance
05. Summer Days
06. Wrath
07. World on Fire (Firewind)
08. The Fire and the Fury (Firewind)
09. Terrified
10. Into The Void (Black Sabbath cover)
11. Redemption
12. I Am the Fire
13.  Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover)

Remaining Tour Dates:
10/17 – Las Vegas NV – Count’s Vamp’d
10/18 – Ramona CA – Ramona Mainstage
10/19 – Mesa AZ – Club Red

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