Dom “Gonto” Copelli, born April 7, 1966, is an American singer, songwriter, and hard rock musician known for his raspy, deep vocals and cryptic lyrical style. A raw and unapologetic voice in modern rock, Gonto’s music fuses classic influences with a dark, emotional edge that sets him apart in today’s hard rock landscape.
Gonto’s passion for music began early. Raised in a musical household, he was often taken by his parents to watch his uncle Kenny perform with the local band Driftwood, sparking a fascination with live music.
At age 15, Dom received his first guitar —a gift from Uncle Kenny—which soon led to forming his first garage band with his brothers and friends. By 17, he was already writing original songs. In October 1992, Gonto took the stage for the first time, launching a live performance career that would span decades. But it was a life changing concert at age 18—seeing Ronnie James Dio perform in Pittsburgh, PA—that solidified his decision to pursue rock music.
The stage name “Gonto” was born from a teenage nickname given to him by a close friend, and it stuck—becoming the identity behind his evolving musical vision. Influenced by the titans of heavy rock and metal—Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio, and Iron Maiden, among others— Gonto developed a sound that honors the genre’s roots while pushing its boundaries. Over the years, he has released a number of standout tracks and music videos, including: So Cold”, “Broken King”, “Even High”, “Can’t Find You”, “Dark Memories”, “Mission One”, “Warrior Soul”
Gonto’s latest project, a full-length studio album titled “Oceans Of Time,” has just wrapped recording. The first single, “Core,” is slated for release in Summer 2025 along with a new music video.
