Described as “energetic, intense, and theatrical,” the compositions of Brazilian artist Thales Del Comune exemplify polystylism, embracing a diverse range of influences, from the pulsating energy of metal concerts to the grandeur of opera, the joy of hard rock to the intricacies of serialism, and drawing inspiration from the likes of Iron Maiden to Xenakis, Thales crafts a unique musical tapestry that fuses the essence of heavy metal and the electric guitar with the techniques of classical music.  

Thales’s musical journey began at the age of 8 with keyboard lessons, guided by the influence of his sister, who was already deeply involved in musical studies. Surprisingly, his initial fascination with the guitar didn’t originate from the instrument itself or any specific band; rather, it was ignited by a didactic book written by Terry Burrows that captured his attention in a bookstore. Even before having a guitar in his hands, Thales meticulously absorbed the contents of this book, reading and rereading it dozens of times. Recognizing his growing interest in the instrument, at the age of 12, he received a guitar as a gift from his grandfather. 

This marked a pivotal turn in Thales’s musical journey. Inspired by the sounds of rock and pop on the radio, he plunged deeper into classical music, utilizing it as a gateway to learn music theory, explore its history, and gather some composition skills. The distinctive blend of influences soon introduced him to bands like Angra, Rhapsody, and Symphony X, showing a clearer path for the integration of classical music with the electric guitar, especially in metal. 

Beginning to teach at the age of 16, Thales also dedicates himself to other instruments, seizing opportunities to learn from teachers but, more often, relying on self-guided exploration. He has explored the violin, piano, synths and classical guitar—instruments that he also teaches. 

As an interpreter, Thales actively engages in interpreting classical works through his project, Neo Classical Guitar, a blog that covers various aspects of the fusion of heavy metal with classical music. (neoclassicalguitar.com) 

As a composer, Thales’s original compositions have premiered with prestigious groups such as Música Viva, UNESP Academic Orchestra, Ateliê Contemporâneo, and EMMSP Symphonic Band. Additionally, he has independently released his original music, overseeing every aspect from recording and production to mastering, like his singles for Ground and Pound, Thelema and Oceanus, made 100% using VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology). 

Beyond classical endeavors, Thales also engages in producing arrangements of heavy metal, rock, and pop songs, infusing these familiar works with new and innovative colors. Moreover, his dedication to research is evident in his extensive work on opera practices in Brazil, accessible at operabr.thalesdelcomune.com. 

Currently residing in São Paulo, Thales holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from UNESP, where he studied under the guidance of Alexandre Lunsqui and Flo Menezes. He furthered his specialization with Unsuk Chin, Philippe Manoury, and Heinz Holliger, seminal composers of Contemporary Classical Music. 

His upcoming release, an arrangement of ‘Drink to me Only With Thine Eyes’ for guitar and tenor, will showcase another aspect he passionately enjoys developing – the art of creating an ever-growing arrangement for pieces with a more pop and folk influence.