King Diamond band photo

KING DIAMOND Unleashes Guitar Revolution: The Rise of Gus G

By Jason •
As Andy La Rocque exits, the legendary frontman reveals how Greek virtuoso Gus G will step into the shadows of metal's dark throne.

In a candid interview with Frank Godla of Metal Injection, KING DIAMOND's iconic frontman opened up about the seismic shift in the band’s lineup following the departure of longtime guitarist Andy La Rocque. The metal stalwart made it clear that while their paths have diverged, he cherishes the friendship that will endure beyond the stage. ‘We are certainly still friends. That’s never gonna change,’ King stated, reflecting on a split that had been brewing for some time. It was a decision not made in haste but rather one that acknowledged the natural evolution of the band’s dynamics.

King elaborated on the gradual rift, explaining that it was not the result of a singular incident but rather a culmination of diverging paths, especially in the wake of Andy’s reaction to the band’s new touring plans. ‘When he heard the new touring plans... it was more like, ‘Oh my God. Are you kidding me?’ I don’t think he likes touring that much,’ King shared, drawing parallels to past members who stepped away for similar reasons. As KING DIAMOND embarks on longer tours, the pressures of the road have proven too much for some, but King is resolute in pushing forward.

Enter Gus G, the Greek guitar virtuoso known for his work with FIREWIND and as Ozzy Osbourne’s axe-slinger. King recounted how the decision to bring Gus into the fold came highly recommended by both Hank Shermann and Metal Blade Records’ Brian Slagel, leading to an immediate exploration of Gus’s work. ‘I didn’t know who Gus G was initially... then I started listening and got very interested,’ King admitted. This wasn’t your standard audition process; it was a deep dive into the chemistry that could redefine KING DIAMOND’s sound.

King emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy laid down by Andy while simultaneously allowing Gus to carve out his own identity within the band. ‘He’s gonna copy Andy as close as he can on the classic songs... but this is not like a hired hand. He’s in the band — 100%.’ The synergy between King and Gus appears promising, with discussions already underway about how to blend their styles. Fans can expect a fresh yet familiar sound that respects the storied history of KING DIAMOND.

Addressing concerns from loyal fans regarding the impact of this lineup change on the band’s sound, King was quick to reaffirm his creative dominance in the project. With the vast majority of the band’s music and all of its lyrics crafted by him, he reassured listeners that the essence of KING DIAMOND remains intact. ‘You’re forgetting something. I have written by far the most in KING DIAMOND,’ he stated, exuding confidence that the upcoming studio album will continue to bear the unmistakable mark of the band’s dark legacy.