INTERVIEW: New Music from Gus Defelice

London-based Italian musician, multi-instrumentalist and producer Gus Defelice has made a name for himself through his daring approach to instrumental storytelling. Fusing progressive, classical and futuristic sounds, his work is centred around his instrument of choice; the guitar. Each work he releases lets his guitar command the music, creating a powerful and immersive experiences for listeners.

Since the release of his debut album Reborn in 2017, he’s consistently brought a visceral sound that delivers intense personal and emotional worlds. Followed up with more singles and his sophomore album Forward which landed in 2021, he now brings us his latest release with his new single titled “Luring Depths,” an instrumental track that plunges listeners into the shadows of his childhood memories.

Inspired by a recurring nightmare that haunted him from a young age, “Luring Depths” takes on a reflection of a profoundly personal story stemming from his past. This nightmare wasn’t a fleeting experience but one that ultimately revealed itself as a metaphor for complex familial relationships and the inner battles they can provoke.

Jumping straight in with the chug of distorted guitar, lively rhythms are accented by the punching drums as the track charges into a dark riff-driven sound. Flowing with brooding energy cut with the rattle of drum fills and led by the ever-present crunch of Gus’ slick guitar work, the track shifts through rhythm shifts to craft an engaging and energising listening experience.

His guitar cuts through the atmosphere like a blade, with uncompromising performance channeling the relentless energy of doom metal and sludge with churning, crushing riffs. Building to an epic finale, tapped guitar leads take flight to cast a rousing sound before the intricate solo notes tumble to deliver a scorching conclusion to this emphatic outing of instrumental metal music.

Putting his creativity and performance panache on full display, with “Luring Depths,” Gus Defelice serves up an impactful slice of modern guitar-driven music. As he continues to impress on his enduring musical story, Gus Defelice confirms his status as a must-watch artist in the heavy music sphere.

We caught up with Gus Defelice to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Luring Depths” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Gus Defelice below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music goes back to when I was about 3 or 4 years old. It was Christmas, and all my cousins were there, playing and celebrating. I climbed up on a chair and started rocking out with an air guitar, fully absorbed in the moment. It was like my first little performance, even if only in my imagination!

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from several artists, Dream Theater, Metallica, Tool, Judas Priest, Gojira, Rammstein with each period of my musical journey marked by a different artist for various reasons.
The first artist who truly inspired me to take the guitar to a professional level was, without a doubt, Gary Moore.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

In addition to drawing inspiration from various artists, I find inspiration through experiences that leave a strong emotional impact. Long travels have been a big influence, as they give me time and space for deep reflection and new perspectives.

I also draw on memories, personal challenges, and even recurring dreams—like one I had as a kid that I recently explored in Luring Depths. All these elements help me capture and convey the emotions I want to express through my music.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

The highlights of my year so far have been the releases of three singles: Starlight in August, Desert Dunes in September, and Luring Depths in October.

Starlight has a powerful, evocative feel that captures a lot of attention, while Luring Depths dives deeper, exploring darker themes with a haunting intensity that listeners seem to connect with. These two singles have resonated well with listeners and marked high points for me in terms of reception and impact.

Desert Dunes, on the other hand, is a more intricate, cinematic piece, designed with layered complexity—it’s one I’m proud of for its depth and ambition.

What do you love about the London music scene?

Its diversity and energy. There’s an endless variety of genres and styles, from underground metal and experimental sounds to world-class classical and jazz.

London has this raw, creative pulse where established artists and fresh talent coexist, and there’s always something new or unexpected to experience. The venues, too, are incredible—whether it’s a cosy pub with an intimate atmosphere or a larger venue like the O2 that can hold massive crowds, each spot brings its own vibe.

London feels like a place where music isn’t just performed; it’s lived and celebrated in every corner; a city where some of the greatest names, like Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie and many others carved out musical history.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

The perfect setting for listeners to dive into my music is when they’re in motion—whether that’s driving, taking a brisk walk or run, or powering through a gym workout.

There’s a pulse and intensity in my tracks that pairs well with movement, where listeners can feel the momentum and energy carry them along. For a drive, the music creates a cinematic, almost journey-like experience, turning the road into a soundtrack. On a walk, especially with a quick pace, it offers a soundtrack to match the rhythm of the city or nature.

In the gym, my music’s intensity can be a boost, helping listeners push through challenging moments. Each setting lets the listener feel immersed and engaged, drawing on the energy of the music to fuel their own movement.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My style and sound have evolved significantly over the years. It all started with blues, where I learned the soulfulness and emotional depth of music. From there, I moved into rock, and as my playing and taste grew, I naturally gravitated toward heavier sounds.

This led me into metal, then Thrash Metal, with its raw, aggressive energy, which really challenged and expanded my technical abilities. Eventually, I found my way into Progressive and Death Metal, which opened up a whole new realm of complexity and depth.

In these genres, I discovered a world of intricate structures, unconventional rhythms, and darker, more introspective themes that resonate deeply with me; the journey has been about layering new elements and influences while holding onto the core of what first drew me to music.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Yes, my production process has been in constant evolution. Each year, I find ways to improve and refine it and never stop learning—whether it’s studying new techniques, experimenting with emerging sounds, or collaborating with other musicians and producers who bring fresh perspectives.

This continuous study and openness to change have allowed me to push the boundaries of my sound. I’m always exploring new tools, production methods, and technologies to ensure that each project feels more polished, unique, and creatively fulfilling than the last.

I’ve been posting about techniques on Instagram and the method I am using to produce music, so other guitar players and students can check it out.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

My dream collaboration list includes some of the absolute legends of today’s music scene, though working with them would be quite a feat! Dream Theater, with their unparalleled complexity and musicianship, would be incredible to work with.

Gojira’s intense, atmospheric sound, and Mastodon’s unique blend of progressive and heavy elements are huge sources of inspiration for me. I also admire Kiko Loureiro’s technical skill, both in his solo work and with Angra, and I’d love to work with Lamb of God and Testament as well—two bands that have truly mastered their craft and pushed metal to new heights.

These artists have shaped the sound of modern metal and progressive music, and collaborating with any of them would be an absolute dream come true!

How did you find making your new single “Luring Depths”?

A couple of months ago, I was dozing off on my sofa, listening to Gojira (one of my absolute favourites). In that hazy, half-asleep state, something clicked—a flash of inspiration so intense it woke me up. To be honest, I’d been “waiting for something” to trigger ideas for my next album, almost like that feeling when you walk into a shop and find exactly what you need, like it was “calling” to you. That’s how music often speaks to me.

But that moment was just the beginning. Over the next few days, I focused on capturing and channelling that intensity. In the studio and even during long, brisk walks, I kept returning to that feeling, working to bring the rawness and depth of that moment on the sofa into the track’s sound. I’m not entirely sure I wasn’t dreaming at the time—maybe, in a way, I was back in that elevator from my childhood nightmares, though I can’t recall it precisely. Whatever it was, it struck a chord that’s still resonating in my music.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

With Luring Depths, I wanted to capture the unsettling fear and deep-rooted unease of a recurring childhood nightmare. In the dream, I’d enter the elevator in my family’s home, expecting to reach the ground floor, but instead, it would descend further and further, almost as if something sinister was pulling me down. The descent was filled with ominous sounds, and when it finally stopped, I’d find myself in a personal vision of ‘hell’—not with fire and demons, but in an eerily silent, metallic room, suspended in time, radiating an intense sense of danger and death. Ahead of me was a large door, which I sensed would open to a more ‘traditional’ hellish landscape, but I was always too terrified to open it.

Creating Luring Depths allowed me to confront and express the complex emotions bound up in that nightmare—fear, curiosity, and the sense of something dark lying just beyond reach. This release is a cathartic journey, letting me revisit that childhood dread and transform it into something listeners can feel and experience.

How do you find conveying emotion in music without lyrics

Conveying emotion without lyrics is all about creating an atmosphere and using each note, chord, and progression to evoke a specific feeling. I focus on texture, dynamics, and melody to communicate the core emotion I want listeners to experience. The intensity of a riff, the choice of scale, or even subtle shifts in timing can convey longing, tension, or release.

Layering is another essential technique—different instruments or effects can add depth, allowing the music to “speak” on multiple levels. For instance, heavy distortion or a slower tempo can evoke a sense of weight or introspection, while brighter, faster notes can feel energetic or hopeful. It’s like storytelling without words; each instrument is a character, and together, they build an emotional narrative that listeners can interpret and feel in their own way.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Funny enough, I’ve been listening to a lot of the artists I’ve mentioned, like Gojira, Kiko Loureiro, and Lamb of God. I’d also add Alcest to the list.

Gojira’s music always brings that raw, heavy energy and intricate riffs that resonate deeply. Lately, their album Fortitude has been on repeat—it’s a masterpiece of powerful messages and crushing sound.

Kiko Loureiro is inspiring on a whole other level. His guitar technique and fusion of Brazilian influences with metal are incredible, and his work with Megadeth has some mind-blowing solos, moreover his latest album ”Theory of Mind” is a piece of art.

As for Lamb of God, their album Ashes of the Wake keeps pulling me back—especially for its intense riffs and lyrical depth that tackle challenging themes.

Lastly, Alcest offers something different, with a dreamlike atmosphere that’s uniquely captivating. I’ve been revisiting their album Écailles de Lune lately; it’s a perfect blend of black metal and shoegaze that somehow always feels fresh and ethereal.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

The main thing I want people to get from listening to my music is a sense of connection—to tap into their own emotions and experiences through the sounds and themes I explore. I hope it allows them to set themselves free, to feel a release from whatever they’re carrying, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

My music is crafted to be immersive, almost like a journey, where listeners can explore complex emotions, confront hidden thoughts, or just feel pure, uninhibited freedom.

At its core, I want my music to be a mirror, reflecting back something meaningful and personal to each listener, encouraging both self-discovery and release.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

My favourite live performance so far was Rammstein in Zurich a couple of years ago. The experience was absolutely massive—the sound was thunderous, and the immersive atmosphere they created was unlike anything I’d experienced before. With their intense pyrotechnics, flawless stage presence, and powerful, resonant music, it felt like being transported into another world. Rammstein’s ability to combine music with such a striking visual experience made it unforgettable.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

If I could choose three artists to headline my dream festival, they would be Dream Theater, Gojira, and Mastodon. These bands represent such a perfect blend of technical mastery, powerful storytelling, and intensity, each bringing a unique energy to the stage that would make for an unforgettable festival experience.

As for the location, I’d choose somewhere dramatic and inspiring, like the Scottish Highlands or near Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. Both places have this epic, almost otherworldly beauty that would create a powerful backdrop for a festival.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Absolutely. For any new artist wanting to carve their own path, my advice would be to stay true to your unique voice and vision. Take the time to understand what drives you, both musically and personally, and let that guide your work. Dedicate yourself to constant learning—whether it’s honing your instrument, improving your production skills, or studying the artists who inspire you. Don’t be afraid of hard work and persistence; the journey can be long and challenging, but every step you take builds your foundation.

Another key is to find collaborators and mentors. Working with others can teach you so much about the craft, and having people who push you creatively will elevate your work. Also, embrace feedback, but stay focused on your own goals and values and, finally, give yourself the freedom to experiment and take risks.

The most meaningful music often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

For the rest of 2024, I have some exciting plans! The fourth single from my upcoming album, The Sound of Inevitability, will be released soon. This concept album delves into seven themes that represent life’s inescapable forces: Time, Death, Change, Entropy, Aging, Evolution, and Conflict. Each track is inspired by a significant person in my life, making it a deeply personal journey.

So far, I’ve released three singles—Starlight, Desert Dunes, and Luring Depths—each capturing a unique aspect of life’s inevitable forces. The response has been incredible, and I’m truly grateful to the fans who’ve connected with these tracks. With each song, I strive to channel the raw, unyielding forces that shape us all. Now, I’m putting the finishing touches on the next single, which is set to be released on all platforms at the end of November 2024.

Listen to Luring Depths below