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Firewind is a Greek
power metal Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contra ...
band formed in
Thessaloniki Thessaloniki (; el, Θεσσαλονίκη, , also known as Thessalonica (), Saloniki, or Salonica (), is the second-largest city in Greece, with over one million inhabitants in its Thessaloniki metropolitan area, metropolitan area, and the capi ...
in 1998. The group is currently signed to
Century Media Records Century Media Records is a heavy metal record label with offices in the United States, Germany and London. In August 2015, Century Media was acquired by Sony Music for US$17 million. Background Century Media was founded by Robert Kampf and Oli ...
and was originally a small project created by guitarist
Gus G. Kostas Karamitroudis (born 12 September 1980), better known as Gus G, is a Greek heavy metal guitarist. He currently plays with his band Firewind. He has also played in Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil and Ozzy Osbourne ...
to showcase his
demo Demo, usually short for demonstration, may refer to: Music and film *Demo (music), a song typically recorded for reference rather than release * ''Demo'' (Behind Crimson Eyes), a 2004 recording by the band Behind Crimson Eyes * ''Demo'' (Deafhea ...
, ''
Nocturnal Symphony ''Nocturnal Symphony'' was the demo album that Gus G. recorded with his friends as a showcase for his talents to attract a record deal under the pseudonym of Firewind. However Firewind wasn't formed as a band until after Gus had toured and record ...
'', in 1998. Firewind later became a full band over three years later when they recorded their debut album, '' Between Heaven and Hell''. To date, the band has released nine studio albums and has been met with international success.


History


Early history

The band began in 1998 when the young Greek
Gus G. Kostas Karamitroudis (born 12 September 1980), better known as Gus G, is a Greek heavy metal guitarist. He currently plays with his band Firewind. He has also played in Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil and Ozzy Osbourne ...
decided to record a demo on a 4-track recorder with some close musician friends in the United States as Gus "briefly attended
Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known for the study of jazz and modern American music, it also offers college-level cours ...
in Boston". The project was entitled Firewind, and was used as a showcase for Gus' guitar skills in an attempt to earn a professional recording deal. Gus G. was quoted as saying, "Firewind, the second
Electric Sun Electric Sun was a heavy metal band formed by Uli Jon Roth after his departure from the Scorpions in 1978. They recorded three albums between 1979 and 1985. Their first album, ''Earthquake'', was released in 1979 and features guitarist/vocalis ...
album, that's where I got the band name from
R.Y.A.N. - Season 2, Episode 4: Gus G.
The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, but activity was put on hold when Gus was hired by
Nightrage Nightrage is a Greek/Swedish melodic death metal band originally from Thessaloniki. They later re-located to Gothenburg, Sweden. History Formation and ''Sweet Vengeance'' (2000–2003) Nightrage was founded by Marios Iliopoulos and his cl ...
,
Dream Evil Dream Evil is a Swedish heavy metal band, assembled by producer Fredrik Nordström in 1999. History Producer Fredrik Nordström had the ambition of creating a power metal band of his own for a long time, but had difficulty finding anyone ...
, and
Mystic Prophecy Mystic Prophecy is a power metal band from Bad Grönenbach, Germany. Their sound is described as hard and melodic, similar to American power metal bands such as Iced Earth, due to their melodic riffing and powerful drumming. History The band w ...
.


''Between Heaven and Hell''

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 formerly of Kenziner), while Gus enlisted the help of bassist
Konstantine Konstantine is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: * Konstantine Dadeshkeliani (1826–1857), Georgian prince * Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (1893–1975), Georgian writer * Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (politician) (born 1961 ...
. This line-up recorded the debut album '' Between Heaven and Hell''.


''Burning Earth''

In 2003, new changes were instituted as drummer Stian Kristoffersen and bassist
Petros Christo Petros Christodoulidis ( el, Πέτρος Χριστοδουλίδης), born March 4, 1975 in Greece, is the current bass player of the Power metal band Firewind. He has also played in Breaking Silence. He is the owner of Emerald Cafe, named af ...
joined the band. Harris and Konstantine had been replaced as Gus was looking for a more permanent
rhythm section A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm sec ...
that was prepared to tour. This lineup recorded ''
Burning Earth ''Burning Earth'' is Firewind's second album, released in 2003. The original rhythm section of Brian Harris and Konstantine Konstantine is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: * Konstantine Dadeshkeliani (1826–1857 ...
'' and went on a tour of Japan with
Rob Rock Robert Rock (born June 29, 1959) is an American heavy metal singer who is best known as the longtime frontman of Impellitteri, a position he has held from 1987 to 1988, 1992 to 2000, and now from 2008 to the present day. Rock has also released ...
, but without vocalist Fredrick, who was not prepared to go on the road (despite prior guarantees to the contrary). At their October 2007 show at
ProgPower USA ProgPower USA is a progressive and power metal festival held annually in the United States since 2001. Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXI is scheduled to take place on June 1–4, 2022. The festival's band selection process focuses on qual ...
, the band briefly reunited with Fredrick for a few songs off their first two albums.


''Forged by Fire''

Fredrick's replacement on the Burning the Earth Tour, singer Chitral "Chity" Somapala, was given the job full-time. Fellow touring member
Bob Katsionis Babis "Bob" Katsionis ( el, Μπάμπης Κατσιώνης; born February 17, 1977 in Athens, Greece) is the lead guitarist and keyboard player for the heavy metal/power metal bands Stray Gods,Warrior Path, Outloud, and Serious Black; until r ...
was also hired permanently to play keyboards. Firewind got a worldwide deal with
Century Media A century is a period of 100 years. Centuries are numbered ordinally in English and many other languages. The word ''century'' comes from the Latin ''centum'', meaning ''one hundred''. ''Century'' is sometimes abbreviated as c. A centennial or ...
by the end of that year. A few months after ''
Forged By Fire ''Forged by Fire'' is the third full-length album by Greek power metal band Firewind and their first released through Century Media. From this album onwards, Gus G is the sole ever-present in their professional discography, following the repl ...
'' was released, Chitral left due to personal and musical differences with the rest of the band. When his replacement, Apollo Papathanasio (of
Time Requiem Time Requiem is a Swedish neoclassical power metal band created by Richard Andersson in 2001.Time Requiem
" Encyclop ...
), was found, it was also announced that Kristoffersen would be leaving, to be replaced by
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...
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 A revolving door typically consists of three or four doors that hang on a central shaft and rotate around a vertical axis within a cylindrical enclosure. Revolving doors are energy efficient as they, acting as an airlock, prevent drafts, thus de ...
of members) and Stian's main band was the Norwegian outfit
Pagan's Mind Pagan's Mind is a progressive metal band from Skien, Norway. They have released five studio albums, and the current line-up only features original members. Biography Founded in 2000 from the band Silverspoon by Nils K. Rue, Thorstein Aaby, and St ...
. Gus also left his roles in Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy and
Nightrage Nightrage is a Greek/Swedish melodic death metal band originally from Thessaloniki. They later re-located to Gothenburg, Sweden. History Formation and ''Sweet Vengeance'' (2000–2003) Nightrage was founded by Marios Iliopoulos and his cl ...
.


''Allegiance'' and ''The Premonition''

Between 2004 and 2006, the band recorded ''
Allegiance An allegiance is a duty of fidelity said to be owed, or freely committed, by the people, subjects or citizens to their state or sovereign. Etymology From Middle English ''ligeaunce'' (see medieval Latin ''ligeantia'', "a liegance"). The ''al ...
'', which was released in July 2006. From November to December 2006, they toured the UK supporting
DragonForce DragonForce are a British power metal band from London, England. The band was formed in 1999 by guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, and are known for their long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-themed lyrics and retro video game-influenced ...
with All That Remains. Firewind accomplished their 2006/2007 world tour in
Copenhagen Copenhagen ( or .; da, København ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a proper population of around 815.000 in the last quarter of 2022; and some 1.370,000 in the urban area; and the wider Copenhagen metropolitan ar ...
at the Scandinavian Prog Power festival on 10 November. The band went around the globe almost twice being on three continents including Asia, Africa, North America and Europe and played nearly 100 shows. The band went to
Sweden Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden,The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names states that the country's formal name is the Kingdom of SwedenUNGEGN World Geographical Names, Sweden./ref> is a Nordic country located on ...
to record '' The Premonition'', which was released in 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 12 January of that year. The band toured with
Stratovarius Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1985. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, five DVDs and six live albums. In its history, the band has gone through many chaotic lineup changes, and after fo ...
in the UK during May 2009. During this tour, they added two new songs to their setlist, "Losing Faith" and "Days of No Trust". "Losing Faith", which contains a line in the chorus "in the days of no trust", was eventually to appear on 2009's '' Days of Defiance''. In 2010 Firewind appeared in issue 3 of the
Eternal Descent IDW Publishing is an American comic book publishing house. They are known, in particular, for the popular horror franchise '' 30 Days of Night'', as well as producing comics based on licensed media, such as ''G.I. Joe'', '' The Transformers'', '' ...
Comic Book series. The narrative was inspired by lyrics from 'Angels Forgive Me' featured on 'The Premonition'.


''Days of Defiance''

At the end of September 2009, Firewind began work on their sixth studio album, the band confirmed that they have written twelve vocal and two instrumental songs. On 13 January 2010, Firewind announced that they were parting ways with drummer Mark Cross (Tower of Babel, God's Army), with Michael Ehré (Uli Jon Roth, Metalium, Kee Marcello) playing at the live Mexico shows. Those shows, however, were cancelled. On 7 May, the band recorded a cover of
Judas Priest Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. They have sold over 50 million albums and are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in th ...
's "
Breaking the Law "Breaking the Law" is a song by English heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album '' British Steel''. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is readily recognized by its opening guitar riff. Com ...
" for a compilation CD by the magazine ''
Metal Hammer ''Metal Hammer'' is a heavy metal music magazine and website founded in 1983, published in the United Kingdom by Future, with other language editions available in numerous other countries. ''Metal Hammer'' features news, reviews and long-form ...
''. On 26 May, Firewind announced the name of their new album as '' Days of Defiance'' and confirmed Michael Ehré as a full-time member although Mark Cross had recorded all drums on the album. On 6 August 2010, they confirmed an October release date for their sixth studio album ''Days of Defiance'', and an August release date for the album's first single " World on Fire". On the weekend of 20–22 August, Gus G guest appeared on the radio show
Full Metal Jackie Full Metal Jackie is a nationally accredited and syndicated radio metal show created and hosted by Jackie Kajzer. Kajzer is known for her unique playlists and detailed interviews with rock artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Zakk Wylde a ...
where he premièred a second song from the album, titled "Embrace the Sun". Almost a year after the release of ''Days of Defiance'', Firewind did a European headlining tour, with
Mats Levén Mats Leven is a Swedish singer. Some of his most notable collaborations have been with guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, symphonic metallers Therion and doom metallers Candlemass. In 2011, due to family issues on the part of Firewind's lead singer A ...
as a replacement for Apollo who couldn't make the European leg of the tour and a US headlining tour. Gus has said in an interview that Firewind will probably do a South America(this never happened) tour after the US tour and then enter the studio for a new album. Also has Michael Ehré left Firewind and Johan Nunez of
Nightrage Nightrage is a Greek/Swedish melodic death metal band originally from Thessaloniki. They later re-located to Gothenburg, Sweden. History Formation and ''Sweet Vengeance'' (2000–2003) Nightrage was founded by Marios Iliopoulos and his cl ...
replaced him on the tours and now is a full member of the band.


''Few Against Many'' and 10th anniversary

Johan Nunez joined the session for the seventh studio album as drummer in Valve Studio in Greece. Firewind debuted two songs, "Wall of Sound" and "Losing My Mind", from their seventh studio album at headlining shows in Greece. The band has been confirmed for the Summer Breeze Festival and the Masters of Rock festival. In early 2012, Firewind and Century Media have announced that Firewind has re-signed with the label and that they will be releasing the new album titled " Few Against Many" 21 May in Europe and 22 May in North America. Firewind's second album was re-released throughout Japan with two bonus tracks in February 2012. The band was confirmed to perform at the
Download Festival Download Festival is a British-created rock festival created by Terrance Gough, held annually at the Donington Park motorsport circuit in Leicestershire, England (since 2003); in Paris, France (since 2016); at Parramatta Park, Sydney (since 201 ...
in June 2012. On 5 September 2012, Firewind released a music video entitled "Edge of a Dream" that features
Apocalyptica Apocalyptica is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Helsinki, formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso, and jazz drummer Mikko Sirén. Originally a classical ...
. It was taken from their '' Few Against Many'' album released by Century Media Records earlier that year. Later in September 2012, Firewind announced that they would play four anniversary live shows in Greece in December (counting from the release date of Between Heaven and Hell), to celebrate their 10 years of existence. The shows took place on 15 and 16 December in Thessaloniki, and on 20 and 21 December in Athens. The band played different set lists each night in each city. The shows, as the band repeatedly announced were recorded for a live cd release in 2013. Anniversary merchandise was also sold at the venues. On 15 January 2013 Firewind announced that vocalist Apollo Papathanasio had quit the band due to not being able to keep up with the band's touring and promotion schedule. On 15 January 2013, the band announced that Kelly Sundown Carpenter (
Adagio Adagio (Italian for 'slowly', ) may refer to: Music * Adagio, a tempo marking, indicating that music is to be played slowly, or a composition intended to be played in this manner * Adagio (band), a French progressive metal band Albums * ''Adagi ...
,
Beyond Twilight Beyond Twilight is a progressive metal band from Denmark. History The band was originally formed by Finn Zierler in 1992 under the name "Twilight". Twilight attracted international attention releasing the debut album ''Eye For An Eye'' selling 2 ...
,
Outworld Outworld may refer to: Game * Outworld, a fictional realm in the '' Mortal Kombat'' franchise * ''Outworld'', a 1981 VIC-20 The VIC-20 (known as the VC-20 in Germany and the VIC-1001 in Japan) is an 8-bit home computer that was sold by Co ...
, Darkology) would replace Apollo Papathanasio on vocals for their 2013 North American Tour. During an interview in June 2013 with Metal Shock Finland's Blackdiamond, Gus mentioned Kelly as a fantastic singer and also he stated that they have no plans to record a new studio album yet.


''Immortals''

In July 2016, Firewind entered the studio to begin recording a new album. In November 2016, it was announced that the album, titled ''Immortals'', had been completed and would be released on 20 January 2017. On 25 November, the band released the first single from this album, entitled "Hands of Time".


Lineup changes and self-titled album

In May 2019, it was announced by Gus G. that they will enter the studio to start working on a follow-up to ''Immortals'' in August of that year. However, on 9 March 2020, it was announced that
Bob Katsionis Babis "Bob" Katsionis ( el, Μπάμπης Κατσιώνης; born February 17, 1977 in Athens, Greece) is the lead guitarist and keyboard player for the heavy metal/power metal bands Stray Gods,Warrior Path, Outloud, and Serious Black; until r ...
will be leaving the band in order to focus on his studio work and his other projects. They also parted ways with singer Henning Basse, because of personal reasons, which may prevent him from continuing with the band, with Herbie Langhans, who worked with
Sinbreed Sinbreed is a German Christian metal band who play power metal, formed in 2005 in Wiesbaden. Biography Sinbreed was founded as Neoshine, and made it to release three demos under that name, but was forced to change to Sinbreed in order to avoid ...
and
Avantasia Avantasia is a German supergroup metal opera project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist of the band Edguy. It has been characterized as a rock opera, as it features the contributions of various vocalists and musicians and it consists of concept ...
, replacing Basse on vocals. They also announced that the next album (with vocals finished by Langhans) will be released in 2020. On 20 March 2020, the band premiered a new single, "Rising Fire", which is included on the band's self-titled album, released on 15 May 2020.


Band members

Current *
Gus G. Kostas Karamitroudis (born 12 September 1980), better known as Gus G, is a Greek heavy metal guitarist. He currently plays with his band Firewind. He has also played in Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil and Ozzy Osbourne ...
– lead guitar, backing vocals (1998, 2002–present), rhythm guitar, keyboards (1998, 2002–2004, 2020–present), bass (1998) *
Petros Christo Petros Christodoulidis ( el, Πέτρος Χριστοδουλίδης), born March 4, 1975 in Greece, is the current bass player of the Power metal band Firewind. He has also played in Breaking Silence. He is the owner of Emerald Cafe, named af ...
doulidis – bass, backing vocals (2003–present) * Johan Nunez – drums (2011–present) * Herbie Langhans – lead vocals (2020–present) Touring members *
Mats Levén Mats Leven is a Swedish singer. Some of his most notable collaborations have been with guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, symphonic metallers Therion and doom metallers Candlemass. In 2011, due to family issues on the part of Firewind's lead singer A ...
– lead vocals (2011) * Kelly Sundown Carpenter – lead vocals (2013–2015) * Percy Trayanov - bass, backing vocals (2022 - present) Former members * Brandon Pender – lead vocals (1998) * Stephen Fredrick – lead vocals (2002–2004) *
Chitral Somapala Peragaswatte Chandana Chitral Somapala (born 4 November 1966: si, චිත්‍රාල් සෝමපාල), aka Chity Somapala, is a Sri Lankan hard rock and heavy metal vocalist and a music director. He is known for his work with Eur ...
– lead vocals (2004–2006) * Apollo Papathanasio – lead vocals (2006–2013) * Henning Basse – lead vocals (2015–2020)(2007 as a touring member) *
Bob Katsionis Babis "Bob" Katsionis ( el, Μπάμπης Κατσιώνης; born February 17, 1977 in Athens, Greece) is the lead guitarist and keyboard player for the heavy metal/power metal bands Stray Gods,Warrior Path, Outloud, and Serious Black; until r ...
– keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2020) *
Konstantine Konstantine is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: * Konstantine Dadeshkeliani (1826–1857), Georgian prince * Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (1893–1975), Georgian writer * Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (politician) (born 1961 ...
– bass (2002–2003) * Matt Scurfield – drums (1998) * Brian Harris – drums (2002–2003) * Stian Kristoffersen – drums (2003–2006) * Mark Cross – drums (2006–2010) * Michael Ehré – drums (2010–2011)


Recording timeline


Timeline


Discography

Demo albums * ''
Nocturnal Symphony ''Nocturnal Symphony'' was the demo album that Gus G. recorded with his friends as a showcase for his talents to attract a record deal under the pseudonym of Firewind. However Firewind wasn't formed as a band until after Gus had toured and record ...
'' (1998) Studio albums * '' Between Heaven and Hell'' (2002) * ''
Burning Earth ''Burning Earth'' is Firewind's second album, released in 2003. The original rhythm section of Brian Harris and Konstantine Konstantine is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: * Konstantine Dadeshkeliani (1826–1857 ...
'' (2003) * ''
Forged by Fire ''Forged by Fire'' is the third full-length album by Greek power metal band Firewind and their first released through Century Media. From this album onwards, Gus G is the sole ever-present in their professional discography, following the repl ...
'' (2005) * ''
Allegiance An allegiance is a duty of fidelity said to be owed, or freely committed, by the people, subjects or citizens to their state or sovereign. Etymology From Middle English ''ligeaunce'' (see medieval Latin ''ligeantia'', "a liegance"). The ''al ...
'' (2006) * '' The Premonition'' (2008) * '' Days of Defiance'' (2010) * '' Few Against Many'' (2012) * ''
Immortals Immortality is the ability to live forever, or eternal life. Immortal or Immortality may also refer to: Film * ''The Immortals'' (1995 film), an American crime film * ''Immortality'', an alternate title for the 1998 British film '' The Wisdom of ...
'' (2017) * ''Firewind'' (2020) Live albums * '' Live Premonition'' (2008) * ''Apotheosis - Live 2012'' (2013) Compilation albums * ''Melody and Power''(2002) * ''
Century Media Records Century Media Records is a heavy metal record label with offices in the United States, Germany and London. In August 2015, Century Media was acquired by Sony Music for US$17 million. Background Century Media was founded by Robert Kampf and Oli ...
: Covering 20 Years of Extreme'' (2008) DVDs * " Live Premonition" (2008) Singles * "
Falling to Pieces "Falling to Pieces" is the third single on Faith No More's first studio album with Mike Patton on vocals, ''The Real Thing''. The song was released as a single on July 2, 1990. The song peaked at number 92 on the '' Billboard'' Hot 100 and num ...
" (2006) * " Breaking the Silence" (2007) * " Mercenary Man" (2008) * " World on Fire" (2010) * "Embrace the Sun" (2011) * "Wall of Sound" (2012) * "Hands of Time" (2016) * "Ode to Leonidas" (2016) * "Rising Fire" (2020) Music videos * "I am the Anger" (2003) * "The Fire and the Fury" (2004) * "Tyranny" (2005) * "Falling to Pieces" (2006) * "Breaking the Silence" (2007) * "Mercenary Man" (2008) * "Head Up High" (2008) * "World on Fire" (2010) * "Embrace the Sun" (2011) * "Wall of Sound" (2012) * "Edge of a Dream" (feat.
Apocalyptica Apocalyptica is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Helsinki, formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso, and jazz drummer Mikko Sirén. Originally a classical ...
) (2012) * "Ode to Leonidas" (2016) * "Lady of 1000 Sorrows" (2017) * "We Defy" (2018) * "Rising Fire" (2020) * "Welcome To The Empire" (2020) * "Devour" (2021) * "New Found Power" (2021)


References


External links


Official WebsiteWaveCat Playlist
{{Authority control Greek power metal musical groups Musical groups established in 1998 Century Media Records artists Musical groups from Thessaloniki Musical quartets