Dominic Cifarelli

"The first time I played a 513, it really did change the way I looked and felt about modern electric guitars. Gone are the days of poor intonation and going out of tune so easily. Thanks for making beautiful, musical, angelic guitars. I can't imagine touring without them".

Dominic Cifarelli is a Canadian guitarist who debuted on the music scene in 2001 with the signing of his first band Pulse Ultra by Velvet Hammer/Atlantic who manages the likes of System of a Down, Deftones, Alice in Chains and various others. Following the signing, Pulse Ultra performed extensively on multiple tours including Ozzfest in Europe and the U.S. as well as supporting spots for American Headcharge, Chevelle and Taproot internationally and in Europe. In 2002 Dominic was featured alongside John Mayer, Derek Trucks & Joe Bonamassa, on the cover of Guitar One magazine - 10 Players You Must Know, solidifying his position as an up-and-coming talent not to be ignored. Recently, he was featured on the cover of Canadian music magazine Muzik Etc, a publication both in print and online. Pulse Ultra has had music chosen by Nintendo for the Need for Speed 2 video game soundtrack and also by the CW's Smallville television series.

Cifarelli cites his biggest influences as: Steve Vai, Prince, Dimebag Darrell, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Seal. Other favorites include John Petrucci and bands such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater, Pantera, King Crimson, Depeche Mode, IAMX, Van Halen, System of a Down, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, Fever Ray & Te Knife. "I really enjoy listening to many different styles of music. I love strange, peculiar and original artists who really stand apart from the herd" states Dominic of his varied musical influences.

Cifarelli’s writing credits include a collaboration with Lukas Rossi on the single "Headspin" which is featured on the Canadian Platinum Certified album "Rockstar Supernova" starring Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke and Jason Newsted. Additionally some other contributions to note include performances on Platinum Certified French artist Zaho's debut album and two guitar solos on a Rush tribute album released by Magna Carta.

Most recently, Cifarelli was hired as a member of Scars on Broadway, featuring Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan of System of a Down. They toured Europe and supported Metallica on select U.S dates and their debut single "They Say" reached #1 on KROQ in Los Angeles and #15 on Billboard. The band's two music videos were also heavily played worldwide. In August 2009, the band minus Daron toured U.S. military bases in Iraq. They returned in May of 2010 with Franky Perez' solo project.

Cifarelli is currently working on his second solo album and follow-up to his progressive rock concept series entitled The Chronicles of Israfel. “Occasionally a unique talent appears on the radar, causing you to really sit up and take notice” proclaims Essi Berelian of Metal Hammer UK, “This is as much accessible, yet compellingly complex and thrilling, 8/10.” TCOI is based on a story created by Cifarelli which continues to amass an underground cult following.