Greek heavy metal guitarist Konstantinos Karamitroudis (aka
Gus G) has been nothing short of prolific, playing in groups such as
Mystic Prophecy,
Nightrage,
Arch Enemy,
Dream Evil, and
Ozzy Osbourne's band.
Born in Thessaloniki in 1980, Karamitroudis was inspired by his father, a singer. He had access to his father's extensive rock record collection, which led to him picking up guitar at aged ten. Within four years he had begun taking lessons a local conservatory before leaving Greece at 18 to study at the Berklee College of Music. He recorded a demo in 1998, throwing together a band called
Firewind to showcase his abilities. This led to tenures with
Nightrage,
Dream Evil, and
Mystic Prophecy. After releasing an album with each of these bands, Karamitroudis reignited
Firewind as a fully fledged project. He received a call from
Ozzy Osbourne's band in 2009, inviting him to audition as the replacement for
Zakk Wylde; he was hired on the spot after performing for them. He launched his solo career in 2014 with the debut album
I Am the Fire, which was quickly followed by two more, 2015's
Brand New Revolution and 2018's Fearless.
Firewind was on an extended hiatus due to the loss of their singer, but they returned in the late 2010s, releasing their ninth studio album,
Firewind, in 2020. Karamitroudis' fourth solo album.
Quantum Leap, followed in 2021. ~ Liam Martin