Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends have released official video for the single “Tyranny of Tone” feat. Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Bruce Kulick, Gus G & others in support of the California Fire Foundation.
“Tyranny of Tone” is the 2026 powerhouse release from Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends, a guitar-driven instrumental album that unites Tarquin’s analog craftsmanship with an extraordinary roster of world-class players. Recorded at Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios and mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering, the album blends Fusion, Rock, Cinematic textures, and deep musical camaraderie all in service of a cause that matters. Most importantly, the album supports the California Fire Foundation, helping families of fallen firefighters and communities recovering from catastrophic fires. Tarquin’s Heavy Friends projects have long centered on giving back — and “Tyranny of Tone” continues that legacy with heart, intention, and world-class musicianship.
Watch the official video for “Tyranny of Tone” via the YouTube player below:
The titular single “Tyranny of Tone” feat. Joe Satriani debuted at #32 on the Classic Rock Radio Charts.
A curator of tone, collaboration, and purpose Brian Tarquin is a multi-Emmy Award–winning composer, guitarist, producer, and engineer whose career spans decades with Top 10 radio hits across several formats as Smooth Jazz, NACC Loud Rock, Roots Music Reports, Metal Contraband, Jam Band & CMJ’s RPM charts. His 2024 release “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” was the #1 Fusion album in 2024 on Roots Music Reports. Tarquin has also been heard by tens of millions on such popular television scores as CSI, Ellen, Extra, TMZ, 60 Minutes, Sex and the City to name few. He has more than 50 million streams across Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music. His Jungle Room Studios has become a creative hub where Tarquin composes, tracks, and mixes his Heavy Friends projects — albums built around generosity, mentorship, and the joy of bringing elite musicians together.
In the album’s liner notes Larry Crane of Tape Op praises Tarquin as “a damn good musician, writer, producer, and engineer” calling “Tyranny of Tone” a warm, analog-rich record that feels like the classic albums of the ’70s and ’80s. Tarquin records to 2-inch tape, mixes through a Trident console, and masters directly from tape — giving the album its focused tones, musical warmth, and timeless feel. Every note on “Tyranny of Tone” reflects Tarquin’s commitment to tone, authenticity, and service. The album’s analog workflow gives it the warmth and musicality of classic rock and fusion records, while the collaborative spirit honors the friendships and artistic bonds Tarquin has built over decades.
The Heavy Friends: a lineup of guitar legends and virtuosos “Tyranny of Tone” features an extraordinary cast of collaborators — players who shaped Rock, Fusion, Prog, and modern guitar culture: Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett (Genesis), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Doug Rappoport (Edgar Winter), Gary Hoey, Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Stu Hamm (Steve Vai).
Plus two extraordinary violinists: Joe Deninzon (Kansas, Stratospheerius) and Karen Briggs (Peter Gabriel).
Purchase/Stream “Tyranny of Tone” here: Bandcamp | Amazon Music | Spotify | Apple Music |
YouTube Music
Tracklist:
01. Tyranny of Tone feat. Joe Satriani
02. IG-NITE feat. Steve Hackett
03. Out of the Ashes feat. Gary Hoey, Joe Deninzon & Hal Lindes
04. Dead Reckoning feat. Gus G
05. Atom Smasher feat. Bumblefoot & Stu Hamm
06. Intergalactic Burn feat. Bruce Kulick
07. Übermensch feat. Doug Rappoport
08. Visions of the Eternal Flame feat. Karen Briggs
09. Phoenix Rising feat. Carl Verheyen
Artist Quotes:
“Brian is a righteous dude. It’s cool track, I had fun playing to it … he is a very prolific writer, cheers to him!” – Joe Satriani
Tarquin is “a damn good musician, writer, producer, and engineer” calling Tyranny of Tone “a warm, analog-rich record that feels like the classic albums of the ’70s and ’80s.” – Larry Crane Tape Op Magazine
“Brian is a killer guitarist, a world-class artist and a true visionary who has produced a beautiful album. He has assembled an unparalleled cast of guest artists. I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be a part of this project.” – Joe Deninzon (Kansas)
“‘Phoenix Rising’ was my first effort at home recording, and I really enjoyed the challenge! I believe it’s a fitting song to end the album and as a Los Angeles born native, I hope the California Fire Foundation truly benefits from this noble project.” – Carl Verheyen (Supertramp)
“Bath in the sonic splendor of a landscape chock full of sublime virtuosic guitaring while at the same time supporting the California Fire Foundation.” – Hal Lindes (Dire Straits)
“Always a pleasure to play on Brian’s songs – great music and a great cause!” – Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
“I was glad to play on this song, as part of an important cause.”- Steve Hackett (Genesis)
“It was a blast playing a solo on Ubermensch! The chord progression inspired me to explore melodic choices I don’t usually make, and I was very happy with how it turned out. It was great to be a part of the project! Thank you!” – Doug Rappoport (The Edgar Winter Band)
“It was great to be a part of Brian Tarquin’s latest release “Tyranny of Tone” and to help a great cause after the devastating California fires. It was truly an honor to be next to all these legendary musicians.” – Gary Hoey (Lou Gramm)