Firewind began as more of a showcase than a band. After dropping out of musical college in the USA, the young Greek guitarist Kostas Karamitroudis recorded a full-length demo with the help of friends, to display his guitar skills to potential labels. Despite not being seen as a real band, he liked the name FireWind, so it was used to market the demo, called 'Nocturnal Symphony'. Despite interest from legendary shredder David T. Chastain's label Leviathan, Kostas' (now known as Gus G (Gus is the English equivalent of Kostas)) ideas of forming his own band were put on hold when he was offered gigs in Dream Evil, Nightrage and, through Chastain, Mystic Prophecy. After recording debut albums and demos with these respective bands, Gus got back in touch with Leviathan about recording an album where he would write all the music. All the guitar parts were recorded in Greece, with the bass being played by scene veteran Konstantine, while the drums and vocals were recorded by two of Chastain's long time associates, Brian Harris and Stephen Fredrick. The name Firewind was kept, despite their being little connection between this project and the original demo. After the recording of the first album, 'Between Heaven and Hell', the original rhythm section Konstantine and Brian Harris left as they were unable to commit to touring. They were replaced by Gus' friend Petros Christo and Stian L. Kristoffersen (Pagan's Mind), another associate of Chastain. Stephen Fredrick stayed on to record 'Burning Earth', after assuring Gus he would be willing to do a tour afterwards. But when the time came he backed down and was subsequently told his services would no longer be required. The Sri Lanka born singer Chity Somapala and keyboard player Bob Katsionis were recruited for the 'Burning Earth' tour, and were hired full-time for the recording of the third album, 'Forged By Fire', released in 2005. Somapala left soon afterwards for personal reasons. Around the same time, Stian L. Kristoffersen was asked to leave Firewind because they wanted to settle the band in a single location (Athens). To this end they hired the Greek-based duo of Apollo Papathanasio and Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, ex-Metalium) to fill the vocalist and drumming positions, respectively. Gus has also gradually dropped his other commitments, leaving Dream Evil in 2004, Mystic Prophecy in 2005 and finally Nightrage at the beginning of 2006, in order for Firewind to become a full-time band for all involved. Henning Basse (Metalium) twice filled in on tour in 2007 when Apollo Papathanasio was unavailable.
BETWEEN
HEAVEN AND HELL (2002) MASSACRE
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Line-up: Gus G. - Guitars & Keys Stephen Fredrick - Vocals Brian Harris - Drums Konstantine - Bass |
Produced by David T. Chastain, this is one killer debut-album. Gus G. is the band leader, and it seems that the man can do no wrong. I've enjoyed all other albums I've heard him play on. He always surrounds himself with other great musicians, and top notch vocalists. Here he dug up some ex-members from KenZiner (another David T. Chastain produced band) to help him out. Their style is very 80's influenced melodic metal. Not unlike Chastain and Scorpions. The even do a cover of the latter bands song, "Pictured Life". I also like the bands lyrical approach. They seem to be very positive, and not your average demons and dragons attitude. So do yourself a favor, check out Firewind!
Killer tracks: Warrior, Destination Forever, Tomorrow Can Wait
BURNING EARTH (2003) AMG/MASSACRE
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Line-up: Gus G. - Guitars Stephen Fredrick - Vocals Stian Kristoffersen - Drums Petros Christo - Bass Guest: David T.Chaistain - Additional background vocals |
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Firewind's second album shows the band with a new line-up. Stian Kristoffersen from Pagan's Mind is the new drummer, whilst the unknown Petros Christo serves as a new bass player. But the musical formula is the same. This is melodic, yet powerful, heavy metal at it's best. I just love how Gus never seem to grow tired of playing those infectious riffs and licks. And the man is brilliant at writing memorable songs. "Immortal Lives Young" is worth the price of the album alone! "Burning Earth" might be the heaviest album from this band so far. It relies as much on the current power metal scene as it does on the classic metal from the early 80's. Firewind should have hit the big league with this album. But I guess being just another band in the masses sort of saw them drowning in the flood. Still, they definitely are amongst my favorites these days!
Killer tracks: Steal Them Blind, I Am The Anger, Immortal Lives Young, You Have Survived
FORGED
BY FIRE (2005) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Gus G. - Guitars Chity Sompala - Vocals Bob Katsionis - Keyboards Stian Kristoffersen - Drums Petros Christo - Bass Guests: Marty Friedman - solos on 7 James Murphy - solos on 4 |
The line-up from the first album is long gone on this, the bands 3rd album. Gus G. brings along the new Sri Lanka born vocalist, Chitral Sompala (ex-Avalon), and the rhythm section from the previous album. Together they deliver yet another stellar 80's melodic metal feast. You get plenty of hooks, screamin' guitars and solos. And if there should be any doubt, Chity can sing with the best of them, delivering a solid mid-ranged metal voice to die for. Sometimes he reminds me of an angrier Klaus Meine, from Scorpions. The ball opens with the awesome "Kill To Live". It does not get more classic metal then that in 2005. Really stinkin' heavy, but still with lots of melody. And that can also work as a description for the entire CD. Pretty much all of the songs are great, and Gus' guitar-seasoning throughout them all doesn't exactly hurt. The man is a genius! I don't know why he left Dream Evil to concentrate more on this band, as Dream Evil are way more successful at the moment, and both bands are pretty similar. But as long as he keeps delivering solid albums like 'Forged By Fire', I am not complaining. My love for 80's metal is still the reason I listen to heavy metal today, as that was my musical upbringing. So when a band manage to create this magic still today, I just have to applaud them. This album will enter my top 20 releases for 2005.
Killer tracks: Kill To Live, Beware The Beast, The Forgotten Memory, Hate World Hero
ALLEGIANCE (2006) FONO/CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Gus G. - Guitars Apollo Papathansio - Vocals Petros Christo - Bass Bob Katsionis - Keyboards Mark Cross - Drums Guests: Tara - Vocals on 5 Markus Palsson - Backing Vocals on 1, 10 |
Another album, another line-up. Thus goes the carousel that is called Firewind. Is Gus G. impossible to work with? A new singer (Apollo Papathansio, Time Requiem, Majestic, Gardenian, Evil Masquerade) and new drummer (Mark Cross, ex-Helloween, ex-Metalium) are brought in to deliver us "Allegiance" (let's hope they do so as member of the band also...). And of course this is yet another excellent album from our favorite Swedish Greek. Am I detecting a more melodic songwriting style here, an almost commercial change, or have this kind of music just become more mainstream? I'm not entirely sure, but the overall feel is that of yet another Firewind record. They are masters at what they do, and that is to created heavy metal with balls, flash and melody. Razor sharp guitar-skills, steady rhythm section, powerhouse vocals (Apollo reminds me of a clone of Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm, Symphorce) and Tom S. Englund (Evergrey)) and immaculate production, need I say more? And because this album was released in 2006, it wouldn't have been complete without a female guest singer. I've always wondered why metal bands jump on such wagons. Isn't metal all about finding your own identity? But I digress.... As a fan of this band, you won't be disappointed with this CD either. Now I'm off to add it to the top 20 albums of 2006 list.
Killer tracks: Allegiance, Falling to Pieces, Breaking The Silence, Deliverance, Till The End Of Time
THE PREMONITION (2008) CENTURY MEDIA (Limited Edition CD/DVD)
CD:
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Line-up: Gus G. - Guitars Apollo Papathansio - Vocals Petros Chrsito - Bass Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar (live) Mark Cross - Drums |
DVD:
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The sticker on the cardboard sleeve on this album states: "Firewind's triumphant return!" I didn't even know they were gone, and haven't exactly finished digesting their last effort yet. Still, it has been two years, so here the boys are back again. And one thing is new this time; nothing is new!! For the first time Firewind has successfully recorded two albums with the same line-up! And a steady line-up usually equals a steadier band. And one cannot argue with the fact that Firewind is one tight constellation in 2008. They deliver their brand of melodic power metal with lots of conviction. However I must say that this time I get a little feeling that 'The Premonition' was recorded with the autopilot on. It sound fresh, but at the same time too familiar. And the song "Mercenary Man" has a main riff that is exactly the same as on Highland Glory's "Mindgame Masquerade"! I'm not saying Firewind copied it, but it's still the exact same guitar pattern. One cannot overlook that vast talent within this band though. Gus will forever be the unsung hero for this particular genre, and he seems to bee an outpour of melodic riffs and inspiring solos. The man plays power metal licks in his sleep, I'm sure! I've also grown a taste for Apollo's pipes. The man stands solid on his own merits here, and fills his function in the band to the t. The same can be said for Mark Cross. I remember his short stint with Helloween and Metalium. but his drumming on this record tops it all. 'The Premonition' is probably just as great as all the other Firewind albums, and it might be just me that is growing a bit tired of this genre, but as a whole I find it to be a bit weaker than it's predecessors. My thought about 'Allegiance' being a tad more polished and "commercialized" (in lack of a better word) can easily be reused here also. Much like Nocturnal Rites, Firewind now also seems to be on a path towards melodic metal, rather than power metal. But as long as I like the sings they come up with, I don't really care. I just hope they see the error of their ways and skip adding a horrendous cover track, like this CD's "Maniac", a song originally featured in the movie 'Flashdance' (!?!). Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb, or the famous turd in the punchbowl! This limited edition comes with a bonus DVD. The DVD sees the band render through 4 songs from 'The Premonition', live in Greece. We also get short interviews with all current band members. It's the sort of thing you watch once, and then forget all about it afterwards.
Killer tracks: Into The Fire, Head Up high, Angels Forgive Me
Firewind also appear on:
V/A - 'Metal Power - Volume 1'
Gus G. guest appearances:
Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'
Cans - 'Beyond The Gates'
Pagan's Mind - 'Infinity Divine' 2004
Arch Enemy - 'Doomsday Machine'
Rob Rock - 'Garden Of Chaos'
Related artists:
Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy, Kenziner, Pagan's Mind, Silverspoon, Trivial Act, Winters Bane, Jorn, Ivanhoe, Helloween, Metalium, Majestic, At Vance, Ozzy Osbourne
