Firewind
is a Greek power metal band that was originally created as a way for guitarist Gus G. to market his demo album Nocturnal Symphony in 1998. They became a full band over three years later when they recorded Between Heaven and Hell
. The band line-up changed between each album until the final change after their fifth, Allegiance
They have recorded two albums with this current line-up, with new singer Apollo Papathanasio.
|
FIREWIND TICKETS
|
History
The band began in 1998 when the young
Greek Gus G. decided to record a
demo with some close musician friends in the
United States. The project was entitled Firewind, and was used as a showcase for Gus' guitar skills in an attempt to earn a professional recording deal.
[1] The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, but activity was put on hold when Gus was hired by
Dream Evil and
Mystic Prophecy.
After the release of his other bands' debut albums, Gus' attention returned to the Firewind project. Only he remained from the original formation - Leviathan owner
David T. Chastain brought in
vocalist Stephen Fredrick and
drummer Brian Harris (both ex-Kenziner), while Gus enlisted the help of
bassist Konstantine, a fellow Greek. this line-up recorded the debut album
Between Heaven and Hell
.
In 2003, new changes were instituted as
Norwegian drummer Stian Kristoffersen and Greek bassist Petros Christo joined the band. Harris and Konstantine had been replaced as Gus was looking for a more permanent
rhythm section that was prepared to tour. This line-up recorded
Burning Earth
and went on a tour of
Japan with
Rob Rock, but without vocalist
Stephen Fredrick, who was not prepared to go on the road (despite prior guarantees to the contrary). His replacement on the
Burning the Earth Tour
, the
Sri Lankan singer
Chitral "Chity" Somapala, was given the job full-time. Fellow touring member
Bob Katsionis was also hired permanently to play keyboards. Firewind got a worldwide deal with
Century Media by the end of that year.
This line-up recorded the album
Forged By Fire
, but a few months after the release, Chitral left due to personal and musical differences with the rest of the band. When his replacement,
Apollo Papathanasio of
Time Requiem, was found, it was also announced that Stian Kristoffersen would be leaving, to be replaced with
veteran drummer
Mark Cross. The reason for the split was that Gus wanted to have a set of Greek-based musicians willing to make Firewind their number one priority (probably to end the virtual
revolving door of members) and Stian's main band was the
Norwegian outfit
Pagan's Mind. Gus also left his roles in
Dream Evil,
Mystic Prophecy and
Nightrage between 2004 and 2006. This new line-up recorded the album
Allegiance
, which was released in July 2006. During November - December 2006, they toured the UK supporting
DragonForce with
All That Remains.
Current schedule
At their October 2007 show at
ProgPower USA, Firewind briefly united with former vocalist
Stephen Fredrick for a few songs off the first two albums.
Firewind accomplished their 2006/2007 world tour in Copenhagen at the Scandinavian Prog Power festival on November 10. The band went around the globe almost twice being on three continents including Asia, Africa, the US, Canada and Europe and played nearly 100 shows.
Firewind recently recorded a new album in Sweden which was released in spring 2008. The album is titled "
The Premonition".
[2]
Also the band recently announced their first European Tour dates with
Kamelot and
Visions of Atlantis to start in London, England on April 4. However
Visions of Atlantis have recently pulled out of the tour due to changes in their lineup. They were replaced by
Forever Slave. They also announced that, in May, they will be touring with
Arch Enemy. Gus G has said they are planning for a headline tour of Europe in September 2008.
In November 2008 the band released their first DVD, 'Live Premonition', containing footage of their entire concert at their home town in Greece on January 12 2008.
The band will be touring with
Stratovarius in the UK from May 15, 2009 to May 20, 2009.
[3]
Also in July 19 2009, they are going to be the co-headliner of Amon Amarth at Uni-Rock Festival in Istanbul, Turkey. This is going to be their first performance in Turkey.
Recently, the band began writing new material, and plan to debut a new song in their live setlist this year.
[3]
Line-up
Year
| Band
| Recordings
|
Vocalist
| Guitarist
| Bassist
| Keyboardist/Guitarist
| Drummer
|
1998
| Brandon Pender
| Gus G.
| N/A
| Gus G.
| Matt Scurfield
| Nocturnal Symphony
|
2001-2003
| Stephen Fredrick
| Konstantine
| Brice Harris
| Between Heaven and Hell
|
2003
| Petros Christodoylidis
| Stian Lindas Kristoffersen
| Burning Earth
|
2004-2005
| Chitral Somapala
| Babis Katsionis
| Forged by Fire
|
2006-Present
| Apollo Papathanasio
| Mark Cross
| Allegiance
|
The Premonition
|
Discography
Date of Release
| Title
| Label
| Producer
|
1998
| Nocturnal Symphony
(Demo)
| self-released/mp3.com
|
|
June 24, 2002
| Between Heaven and Hell
| Leviathan/Massacre Records
| David T. Chastain
|
November 17, 2003
| Burning Earth
| Leviathan Records
| David T. Chastain
|
January 24, 2005
| Forged by Fire
| Century Media
| Gus G.
|
July 24, 2006
| Allegiance
| Century Media
| Gus G.
|
March 25, 2008
| The Premonition
| Century Media
| Fredrik Nordström
|
Singles
- 2006: "Falling to Pieces" Greece #11
- 2007: "Breaking the Silence" (Guest vocals by Tara Teresa) Greece #16
- 2008: "Mercenary Man" Greece #5 [5]
Music videos
- 2003: "I Am the Anger"
- 2004: "The Fire and The Fury"
- 2005: "Tyranny"
- 2006: "Falling to Pieces"
- 2007: "Breaking the Silence"
- 2008: "Mercenary Man"
- 2008: "Head Up High"
DVDs
Notes
- Metal Archives Firewind history
- The Premonition - Review Feb 14. 2008
- [1]
- [1]
- ifpi.gr greek singles chart page, Cited {{Date|2008-4-4}}