Album Review: Gus G – Quantum Leap (AFM Records)

Gus G. made a name for himself with Firewind, the band he initially launched as a solo project in 1998 that made its official debut in 2002. In that time the band has released nine albums, while Gus has also recorded and toured with Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil and Ozzy Osbourne.

He has also made inroads as a solo artist, having released three albums under his own name: I Am The Fire (2014), Brand New Revolution (2015), and Fearless (2018). He closes 2021 with a new instrumental solo effort, Quantum Leap, featuring 10 tracks that both showcase the playing style Gus is known for and takes fans into new territory.

Quantum Leap will be released on October 8th, 2021 via AFM Records.

You don’t need us to tell you just how great of a guitar player Gus G is. You already know this even if you’ve never heard a single piece of his solo work. Still, we’re going to tell you anyway as Quantum Leap is not just an album for those who love to hear guitar wankery. As an artist, Gus G is a much broader talent and while he is all up for showing off his guitar skills, it rarely distracts from the overall song structure. Simply put, it doesn’t feel like the guitar show even though it is often front and centre.

Perhaps the best thing about this instrumental release though is just how uplifting and feel-good a lot of the music is. For example, Into the Unknown feels like the moment you take a deep breath and take that all important step into unfamiliar but necessary territory. Chronesthesia’s wilder playing crafts a sense of urgency that demands you get up and get going right now. Whereas Enigma of Life is a more poignant power ballad to make you feel that little bit more thoughtful.

Just three classy and weighty instrumental efforts on an album filled with them. You can lose yourself to a lot of these tracks or you can study Gus G’s intricate playing, there’s something for everybody.

Talking of which… the digipack version of the album comes with some extras. Namely 7 extra live tracks where the roar of the crowd serves to remind you just how important live music is.

The main album is where it’s at though and Gus G continues to prove that his talents are indisputable.

Gus G – Quantum Leap Full Track Listing:

1. Into The Unknown
2. Exosphere
3. Quantum Leap
4. Chronesthesia
5. Enigma Of Life
6. Judgement Day
7. Fierce
8. Demon Stomp
9. Night Driver
10. Not Forgotten
11. Force Majeure (feat. Vinnie Moore)
12. Fearless (Live)
13. Mr. Manson (Live)
14. Letting Go (Live)
15. Cold Sweat (Live)
16. Force Majeure (Live)
17. Money For Nothing (Live)
18. Thrill Of The Chase (Live)

Links

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