Firewind
burst onto the metal scene 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 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.
Over the last two years Firewind have been touring constantly with the likes
of Arch Enemy, Dragonforce and All that Remains to name just a few. The
bands latest album “The Premonition” is nothing short of an
amazing melodic metal masterpiece! This album is for metal fans that enjoy
crossing over into more than one sub-genre of heavy metal! At one stage
the album reminded me of early Ronnie James Dio solo work, then I could
hear similarities to bands such as Whitesnake and Edguy. “The Premonition”
is an amazing album that you will all enjoy! As 2008 rolls on this has to
be one of my favorite albums for the year thus far. “The Premonition”
is out now via Century Media. You would be crazy not to grab a copy of this
album now!
Rating: 100
Reviewed By: Cameron Edney
- http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints |
