Gus G – Quantum Leap

There’s hardly a year that goes by where GDM doesn’t take a dive into the guitar world of Greek guitar god Gus G.

Written by: gdmonline

ARTIST: Gus G
ALBUM: Quantum Leap
LABEL: AFM Records
SERIAL: AFM 795-9
YEAR: 2021

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

LINEUP: Gus G – all instruments
TRACK LISTING:
CD1
01 Into The Unknown * 02 Exosphere * 03 Quantum Leap * 04 Chronesthesia * 05 Enigma Of Life * 06 Judgement Day * 07 Fierce * 08 Demon Stomp * 09 Night Driver * 10 Not Forgotten * 11 Force Majeure

Live In Budapest 2018 (CD2)
01 Fearless * 02 Mr. Manson * 03 Letting Go * 04 Cold Sweat (Thin Lizzy) * 05 Force Majeure * 06 Money For Nothing (Dire Straits) * 07 Thrill Of The Chase

RATING:

WEBLINKS: Site Link

Background

There’s hardly a year that goes by where GDM doesn’t take a dive into the guitar world of Greek guitar god Gus G (try saying that fast!). We can trace our first look at Gus’ musical involvement going back two decades with the likes of Firewind, Mystic Prophecy and Dream Evil, not forgetting his stint with Ozzy Osbourne too.

In recent times I have taken more interest in his solo work, as I did previously with Tony MacAlpine. So during mid 2021, it was great to see a 2 x CD relesse from AFM Records. It piqued my interest based off Gus’ 2018 album ‘Fearless’ which was pretty damn good. We probably should have reviewed this just prior to going offline late last year, but here we are, a half finished review 13 months overdue getting some TLC at long last.

The Songs

Yes, there’s a lot of great things going on here, all instrumental as it turns out. Much of the material here as can be expected is in the ‘fast and furious’ mold though highly melodic and tasteful. My picks include the fiery ‘Exosphere’, the soaring heights of the title track ‘Quantum Leap’ which borrows from the aforementioned Tony MacAlpine plus the highly memorable ‘Fierce’ backed up by a super hilarious video (see link below).

Of note, the three tracks which ease off the speed and add a higher melodic quota are absolute majestic highlights. These include the sublime ‘Enigma Of Life’, the layered ‘Night Driver’ which has what sounds like some synthwave backing arrangement. ‘Not Forgotten’ is the album’s slow burn track, and what a killer it is too.

In Summary

This really is a great record with a decent helping of studio tracks on one disc coupled with a super selection of live cuts on the second. I’m still unsure why Gus has to trot out that musty old Dire Straits chestnut ‘Money For Nothing’ though, it really should be left in the 80’s. It is offset by the amazing ‘Thrill Of The Chase’. Check that one out. Other than that, you’re definitely getting your monies worth here.

Video

Enigma Of Life

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