Mastercastle is an Italian heavy metal band that fuses traditional metal qualities with the grandiose skilled musicianship of neo-classical metal.

Founded by guitarist Pier Gonella (also Necrodeath) together with vocalist , new-comer Giorgia Gueglio the band are rapidly developing a loyal fanbase and a trademark sound. The guitar work of Pier is sure to please fans of the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen with its strong riffs and explosive lead work. Whilst Giorgia Gueglio vocals are equal to task of matching Gonella’s guitar work with their great power and soaring qualities and also serve in giving Mastercastle their own unique sound. Mastercastle are completed by the rhythm section of bassist Steve Vawamas and hystorical drummer John Macaluso (Y.Malmsteen, James Labrie, Ark...) who combine to create a solid backdrop for all tracks.

Mastercastle were born in January 2008 by Pier and Giorgia. The pair had had several music projects in the past and wanted to try something different. No fixed genre was chosen with the emphasis being on producing music in a natural way. The pair wrote a number of songs and then chose 4 to record for a promo to gain label interest. The first musician contacted to help complete the demo was drummer Alessandro Bissa (Labyrinth-Vision Divine). Having worked in the past with Pier and Giorgia, Bissa’s arrival changed the initial project into a real band. The line up was completed by Steve Vawamas on bass guitar and the name Mastercastle was settled on for the new band that went on to complete the recordings of the four song demo.

On July 2008 they sent those four tracks to Lion Music, later signing with them. Mastercastle’s debut album “The Phoenix” was released on April 17 2009. The album met with widespread critical acclaim and the video for “Princess Of Love” rapidly clocked up over 150,000 views on YouTube. The album was licensed and printed in Japan under the label "Spiritual Beast".

The band quickly set about entering the studio to record their second release "Last Desire" which saw release on June 18th 2010. Possessing a more straight ahead style the album once again met with critical success. The album had a second print as "special edition" with 4 bonus tracks.

Wanting to build on the momentum gained from the first two releases the band set about writing and recording their third album “Dangerous Diamonds” which saw release on 18 November 2012 and saw the band merging the styles of the previous two releases to create a signature sound. 

Additionally the band contributed to new track “Sakura” to the Lion Music Japan Red Cross Benefit album “Embrace The Sun” (including artists like Jennifer Batten, Milan Polak and many more) and released a promo video to accompany the track.

Mid 2012 saw Mastercastle regroup to write and record their fourth album. The album has the prestigious honour of welcoming of drum legend John Macaluso to the band with a release anticipated in early 2013 on Lion Music. Due to many engagements John cannot guarantee his presence in any gig so the bands founded another equally prestigious drummer  for the rest: Francesco La Rosa (Thought Machine, Meganoidi, Extrema...)

Mastercastle are actually working on their 5th album.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mastercastle band official site