Xander Demos
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Guitarist Xander Demos may not be a household name, but his playing is causing an increasing number of new fans and equipment manufacturers to take notice. Demos' combination of Shrapnel-era shred and melodic phrasing makes for a combination that appeals equally to guitarists and non-guitarists." - John Katic, Guitar World
"(Guitarcadia is) an instrumental guitar powerhouse of lighting fast melodic-guitar solos and space-time continuum chord structures and hard rock / metal arrangements...this CD is EPIC!" - Scott Thomas, Guitarz Forever
"(Guitarcadia is) an instrumental guitar powerhouse of lighting fast melodic-guitar solos and space-time continuum chord structures and hard rock / metal arrangements...this CD is EPIC!" - Scott Thomas, Guitarz Forever
" This man has talent just bleeding out of his hands...The overall musicality of this project floored me, as I had not heard a record of this style that felt this complete, since Malmsteen's Rising Force or the Speed Metal Symphony album from Cacophony (Marty Friedman and Jason Becker's project)...Man, what a crankable treat this is!" - Glitter2Gutter
For every Malmsteem, Johnson, Vai, or Moore, there's another ten upstart guitar heroes waiting to be heard. Add Pittsburgh guitarist Xander Demos to the list of the aspiring and entertaining, a 'one to watch'. Inspired by the aforementioned peers and many more, Demos is a neo-classical shred meister, offering full platter of the same on his full-length debut, Guitarcadia. - DangerDog: Craig Hartranft
Guitarist Xander Demos may not be a household name, but his playing is causing an increasing number of new fans and equipment manufacturers to take notice.
Demos' combination of Shrapnel-era shred and melodic phrasing makes for a combination that appeals equally to guitarists and non-guitarists - Guitar World
"What an amazing talent. We are floored." - Sherry Sabine, New Driven Rado
"What an amazing talent. We are floored." - Sherry Sabine, New Driven Rado
"that sh*! is killin'. I can not believe how smooth and fast that stuff is..My top 3 guitar players:...Randy Rhoads, Paul Gilbert, and Xander Demos,...in no particular order.." - Dave McNaught, McNaught Guitars
Xander Demos is a monster guitar player from Pittsburgh, PA.
How bad is he?
Bad enough to play in a Racer-X cover band, and bad enough to make you wish you would have stayed home to practice. - Musexezine.com
Xander Demos is a monster guitar player from Pittsburgh, PA.
How bad is he?
Bad enough to play in a Racer-X cover band, and bad enough to make you wish you would have stayed home to practice. - Musexezine.com
This is certainly a showcase for brilliant guitar playing. Did I hear some sweep picking in there? As an instrumental song, I like the recurring musical theme throughout that gives it continuity for the listener. This composition is so full of action that it could be soundtrack music for a film or television show featuring extreme sports or some other exhilarating activity. - Real Rocker Girl
"Xander is an extraordinary guitarist; allowing every note to shine to it's cleanest and fullest potential. The flow of his melodies and techniques are of the talent of a true professional and master of his craft. As a fan of Xander, I know that people are not only drawn to his music, but his knowledge of musical gear." - Web.com
Sound: I remember the first time I heard the guitar wizardry of Steve Vai on his track, "The Audience Is Listening", or the first time I heard the amazing sounds that eminated from my speakers, as Adrian Vanderberg's guitar sang to me on the Whitesnake album. Then, I discovered Xander Demos. From the opening guitar riff, I was greeted with a melodic, yet techical genius that will forever resound in my conscious. Vai, Vandenberg, Demos.
The songs are little treasures of both melody and shred. The blazing fast riffs are matched with harmonious feeling, because for Demos, the song is always the priority. Borrowing from essential influences like Neal Schon and Eric Johnson, Demos layers each brilliant texture with the skill of a mastercrafstman. While paying homage to these guitar heroes, Xander maintains complete artistic integrity; showcasing his outstanding chops and gift for songwriting. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: In addition to the instrumental tracks, a surprisingly pleasing find on the CD is Xander's cover of Don Henley's "Boys Of Summer". Mike Sciullo's vocal delivery matches the overall intensity of the track. Not your typical metal guitar fare, this song is easily the most radio friendly. // 8
Impression: "Road To Guitarcadia" is an EP that contains several tracks that are being remixed for Xander's full length CD, due this fall. The full length is being mixed by Firehouse singer, CJ Snare, and will no doubt continue the path to stardom for Mr. Demos. Standout tracks are "Right Angles" and "Up From The Skies", while Xander's tender take on Chris DeBurgh's classic "Lady In Red" is perfect for listening with your lady. Maybe, she'll let you leave the rest of this incredible gem on in the background... This is a must have for any fan of guitar albums. So, turn it up and play it loud! // 9 - Utimate-Guitar.com
Discography
-Road To Guitarcadia EP, 2010
-Vents Infest Compilation, 2011
-Guitarcadia, 2012
-The Cigar Chronicles (Liberty N Justice), 2012
-We Live, We Breathe, We Die (Ged Rylands), 2012
Photos
Bio
Xander Demos is a high-energy rock and metal guitar player from Pittsburgh, PA. He currently fronts his own solo band, as well as playing lead guitar for Pittsburgh's favorite party rock outfit, Into The Arena. Xander performs in excess of 100 times a year, and he is active in recording collaborations with artists all over the world. Xander plays guitars from Suhr, McNaught and Conklin, with whom he has endorsement deals. His endorsement from these guitar companies is a testament to his impressive skills and his deep commitment to playing the best guitars in the world.
Xander's style ranges from the beautifully melodic to the jaw-droppingly insane. His playing encompasses much of what he has learned and absorbed from other players over the years; artists like Shawn Lane, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker, Neal Schon, Michael Romeo and John Sykes. One constant in his music is a focus on strong guitar melodies. On February 29, 2012, Xander released his full-length follow-up to his EP "Road To Guitarcadia.” The new album was mixed by CJ Snare of Firehouse. The album is simply titled, “Guitarcadia,” and it contains 10 incredible tracks of pure guitar heaven. This release will be followed by an instructional DVD, while performing with his two live bands every week and passing on his passion for guitar by giving in person and online instructions to eager students.
Recently, Xander has been making quite the name for himself and his solo band by appearing as support for acts like Adrenaline Mob, Buckethead, UFO, Lizzy Borden, Kip Winger, Neil Zaza and Dio Disciples. He recently had the #1 Metal and Progressive music video on Myspace, with the photo montage clip of his song, “Chase the Sun.” It was the follow-up video to another #1--his last single, “Right Angles.” New single, “White Knuckle Driving” has just been released and is being promoted internationally by Cameron Tilbury Publicity, receiving airplay in Brazil, Russia, Denmark, the UK and all over the world! Xander has recently been featured on The Real Radio Show with AJ Pero of Twisted Sister, Steve Vai’s GuitarTV.com, GuitarWorld.com, Hair Metal Mansion, Iron City Rocks, Metal Temple, Bravewords and many other top rock and metal shows and websites. Nominated for Best Guitarist, 2011 Iron City Rocks Music Awards and 2013 Southern Star Network Independent Artist of the Year, Xander’s music will also appear on several releases from other artists: Ged Ryland (Ten, Tygers of Pan Tang,) Derek Buddemeyer (Down Boys Records) and Liberty ‘N’ Justice’s long awaited “Cigar Chronicles,” also featuring George Lynch (Dokken) Jeff Labar (Cinderella) and Jerry Dixon (Warrant.) Xander recently joined James Rivera’s Sabbath Judas Sabbath tribute band, which will tour on the east coast of the US this year.
In addition to these accomplishments, Xander is an avid animal lover. Always looking for projects that will aid these beautiful creatures, Xander is donating a portion of his album sales to the ASPCA.
Xander plays: V-Picks, the Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra as well as Hughes and Kettner amps, ISP Guitar Systems and Suhr Guitars, Amps & Effects, McNaught Guitars, who are currently manufacturing the first Xander Demos Signature Guitar, Conklin Guitars and John Dixon Cases. Many of Xander's guitars are outfitted with EMG pickups and accessories. He exclusively uses the FloydUpgrades tremolos or the GraphTech LB-63 piezo-equipped Floyd tremolo. Xander is signed exclusively to Rock ‘N’ Growl Records for worldwide digital distribution.
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