For those who have never heard of GUS G., my question is; under which rock have you been hiding? Even if you don't his original band FIREWIND, with whom he released the total of 11 albums,  you should at least beware that he has been the main guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE for a number of years, resulting in him writing for the 2010 "Scream" album. On top of that he cooperated in bands like DREAM EVIL, NIGHTRAGE and MYSTIC PROPHECY. But he also is capable of writing and producing his solo material, which he releases under his own name. now, on 24 April 2026, it is time for his fifth solo achievement with "Steel Burner". Well, I say solo, but of course he has help from other musicians and some remarkable vocalists.

I don't know if the record company Metal Department did it on purpose, but there is a mistake in who sings which songs. Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW, MSG, VANDENBERG) sings on "Frenemy" and "My Premonition", but on the info sheet it states that he sings on "Confession". Well, let me put it this way, if he does, they forgot to turn on his microphone. You've also got Doro Pesch, who gives us a very raspy rendition of her vocal abilities on "Nothing Can Break Me". Matt Barlow (ASHES OF ARES) does "Dancing With Death", and he does a very good job there. Last, but definitely not least there is Dino Jelusick (JELUSICK, WHITESNAKE) who sings his lungs out on "No One Has To Know", by far the best vocal achievement on "Steel Burner".  And even though I feel that all the singers have done well, nobody has been challenged enough to rise above themselves, to preform at their absolute top. That is the only critique I can give you vocally.

Musically the "Steel Burner" album is quite solid as well. Yes, there are a few instrumentals to be experienced, but GUS G. is very aware that the songs must come first, not his guitar antics. And he does that with flair, making sure that every song, with or without vocals, sounds as good as he can make them. It makes "Steel Burner" into an album that is to be enjoyed by a large part of the Melodic Rock and Metal community, but also by those who like their guitarist oriented music. He has found a good balance. This is decent in all respects, but just misses the qualities to make it exceptional. At least that is my opinion.