- Firewind
Infobox musical artist
Name = Firewind
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Origin =Thessaloniki ,Greece
Genre =Power metal Heavy metal Thrash metal
Years_active = 1998, 2001 – present
Label =Century Media Records
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.firewind.gr/ www.firewind.gr]
Current_members =Apollo Papathanasio Gus G. Bob Katsionis Petros Christo
Mark Cross
Past_members = Brandon Pender
Stephen Fredrick
Chitral SomapalaKostas Exarhakis Matt Scurfield
Brian HarrisStian Lindaas Kristoffersen Firewind is a Greek
power metal band that was originally created as a way forguitarist Gus G. to market his demo albumNocturnal 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 fourth, "Forged by Fire ", at which point they settled on the current line-up with which they have recorded all their material to date.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. [Metal Archives [http://www.metal-archives.com/more.php?id=2025 Firewind history] ] The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, but activity was put on hold when Gus was hired byDream Evil andMystic 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 invocalist Stephen Fredrick anddrummer Brian Harris (both ex-Kenziner), while Gus enlisted the help ofbassist 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 ofJapan withRob 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, theSri Lanka n singer Chitral 'Chity' Somapala, was given the job full-time. Fellow touring memberBob Katsionis was also hired permanently to play keyboards. Firewind got a worldwide deal withCentury 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 ofTime Requiem , was found, it was also announced that Stian Kristoffersen would be leaving, to be replaced withveteran 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 virtualrevolving door of members) and Stian's main band was the Norwegian outfitPagan's Mind . Gus also left his roles inDream Evil ,Mystic Prophecy andNightrage 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 supportingDragonForce 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". [ [http://www.komodorock.com/reviews/cd-reviews/firewind-%11-the-premonition-200802144281/ The Premonition - Review] Feb 14. 2008]
Also the band recently announced their first European Tour dates with
Kamelot andVisions of Atlantis to start in London, England on April 4. HoweverVisions of Atlantis have recently pulled out of the tour due to changes in their lineup. They were replaced byForever Slave . They also announced that, in May, they will be touring withArch Enemy . Gus G has said they are planning for a headline tour of Europe in September 2008.Gus G has said that the band plans to release their first offical DVD in 2009.
Line-up
Discography
Singles
*2006: "Falling to Pieces" Greece #11
*2007: "Breaking the Silence" (Guest vocals by Tara Teresa) Greece #16
*2008: "Mercenary Man " Greece #5 [http://www.ifpi.gr/chart03.htm ifpi.gr] greek singles chart page, Cited Date|2008-4-4]
*2008: "Head Up High"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"Notes
External links
* [http://www.firewind.gr Firewind's official Website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/firewind Firewind's Official MySpace Page]
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