Brazilian singer/guitarist/songwriter Gus Monsanto has parted ways with French prog-metal band ADAGIO after four years of hard work, which included a successful album and an European tour.

"We parted ways friendly. It has been an overwhelming experience to fill David Readman's shoes and I will take with me the great people I met on the road, the friends I made during this period, the countries I have visited. The road stories and great music I made with Stephan, Franck, Eric and Kevin will not be forgotten. They will carry on as the archangels in black they are, we are metal commandos," Monsanto said.

Gus' departure from Adagio will allow him to focus in other hard rock and heavy metal projects.

"There's a lot on my plate right now. June 8th will see the release of THE LIGHTSEEKERS CD, which is a really great French hard rock band I have been working with. I also have a spankin' new project called ZYON VEGA, with fellow AQUARIA members Bruno Agra (drums), Fernando Giovanetti (bass) and Alberto Kury (keyboards), plus ATLANTIDA's guitarist, Alexandre Macedo, who's been pursuing this new chapter with me," Monsanto said.

Samples of Gus' latest efforts are available at this location.

Upcoming events...

Separately, Gus is currently in advanced talks to join a well-known U.S. hard rock band replacing a world famous vocalist.

"I cannot tell the name of the band or anything else right now but I will disclose details as talks progress," Monsanto said.

Finally, Gus Monsanto is in the final stages of his first experience as a producer, with Brazilian metal band SKYRION, whose album is due out shortly.