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Gus G

Konstantinos Karamitroudis, better known by his stage name Gus G., is a Greek guitarist born on September 12, 1980, in , . He began playing guitar at age 10, inspired by Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive!, initially on classical acoustic before transitioning to . As the founder and leader of the melodic band since 1998, Gus G. has released ten studio albums with the group over two decades, including notable works like Nocturnal (2005) and Immortals (2017), establishing Firewind as a prominent act in the European metal scene. Gus G. gained international prominence in 2009 when he was personally selected by Ozzy Osbourne to replace Zakk Wylde as the lead guitarist for Osbourne's solo band, a role he held until 2017. During this period, he contributed to the Grammy-nominated album Scream (2010) and toured worldwide, performing on stages alongside major rock acts. Prior to and alongside these endeavors, he was a session and touring member of bands such as Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Dream Evil, and Arch Enemy, appearing on over a dozen studio albums across the heavy metal genre. As a solo artist, Gus G. has released several albums, including I Am the Fire (2014), Brand New Revolution (2015), Fearless (2018), and Quantum Leap (2021), showcasing his neoclassical style influenced by guitarists like and . He has earned accolades such as Germany's "God of Riffs" award and Revolver's Golden Gods "Best Shredder," and has collaborated with gear manufacturers like Jackson, , and for signature guitars and effects pedals. Additionally, Gus G. has made guest appearances on recordings by artists including , Doro Pesch, and , further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in modern .

Early Years

Childhood and Education

Konstantinos Karamitroudis, better known by his stage name Gus G., was born on September 12, 1980, in , . Of Greek heritage, he grew up in a family environment in where music was present through his father's record collection, which included and albums. This familial exposure laid the groundwork for his early interest in guitar playing. Gus G. discovered his passion for the guitar at around age 8 or 9, captivated by Peter Frampton's 1976 live album Frampton Comes Alive!, which his father played at home; the talkbox effects and guitar solos particularly inspired him to pursue the instrument. At age 10, he began formal classical guitar lessons at a local music school in Thessaloniki, though he later recalled disliking the initial rigid structure of classical training. By age 14, he transitioned to electric guitar, acquiring his first one and intensifying his practice regimen to 8–11 hours daily for the next few years, which honed his technical skills. In 1998, at age 18, Gus G. received a to attend a five-week summer program at the in , , to study music performance and composition. However, he left after this brief period to focus on professional opportunities, feeling that formal alone was insufficient for his career ambitions. During his teenage years in , he gained initial experience by playing in local bands, performing at small venues and building a foundation before relocating internationally for broader prospects.

Musical Influences

Gus G's earliest musical influences stemmed from rock, particularly Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive!, which his father played on vinyl and inspired him to start playing guitar around age 9. This exposure introduced him to melodic phrasing and talkbox effects, elements he later incorporated sparingly, such as in Ozzy Osbourne's "Soul Sucker." As a teenager, his tastes evolved toward heavier rock and metal, including bands like The Eagles, , , Metallica, and , shaping his foundational appreciation for dynamic riffs and powerful song structures. Key guitarists who profoundly impacted Gus G's technical style include for his Scorpions-era neoclassical approach, which influenced Gus G's use of ethnic and phrygian modes in solos, and for fusion elements like speed-picking and percussive phrasing. stands out for integrating classical techniques with speed and , a style Gus G emulates in licks using . Steve Vai's technical innovation further contributed to Gus G's emphasis on versatile, expressive playing across genres. Broader genre influences encompass heavy metal from and progressive rock from , particularly John Petrucci's complex compositions, which expanded Gus G's melodic and structural versatility. These influences manifest in Gus G's playing through a blend of neoclassical —characterized by rapid scalar runs and harmonic minor phrasing inspired by Roth and Malmsteen—and melodic soloing that prioritizes song-serving narratives over pure speed, drawing from Frampton and Di Meola. His style demonstrates versatility in metal subgenres, balancing technical prowess with emotional depth, as seen in his and techniques. Over time, Gus G's influences evolved from classical-tinged rock roots to modern metal, incorporating progressive complexity while maintaining a focus on concise, impactful guitar work.

Professional Career

Formation of Firewind and Early Bands

In 1998, at the age of 18, Gus G left the in after just a few weeks of study, opting instead to pursue opportunities in the metal scene by forming bands in the United States and later in and . During his brief time at Berklee, he connected with fellow musicians, including vocalist Stephen Fredrick, which laid the groundwork for his initial projects. Firewind was founded that same year as a studio project by Gus G to showcase his instrumental demo Nocturnal Symphony, initially featuring American musicians he met at Berklee, such as Stephen Fredrick on vocals and Brian Harris on bass. The band transitioned from a demo effort to a full group over the next few years, with Gus G handling songwriting and guitar duties while navigating frequent lineup shifts, particularly among vocalists and members. After recording early material in the , Gus G relocated aspects of the project back to in the early , though the band maintained an international lineup and eventually based operations more fluidly between the and to facilitate recording and touring. Firewind's debut album, Between Heaven and Hell, was released in 2002 via Massacre Records in Europe and Leviathan Records in the US, featuring Stephen Fredrick's vocals and neoclassical metal influences in Gus G's guitar work. Follow-up releases included Burning Earth (2003), Forged by Fire (2005), Allegiance (2006), The Premonition (2008), Days of Defiance (2010), and Few Against Many (2013), each marked by evolving lineups—such as Chrysis Dimitriou on bass from 2003 onward and various drummers including Stian Kristoffersen—and Gus G's consistent neoclassical shredding style. The band achieved a European breakthrough through headlining tours starting in 2004, including support slots with acts like Edguy and HammerFall, and festival appearances at events like Germany's Wacken Open Air, which helped solidify their presence in the power metal scene despite limited US traction. Alongside Firewind, Gus G contributed to several early side projects that expanded his profile in the European metal underground. He co-founded the melodic death metal band in 2000 with in , , contributing guitars to their debut album Sweet Vengeance (2003) before departing in 2006. From 2001 to 2003, he played lead guitar on Mystic Prophecy's albums Vengeance (2001) and Regressus (2003), bringing neoclassical flair to their heavy metal sound. Gus G joined Swedish power metal outfit as a touring and session guitarist from 2003 to 2006, appearing on Dragonslayer (2002) and The Book of (2004). In 2006, he filled in for on Arch Enemy's European tour, performing melodic death metal sets that highlighted his versatility. Throughout this period, Gus G faced significant challenges, including Firewind's notorious vocalist turnover—five singers by 2013—and the demands of balancing commitments across multiple bands, which often led to scheduling conflicts and temporary hiatuses in touring. These instabilities tested the band's resilience but allowed Gus G to hone his leadership skills while building a reputation as a sought-after session player in Europe's burgeoning metal circuit.

Tenure with Ozzy Osbourne

In August 2009, following Zakk Wylde's departure from Ozzy Osbourne's band, Gus G received an email invitation from Osbourne's management to audition for the lead guitarist position. He prepared by learning several classic tracks, including "Crazy Train," "Bark at the Moon," and "Suicide Solution," before flying to Los Angeles for the session. During the audition, Osbourne was impressed by G's performance, encouraging him to play freely and even advising that mistakes were acceptable as long as the energy was right, leading to his immediate selection for the role. G joined Osbourne's band in time to contribute guitar work to the 2010 album Scream, though much of the material had already been written and recorded by producer and Osbourne. G's primary input involved laying down rhythm and lead guitar tracks, including solos, which he recorded in studios under intense pressure due to the high-profile nature of the project. He has expressed particular pride in his solo on the track "Let Me Hear You Scream," describing it as a highlight that captured the album's aggressive energy. From 2010 to 2017, G toured worldwide with Osbourne, supporting Scream and performing a mix of the singer's solo classics and Black Sabbath material, often alongside bassist Blasko and drummer Tommy Clufetos. These tours included major European legs, such as the 2012 Ozzy & Friends package with guests like Slash and Zakk Wylde, and extensive North American and international dates that showcased G's technical prowess in high-energy live settings. He frequently used his signature Jackson Soloist guitars and Blackstar amplification during these performances to replicate Osbourne's signature heavy metal sound. Throughout his tenure, G faced challenges balancing commitments with his band , which required scheduling around Osbourne's unpredictable touring calendar, as well as delays in new album production that left the band in limbo for years. Osbourne's intermittent health and personal struggles, including a relapse into , occasionally disrupted tour plans and contributed to the creative stagnation. In 2017, G was replaced by Wylde as Osbourne reunited with his longtime collaborator, a move G later described as a relief amid the prolonged uncertainty. This period significantly elevated G's global recognition, positioning him as a premier guitarist and expanding his audience far beyond Firewind's fanbase through high-visibility performances and media exposure.

Solo Career

Gus G launched his solo career in 2014 with the release of I Am the Fire through , marking his first full-length project as a outside of group commitments. The album showcased his songwriting prowess, with Gus G handling guitars, bass, and keyboards on all tracks while incorporating a range of guest vocalists to bring the material to life, including on multiple songs such as "My Will Be Done" and "Blame It On Me," on "," and on the title track. Produced primarily by Gus G himself and mixed by Jay Ruston, the record emphasized guitar-driven anthems with melodic hooks, reflecting his personal drive and technical flair. Following the debut, Gus G released Brand New Revolution in 2015, continuing his exploration of melodic with self-composed tracks that highlighted resilience and introspection as recurring themes. He again took primary creative control, co-producing with collaborators like Jason Elgin and featuring vocal contributions from Jacob Bunton and , which added dynamic layers to the guitar-centric compositions. The album's production, mixed by Jay Ruston, allowed for a polished sound that balanced energy with accessible choruses, distinguishing it from his band efforts by prioritizing individual artistic vision over collective dynamics. Post-release, Gus G embarked on headline s to promote the record, performing in countries like , the , and . In 2018, arrived via AFM Records, further solidifying Gus G's solo identity with a power-trio lineup featuring Dennis on bass and vocals and on drums, enabling tighter songwriting focused on guitar anthems infused with orchestral elements for added drama. Gus G composed the bulk of the material, drawing from unused ideas accumulated over years to craft themes of personal and , while co-producing with Ward to experiment with techniques that enhanced the album's cohesive, modern edge. The release was supported by extensive European headline tours, including dates across the , mainland , and into early 2019, alongside festival appearances that expanded his solo presence. This period of output coincided briefly with a in his longstanding band activities, allowing undivided focus on these independent endeavors. Gus G's solo trajectory culminated in the 2021 instrumental album , also on AFM Records, where he pushed boundaries with self-penned compositions blending melodic , progressive touches, and orchestral arrangements to evoke resilience through purely musical narratives. Produced and mixed by Dennis Ward, the record exemplified his artistic independence, free from vocal constraints and band consensus, enabling bold experimentation in structure and tone. European headline tours followed the release, reinforcing his solo discography's role in building a global following through live performances that showcased his virtuosic guitar work and thematic depth.

Recent Projects and Collaborations

In 2024, released their tenth studio album, Stand United, on March 1 via AFM Records, serving as a thematic response to global challenges including the , which had severely limited touring and promotion for their prior 2020 self-titled effort. The album's title track and overall message emphasized unity amid division, reflecting Gus G's commentary on environmental disasters, ongoing wars, and pandemic aftermaths. Supporting the release, launched the Stand United World Tour, performing over 70 shows across 14 countries and three continents, marking a robust return to live performances after pandemic-related hiatuses. In an August 18, 2025, interview, Gus G revealed that had signed a new record deal with AFM Records and was actively developing their eleventh studio album, a concept record described as "epic and massive" with 10 new songs already in progress, including completed drum tracks and planned guitar recordings for later that summer, targeting a 2026 release. Gus G's collaboration with vocalist , known for his work with and the , culminated in the release of the single "My Premonition" on June 22, 2025, produced by Dennis Ward and drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath's eras with and Tony Martin. The track blended heavy riffs with Romero's dynamic vocals, leading to the joint European tour in fall 2025, featuring performances in the , , , , , and , where they showcased selections from their solo catalogs alongside classics from , , and . Notable guest appearances highlighted Gus G's versatility in 2024 and 2025. On July 10, 2024, he joined acclaimed Greek singer at the Earth Theater in for a live performance of the song "Ellas," fusing metal guitar elements with traditional Greek rock. In February 2025, Gus G performed with the Camerata – Friends of Music at the Concert Hall for the "Symphonic Rock Transformations" concert on February 19, directed by George Petrou, featuring orchestral arrangements of rock classics including Jon Lord's "." Later, on September 29, 2025, he guested with at a show in , delivering a high-energy cover of Judas Priest's "." These activities signal ongoing explorations in via 's conceptual direction and orchestral fusions through symphonic collaborations, extending Gus G's signature neoclassical style into diverse partnerships.

Discography

Firewind Albums

's debut studio , Between Heaven and Hell, was released in 2002 via Leviathan Records, marking Gus G's emergence as the band's primary songwriter and lead guitarist, where he shaped the group's signature blend of neoclassical with intricate solos and melodic hooks. Produced by T. Chastain, the featured vocalist Fredrick and explored themes of personal struggle and , setting the foundation for 's energetic sound that combined European influences with Greek flair. The follow-up, Burning Earth, arrived in 2003, also under Leviathan Records and co-produced by Chastain and Gus G, intensifying the band's aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses while delving into themes of inner rage and resilience. With Fredrick on vocals, it solidified 's reputation in the underground metal scene, emphasizing Gus G's role in crafting guitar-driven compositions that propelled the album's dynamic pacing. In 2005, Forged by Fire was issued through Century Media, produced by Gus G, who further refined the power metal template with soaring leads and orchestral elements, including a guest by on "The Fire and the Fury." The album shifted toward more epic storytelling, reflecting themes of perseverance amid chaos, and highlighted Gus G's growing influence on the genre's technical prowess. , released in 2006 via Century Media and co-produced by Gus G and Tommy Hansen, introduced vocalist Apollo Papathanasio and marked a thematic toward and heroism, with Gus G's songwriting driving the album's polished production and high-energy tracks that boosted Firewind's international touring presence. The album The Premonition, again on Century Media and co-produced by Gus G and , featured Papathanasio and explored prophetic visions and fate, showcasing Gus G's matured compositional style through layered harmonies and blistering guitar work that cemented the band's status in the power metal community. Accompanying it was the live Live Premonition, a double-CD/DVD set capturing a performance in , , which documented Firewind's explosive stage energy and Gus G's virtuosic live solos. Subsequent releases like Days of Defiance (2010, co-produced by Gus G and ) emphasized rebellion and endurance, while Few Against Many (2012, produced by Gus G) addressed overwhelming odds with raw intensity. After a hiatus, Immortals (2017, co-produced by Gus G and ) returned with mythological themes, followed by the self-titled Firewind (2020, co-produced by Gus G and ), which blended edges into their core. Throughout these, Gus G remained the driving creative force, infusing neoclassical and melodic structures that defined the band's enduring sound. The latest studio album, Stand United (2024, via AFM Records and co-produced by Gus G and Dennis Ward), reflects a thematic shift toward global unity amid division, addressing political and social issues like and environmental crises through anthemic calls for , with Gus G's guitar work providing both technical flair and emotional depth. This release underscores Firewind's adaptability while staying true to their roots.

Solo Albums

Gus G launched his solo career with a series of albums that showcase his guitar virtuosity within and frameworks, often featuring prominent guest vocalists to complement his compositions. His debut effort, I Am the Fire (2014), marked a departure from his band-oriented work, emphasizing melodic with shredding solos and diverse vocal contributions. Released via , the album was produced by Gus G himself alongside mixing by Jay Ruston. The record features guest appearances by vocalists including on "My Will Be Done" and "Blame It on Me"; on "Hired Gun"; on "Long Way Down"; on "The Quest"; and on "Just Can't Let Go", with on the title track "I Am the Fire". Instrumentals such as "Vengeance" (with on bass) and "Summer Days" highlight Gus G's technical prowess, blending neoclassical influences with modern metal riffs. Key tracks include the anthemic opener "My Will Be Done" and the high-energy "Hired Gun", which underscore the album's energetic vibe. While specific sales figures are not widely reported, the album received positive for its songwriting balance over pure . Building on this foundation, Brand New Revolution (2015), also on Century Media, expanded into heavier territories with more aggressive riffs and a mix of guest vocalists, including on "Gone to Stay" and "The Final Day", on "Come Hell or High Water", and of on "What Lies Below". The album's production, again handled by Gus G, incorporated orchestral elements and dynamic shifts, as seen in the shred-heavy opener "The Quest" and the power "Behind Those Eyes". Tracks like "Generation G" demonstrate a shift toward groove-oriented metal, reflecting Gus G's evolving songcraft. It maintained the core but introduced subtle progressive touches in solos. Fearless (2018), issued by AFM Records, represented a more unified approach, with vocalist and bassist handling most leads alongside drummer . This trio format allowed for a cohesive sound, evident in standout tracks like "Letting Go," which opens with driving riffs and soaring solos, and the instrumental "The Quest," showcasing intricate neoclassical phrasing. Other highlights include "Mr. Manson" for its gritty edge and "Burn It Down" for its anthemic choruses. The album's streamlined production emphasized band interplay over multiple guests, earning acclaim for its accessibility. Gus G's fourth solo studio album, (2021) on AFM Records, marked a pivotal evolution toward and elements in an all-instrumental format, free from vocal constraints. Featuring guest guitarist on the closing track "," the record explores ambient atmospheres and complex structures, as in the title track's swirling synths and rapid-fire leads, and "Night Driver's" -infused grooves. Tracks like "Advent" blend shred with melodic introspection, highlighting a maturation from earlier roots to broader experimentalism. Recorded during the , it prioritizes guitar expression and received praise for its maturity. In addition to studio albums, Gus G has released standalone singles and EPs, including the instrumental "Fierce" (2021), "Exosphere" (2021) with Dennis Ward on bass, "Advent" (2025), which previews his instrumental direction, and the digital EP Live in Budapest – Part 1 (2019) captures four live tracks from his European tour, offering acoustic and electric interpretations of solo material. These releases supported brief tours, such as European dates promoting Fearless.

Guest and Other Appearances

Gus G contributed guitar work to Ozzy Osbourne's thirteenth studio , Scream, released in 2010, where he performed on all tracks and co-wrote several songs, marking a significant collaboration during his tenure as Osbourne's touring guitarist from 2009 to 2017. In addition to his full-band commitments, Gus G made targeted guest appearances on other artists' recordings. He provided on the track "My Number One" for Dream Evil's fourth studio , United, released in 2006, shortly after departing the band. For Arch Enemy, he contributed to "Nemesis" on their 2005 Doomsday Machine and joined them for select tour dates in 2006 to support the release. More recently, Gus G collaborated with vocalist on the single "My Premonition," released on June 20, 2025, where he handled all guitar parts and production; the track previews their joint European "Convergence Tour" later that year. Gus G participated in studio sessions for the German band during their early years, contributing guitars and songwriting to their debut album Vengeance (2001), Regressus (2003), and Never-Ending (2004), before leaving in 2005 to focus on other projects. Beyond full albums, Gus G has lent his skills to various metal compilations and tribute projects, as well as one-off guest spots on other artists' records. Notable examples include on "Eternity Has Failed" from Bruce Dickinson's 2024 solo album The Mandrake Project, contributions to Doro Pesch's recordings, and appearances on In This Moment's work, showcasing his versatility as a .

Equipment

Guitars

Gus G began his guitar journey in youth with a classical acoustic before transitioning to electric instruments, initially using generic models and early endorsements like Washburn Explorer CP-2003 guitars during his formative years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By the mid-2000s, as gained prominence, he adopted custom and signature designs from , marking a shift from basic electrics to professional-grade instruments tailored for . This evolution accelerated post-2009 following his tenure with , leading to high-end signature endorsements with Jackson and continued custom work with , emphasizing ergonomic playability and tonal aggression for live and studio demands. His primary signature model is the Jackson Pro Series Gus G. , featuring a resonant body for sustain and warmth, a through-body with graphite reinforcement for stability, and a 12"-16" compound ebony across 24 jumbo frets. Equipped with high-output Gus G. Titan passive humbucking pickups based on 5 magnets, it delivers powerful midrange punch ideal for and riffing, paired with a Gotoh 510 bridge for reliable dive-bomb effects. A more accessible variant, the Jackson JS Series Signature Gus G. JS32T, mirrors these specs with a body and satin-finished , maintaining the model's ergonomic shape while using nickel-plated steel strings in .009-.042 gauge. In 2025, Jackson released the USA Signature Gus G. , featuring an alder body, through-neck , active Blackfire humbuckers, and a 12" pau ferro , designed for enhanced sustain and modern high-gain tones. Complementing his Jackson lineup, Gus G maintains ties to ESP with custom models like the Custom Shop Gus G. RS NT series, built with alder bodies, flamed tops, set-thru necks, and fingerboards for enhanced resonance and speed. The affordable GUS-600 serves as a production counterpart, offering similar set-thru construction, 22 extra-jumbo frets, and or EMG active pickups in an alder body with See-Thru Black Cherry finish, designed for durability. Earlier in his career, he relied on Washburn electrics like the CP-2003 for initial recordings and tours, before upgrading to these specialized signatures. As of 2024, he incorporated his signature Blackfire Protos active pickups into Jackson Star models for tours, providing tighter response and clarity in high-gain settings. Across his instruments, Gus G favors DR Dragon Skin+ coated Quantum Nickel strings in custom .010-.052 gauge (10-14-18-32-42-52) for balanced tension and bendability in aggressive playing, commonly tuned two steps down (e.g., ) for Firewind's heavier tones, with standard E used for solo versatility. Many of his guitars incorporate locking tremolos or equivalents like the Gotoh 510 for precise intonation and whammy bar expression, a staple modification reflecting his neoclassical shred style.

Amplifiers and Effects

Gus G has primarily relied on Blackstar amplifiers for his core tone since the late 2000s, particularly the Series One 200 all-tube head, which he used to record rhythm guitars on Ozzy Osbourne's 2010 album Scream in combination with a Marshall JCM 800. This setup provided the high-gain foundation for his solos and rhythms during Osbourne's subsequent world tours, delivering a blend of aggressive distortion and dynamic response suited to metal performances. As of 2023, he adopted the compact Blackstar St. James 6L6 50-watt head as a primary live tone source, often run through a Blackstar 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers; however, for the 2024 Firewind European tour, he utilized an IK Multimedia ToneX modeler capturing this amp's sound for portability. In November 2025, he returned to a traditional "old school" rig for touring. Earlier in his career, during the formation of and initial solo efforts, Gus G favored traditional tube stacks including the JCM 800 for its classic British crunch and the Triple Rectifier for modern high-gain saturation, often paired with matching cabinets to achieve thick, sustaining leads. The February 2025 IK Multimedia Tone Asylum TONEX collection captures additional amps from his setup, including the Blackstar Blackfire 200 (his signature model), EVH III, ENGL , and JCM 2000 TSL60, reflecting his versatile high-gain palette for studio and live use. Gus G maintains a minimalistic effects setup to ensure reliability during live shows, typically featuring a Morley Bad Horsie wah pedal for expressive sweeps, a or DD-7 digital delay in the amp's effects for ambient tails on solos, and the J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer to boost the amp's natural without overwhelming its character. He also incorporates a chromatic tuner and noise like the ISP Decimator to keep the signal clean amid high-gain settings, avoiding an overly crowded pedalboard that could introduce failures on tour. The Tone Asylum includes captures of additional pedals such as the Blackstar Dept. 10, , BBE G (signature), and Crazy Tube Circuits Speed Demon and Fire & Fury. His rig has evolved from full tube stacks in the early Firewind era—prioritizing heavy, all-analog setups for studio precision—to a approach post-2010, blending tube heads like the Blackstar with digital modeling plugins for studio recordings and backup touring options, enhancing versatility without sacrificing live authenticity. This shift allows for consistent tones across global tours while reducing logistical demands. Tonally, Gus G targets high-gain sustain for melodic solos that evoke 1980s metal heroes like and , paired with articulate clean tones for rhythmic passages, achieving a balance of aggression and clarity through careful amp voicing and minimal effects. His Jackson signature guitars integrate seamlessly with this amplification chain, amplifying the setup's responsive dynamics for both leads and chugging riffs.

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