Craig ‘Goonzi’ Gowans of Bleed From Within praises his guitar as “awesome” and expresses his love for it.

Since the early days of heavy metal, the image of the ultimate metal guitar has evolved. Some are drawn to the classic styles like the Flying V or the Explorer from Gibson, or the unique shapes created by BC Rich in the ’80s, such as the Warlock and the Ironbird. The sight of Max Cavalera playing a white Warlock with Sepultura or Trey Azagthoth shredding on a red Ironbird with Morbid Angel left a lasting impression on many. Jackson guitars also make their mark with guitars like the Kelly and the King V, favored by skilled players like Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine.

Then there are the iconic models like the Ibanez Iceman, popularized by Paul Stanley and later by Tom G Warrior of Celtic Frost/Triptykon, adding to the array of high-performance guitars in the metal scene. The S-style guitars, known as Superstrats, have a special place in the hearts of Craig ‘Goonzi’ Gowans and Steven Jones from Bleed From Within. When interviewed backstage at the Tons Of Rock festival, they shared their love for these instruments and how they contribute to their distinctive metalcore sound.

Jones prefers a 2023 Caparison TAT Special for its stock features, while Goonzi opts for an ESP/LTD Mirage M-1000HT in Black Natural Fade with some custom modifications. Goonzi’s preference for gold hardware on all his guitars stems not just from its appearance, but also from how well it complements the finish of the instrument. His beloved ESP/LTD Mirage comes with black hardware, but Goonzi’s personal touch of gold adds a special touch to the guitar’s aesthetic.

Despite not delving into every technical detail, Goonzi’s guitar of choice gets the job done for now, including a 7-string version that also finds a place in his collection. Meanwhile, the big question surrounding Jones remains the whereabouts of his whammy bar and whether he will ever use it. With Bleed From Within’s latest album Zenith out now, fans can experience the band’s unique sound that is partially shaped by their choice in guitars.

For those interested in the specific guitar models mentioned, ESP Guitars offers more information on the ESP/LTD M-1000HT, while Caparison provides details on the TAT Special’s specifications and unique contouring, designed to wrap around the player’s body and aid in accessing all 27 frets of the instrument. Looking ahead, Tons Of Rock has already announced a stellar lineup for 2026 with Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Yungblud, and others set to perform. Tickets for the event can be found on the Tons Of Rock website, promising an unforgettable experience for metal enthusiasts.