Firewind

Firewind is a heavy metal and power metal group from Thessaloniki, Greece, formed in 1998 by guitarist Gus G. as a vehicle for his demo album Nocturnal Symphony. The project later develops into a full band, and by the time of Between Heaven and Hell it has become a proper group rather than a solo showcase. The band remains active from 1998 to the present and records for Century Media.

Formation and early line-up changes

The first version of the group includes Gus G. and drummer Matt Scurfield, with Brandon Pender on vocals. Gus then pauses activity when he works with Dream Evil and Mystic Prophecy. When Firewind resumes, guitarist Gus is the only original member left. Leviathan owner David T. Chastain brings in vocalist Stephen Fredrick and drummer Brian Harris, both formerly of Kenziner, while Gus adds bassist Konstantine, also known as Kostas Exarhakis. This line-up records Between Heaven and Hell.

In 2003 the band changes again, with Norwegian drummer Stian Kristoffersen and Greek bassist Petros Christo joining. Harris and Konstantine are replaced as Gus looks for a more stable rhythm section able to tour. This version records Burning Earth and tours Japan with Rob Rock, although Stephen Fredrick does not take part in the tour. Sri Lankan singer Chitral “Chity” Somapala takes over for the tour and then becomes the full-time vocalist. Touring keyboard player Bob Katsionis also joins permanently.

Century Media period and further personnel changes

By the end of that year Firewind signs a worldwide deal with Century Media. The group records Forged By Fire, but Chity leaves a few months after its release because of personal and musical differences with the rest of the band. Apollo Papathanasio of Time Requiem replaces him, while Stian Kristoffersen leaves and Mark Cross joins on drums. Gus has said he wants a line-up of Greek-based musicians willing to make Firewind their main priority, as Stian is also active in Pagan’s Mind.

This line-up records Allegiance. Firewind tours the UK in November and December 2006 supporting DragonForce with All That Remains.

Later albums and members

Gus G. becomes Ozzy Osbourne’s guitar player in 2009. Apollo Papathanasio later becomes the frontman of Spiritual Beggars in 2010. Mark Cross is replaced by Michael Ehré in 2010, and Michael Ehré is then replaced by Johan Nunez, who is also part of Nightrage. The band’s later line-up includes Gus G. on guitars, Petros Christo on bass and Johan Nunez on drums, with Herbie Langhans on vocals. Former members also include Henning Basse, who sings for the band from 2015 to 2020.

Discography

Firewind’s releases include the demo Nocturnal Symphony and the albums Between Heaven and Hell, Burning Earth, Forged By Fire, Allegiance, The Premonition, Days of Defiance, Few Against Many, Immortals and Firewind.