Internationally acclaimed guitarist Gus G., known as the mastermind of Firewind, will release his fifth solo album, Steel Burner, on April 24, 2026, via Metal Department Records. The album blends modern instrumental metal with vocal collaborations from prominent artists in the genre. It marks his first solo project in five years, following extensive post-pandemic touring.
Gus G., the guitarist and composer behind Firewind, has announced details of his upcoming fifth solo album, titled Steel Burner. Set for release on April 24, 2026, through Metal Department Records, the album represents a return to his solo work after a five-year hiatus filled with heavy touring in the post-pandemic era.
The project fuses Gus G.'s signature style of technical precision, melody, and intensity in instrumental tracks with vocal features from respected metal vocalists. The title track, "Steel Burner," originated as a commission for a company producing industrial machines and inspired the album's overall concept. This instrumental piece is currently streaming on digital platforms, accompanied by an official video.
Vocal highlights include "Nothing Can Break Me," featuring Doro Pesch, which serves as a metal anthem on themes of inner strength and resilience. Matt Barlow, formerly of Iced Earth and Ashes of Ares, lends his voice to "Dancing With Death," an epic track exploring addiction. Dino Jelusick appears on "No One Has To Know," a hard rock song addressing artificial personas on social media. Ronnie Romero, known from Rainbow and a recent joint tour with Gus G., contributes to two tracks: "Frenemy" and "My Premonition."
Gus G. reflected on the album: "This is my first solo album release in 5 years. As I’ve been pretty busy in the post-pandemic world with heavy touring, I always had the idea to put out another solo album at some point. This time around, I felt I wanted the best of both worlds – being able to explore guitar instrumental music, but also collaborate with singers I love and am a fan of."
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Dennis Ward, who has worked with Helloween and Pink Cream 69, Steel Burner offers a contemporary sound that balances instrumental complexity and vocal elements. The full tracklist comprises: "Steel Burner," "Nothing Can Break Me" (featuring Doro), "Dancing With Death" (featuring Matt Barlow), "Advent," "What If," "Frenemy" (featuring Ronnie Romero), "No One Has To Know" (featuring Dino Jelusick), "Confession," "My Premonition" (featuring Ronnie Romero), and "Closure."
Prior to the album, digital singles "My Premonition" and "Advent" have been released.