What was the thinking behind doing the tour now, instead of waiting a couple months when the album release was closer?
We knew that we were going to release the album this spring and there was a gap where we knew we could do a U.S. tour. Earlier years we were really bad about scheduling things in a smart way. We’ve had like one year between tours in the U.S. and we know how important it is to be there. We thought that we’d do some groundwork for the actual album release tour and a little bit of testing the waters to be able to reap whatever we sowed last year on Paganfest, which was really good and I’m glad it went well. We thought that this was a good place to return.
We will be doing some shows here and there in Europe as well and going to Israel for the first time and doing a festival in Belgium or something like that and then have the album release in May and do the summer festivals and then probably come back to tour in the states next fall. So it’s all part of a master plan.
It’s definitely a good way to remind folks you’re still around, people’s attention spans being what they are these days.
Absolutely. That was kind of the main idea behind it. We wanted to step up the pace with the album, the last two coming three years after the one before it, and you know how the industry is these days. But even though it’s only been two years since Stand Up And Fight, we don’t see that we are rushing anything.
We are just trying to keep the heat that we’ve already built so we don’t have to start back at the level we began at when the last album came out. You want start where you finished off, so yeah, we want to get the name out there and get people excited about the new album before it comes out.
This bill is a bit different that what you’ve come over with before – last time with Paganfest, before that more of a black metal thing with Cradle of Filth and Nachtmystium. This one is a real mixed bag of styles.
Paganfest was great, but that folk/Viking/Pagan/whatever shit – not shit, that’s the wrong word, but you know what I mean, there’s just so many genres there – everything that comes from Finland people just brand as folk metal, so that’s established, even if it’s not entirely accurate. The idea for this was to broaden the scope of the whole horizon in a way that shows there’s something more to what we do and get away from the idea that if you’re a folk metal band you should only tour with folk metal bands or if you’re a death metal band you should only tour with death metal bands.
As long as there is some kind of touching point between the bands and people can feel that there is something interesting there, it should work. If we went out with some really technical math-metal band, it might be a bit weird, but Firewind is kind of traditional power metal that is very anthemic, which much of our music is. And Stolen Babies are bit avant garde, they have a folk side to them. So there is some common ground there.
I think the variety of the bill is not a weakness, it’s a good thing. There are these insane package shows that have like five death metal bands in a row, each one more brutal than the rest.
“Guards of Glory – North American Tour 2013″ feat. TURISAS with special guests FIREWIND, STOLEN BABIES
FIREWIND have announced Kelly Sundown Carpenter (Adagio, Beyond Twilight, etc.) as new vocalist for their upcoming North American touring activities, after longterm vocalist Apollo Papathanasio parted ways with the band. Even though Papathanasio has been temporarily replaced for some touring activities in the past, he has appeared on all FIREWIND releases since 2006’s “Allegiance” album and the band’s upcoming live-album will feature recordings from his recent final shows with the group.
FIREWIND have checked in to comment the news as follows: “Today we are in the unfortunate position to announce that Apollo has decided to step down permanently from the vocal duties in FIREWIND. For the past few years it was evident that Apollo could not keep up with FIREWIND’s ever growing and demanding touring & promotional schedule. Several times we’ve had to recruit replacements in order to continue touring the world and keep playing for our fans. We’re lucky enough to have worked with some of the best Metal singers out there!
Although we’re sad to announce Apollo’s departure and we sure will miss him, at the same time we feel that the show must go on! FIREWIND is a band that has gone thru lots of ups and downs the past 10 years, but is still going strong!
With that said, we’re happy to announce that Kelly Sundown Carpenter (Adagio, Beyond Twilight, Darkology) will be singing for us on the upcoming N. American tour with Turisas! This guy’s a phenomenal singer and we can’t wait to get out there and Rock! We’re looking forward to our return in America. See you all soon!”
FIREWIND wrapped up 2012 with 4 packed club-shows in their native Greece, commencing the celebration of the band’s 10th Anniversary of existence and entered studios in order to mix recordings from their “Few Against Many” live-campaign for an upcoming live-album, scheduled to be released before the summer of 2013.
Here is a list of all next FIREWIND live-dates revealed so far:
TURISAS + FIREWIND & STOLEN BABIES: “Guards of Glory – North American Tour 2013”
02.02.2013 Jacksonville, FL – Roc Bar
03.02.2013 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
04.02.2013 Charlotte, NC – Tremont Music Hall
05.02.2013 Richmond, VA – Empire
06.02.2013 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
07.02.2013 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
08.02.2013 Montreal, QC – Les Foufounes Électriques
09.02.2013 Toronto, ON – The Mod Club
10.02.2013 Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
11.02.2013 Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s Downunder
13.02.2013 Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
15.12.2013 Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
16.02.2013 Salt Lake City, UT – In the Venue
18.02.2013 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
19.02.2013 Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret
20.12.2013 Portland, OR – Branx
21.02.2013 Oakland, CA – Oakland Metro Operahouse
22.02.2013 West Hollywood, CA – Key Club
23.02.2013 Santa Ana, CA – The Constellation Room
25.02.2013 Tempe, AZ – 910 Live
28.02.2013 Dallas, TX – The Door
01.03.2013 San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
02.03.2013 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
04.03.2013 Orlando, FL – The Social
05.03.2013 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
06.03.2013 Tampa, FL – State Theatre
Henrik Flyman band leader/guitarist – Evil Masquerade
Interviewed by: Anders Sandvall
Thanks to Trine at DARK MINSTEL MUSIC for the help and for the promo pictures of Evil Masquerade taken by: Thomas Trane
Single pictures of Henrik Flyman are from his own homepage and taken by: Thomas Trane
Additional live pictures are from the archives of: Anders Sandvall
The Danish/Swedish act Evil Masquerade released their fifth album earlier this year titled PENTAGRAM. The album is in my opinion one of the best albums of 2012 so of course was an interview with band leader/guitarist Henrik Flyman perfectly in order. This time around we spoke about PENTAGRAM, about the bands history with various labels through the years as well as past and present band members. If you’re into some good old fashioned hard rock make sure to check out Evil Masquerade I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Melodic Metallers FIREWIND are wrapping up the calendar year 2012 with 4 special club-shows in their native Greece, where the band in order to commence the celebration of the bands 10th Anniversary of existence. The shows will be each at two nights in the same venues of Athens and Thessaloniki and will feature two different sets. Here are the exact dates:
15.12.2012 Thessaloniki (Greece) – 8ball Club
16.12.2012 Thessaloniki (Greece) – 8ball Club
20.12.2012 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live
21.12.2012 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live
Currently, FIREWINDs mastermind guitar-wizzard and Ozzy Osbourne bandmember Gus G. is over in the UK for two special guitar clinic event starting today. Make sure to catch him here:
Thursday, November 8th, 2012 Birmingham / UK – Pmt Birmingham (7 PM)
Saturday, November 10th, 2012 Poole / UK – Absolute Music (7:30 PM)
Most recently, FIREWIND have also been confirmed to appear at 2013s Sweden Rock Festival, taking place in Sölvesborg, Sweden from June 5th 8th. Other bands appearing include Kiss, Rush, Status Quo, Saxon, Accept, Amon Amarth, Bullet, Leprous and many more. Check out more details here: www.swedenrock.com or here: www.facebook.com/swedenrockfestival
Here is a list of all next FIREWIND live-dates revealed so far:
FIREWIND live:
15.12.2012 Thessaloniki (Greece) – 8ball Club
16.12.2012 Thessaloniki (Greece) – 8ball Club
20.12.2012 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live
21.12.2012 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro Live
25.04.2013 Melbourne/Richmond (Australia) The Corner Hotel
26.04.2013 Perth (Australia) Rosemount Hotel
27.04.2013 Sydney/Leichhardt (Australia) The Bald Faced Stag
28.04.2013 Brisbane (Australia) Beetle Bar
A live-clip of the FIREWIND song Glorious off their current album Few Against Many recorded live (with fancams) in Londons O2 Academy during the bands last headlining tour can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=5_Jsf3crOWs
A recent interview with FIREWINDs Gus G. filmed in London for O2 Academy TV during the ongoing tour with Leaves Eyes can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7LjeoKFmWo
FIREWINDs current album, Few Against Many, was mixed by Jason Suecof & Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (Trivium, All That Remains, Death Angel, etc.) and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (Mastodon, Hatebreed, Symphony X, etc.). The iconic albums artwork was once again created by FIREWINDs longtime partner in all design matters, Gustavo Sazes / www.abstrata.net (Arch Enemy, Angra, Dream Evil, etc.). While the albums standard version is available in the CD format as well as LP and also as Digital Download, Few Against Many is also released as limited edition Digipak CD with two bonus tracks. Few Against Many has recently climbed up the national sales charts in Greece to occupy the # 1 top spot for several weeks!
Thanks to Trine at DARK MINSTREL MUSIC for the promo pictures of Evil Masquerade taken by: Thomas Trane
Thanks to Laura Thulke at Century Media for the promo pictures of Firewind taken by: Hatzakis Photography
Additional live pictures are from the archives of: Anders Sandvall
One of the hottest singers is the Greek/Swedish Apollo Papathanasio who sings with Firewind, Evil Masquerade, and Spiritual Beggars. Many of you may not know what Apollo was up to before he joined these bands, so I decided to get in touch with him focus more on his earlier work. Be sure to check out the new Evil Masquerade album PENTAGRAM and the new Firewind album FEW AGAINST MANY where Papathansio gets to air his lungs. I have really longed for making this interview and now it’s here…
FIREWIND guitarist Gus G. (also OZZY OSBOURNE) has confirmed a string of guitar clinic dates in the US for August:
August
7 – Sam Ash Music – Carle Place, NY
8 – Washington Music – Washington DC
9 – Sam Ash Music – King of Prussia, PA
10 – ALTO Music – Middletown, NY
Firewind’s new album Few Against Many, has achieved the following chart positions around the world:
UK: #11 (Rock Album Charts)
Sweden: #12 (Rock Album Charts)
USA: #28 (Billboard “Heatseekers” Top New Artist Charts)
Germany: #90 (Official Album Sales Charts)
Firewind – Few Against Many
Produced by Gus G., Few Against Many, was recorded with long time band mates vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, Bob Katsionis (keyboards/guitar) and bassist Petros Christo at Valve Studio in Greece as well as The Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expand on their signature melodic sound with some of their most aggressive songs to date. Mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Orlando, Florida. Few Against Many also marks the recording debut of new Firewind drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Firewind recently released their new video, which was shot during the band’s latest shows in their homeland Greece by Colin Marshall. Check out ‘Wall Of Sound’ below:
FIREWIND’s new album Few Against Many, has achieved the following chart positions around the world:
UK: #11 (Rock Album Charts)
Sweden: #12 (Rock Album Charts)
USA: #28 (Billboard “Heatseekers” Top New Artist Charts)
Germany: #90 (Official Album Sales Charts)
Produced by Gus G., Few Against Many, was recorded with long time band mates vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, Bob Katsionis (keyboards/guitar) and bassist Petros Christo at Valve Studio in Greece as well as The Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expand on their signature melodic sound with some of their most aggressive songs to date. Mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Orlando, Florida. Few Against Many also marks the recording debut of new Firewind drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Firewind recently released their new video, which was shot during the band’s latest shows in their homeland Greece by Colin Marshall. Check out ‘Wall Of Sound’ below:
Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND, lead by guitar wizard and OZZY OSBOURNE band member Gus G., have signed a new worldwide deal (excluding North America) with their longtime partners, Century Media Records.
Gus G. checked in from the studio to comment on the newly settled partnership as follows: “I hope everyone had a great holiday season and we’re kicking off 2012 very strong with lots of stuff in the works. We’re currently completing work on our upcoming Firewind studio album, which is coming out killer! I think this album will turn a lot of heads and I can’t wait for you to hear it! Be patient cause we got lots of announcements coming, including a few surprises!
Also, I’m happy to announce that we’ve re-signed with Century Media in Europe!! Whether I’ve been working with CM on Firewind since 2005 or earlier projects since 2002, we’ve always had a winning team. Together we’ve achieved fantastic things in the band’s career and the proof is the ever growing fanbase and popularity of Firewind. When I explained them my vision and ideas for the new album, they convinced me they’re the right partner to take this to a new level! Many thanks to Leif Jensen, Antje Lange, Jens Prueter and the whole team of CM Europe!”
Antje Lange, Century Media’s European label manager, adds: “We feel very honoured to work with Gus G. further on and play our part in the fast development of this outstanding Greek talent. Firewind is one of the few fast growing bands in their genre. They have the ability to write excellent songs, Gus G. is a true magician on guitars and their live performance is breath taking. Any one out there asking for more?”
Firewind are currently in the studio recording their new studio album, Few Against Many, which will see a release before the summer via Century Media Records. Check out some footage from the studio below:
Firewind will be playing two special shows this week in their native Greece to conclude the worldwide touring cycle for their current album, Days Of Defiance, but also to kick-off the new year 2012 with style. Additionally, Firewind have already announced the first couple of European summer festival dates: Masters Of Rock Festival (Czech Republic) and Summer Breeze (Germany).
Here are all upcoming tour dates for 2012:
January
13 – Ioannina, Greece – Boxx Live Stage
14 – Athens, Greece – FUZZ
July
12-15 – Vizovice, Czech Republic – Masters Of Rock Festival
August
16-18 – Dinkelsbühl, Germany – Summer Breeze Open Air
Stay tuned for more Firewind news in regards to the upcoming album.
FIREWIND, featuring OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G., are currently working on a new album in their home town of Thessaloniki, Greece. They have issued the first in a series of studio updates, found below:
Firewind recently announced they will return to Greece for two long-awaited headline shows. The dates are ar follows:
January
13 – Ioannina, Greece – Boxx Live Stage
14 – Athens, Greece – Fuzz Club
These shows mark the band’s first 2012 live activities and also the final two gigs of the world tour in support of their release, Days Of Defiance. Tickets for the shows are available at this location.
After one too many overcrowded festivals *cough*Wacken*cough* Ray and I keep a lookout for small or medium sized festivals to combine with sightseeing holidays, preferably in countries not yet travelled. So when the lineup for Graspop Metal Meeting 2011 was announced, we had our next destination.
FIREWIND front man Apollo Papathanasio has been forced to miss the band’s imminent European tour due to family issues. Apollo will be back with FIREWIND for their North American “Frets Of Fury” tourdates in October. Apollo’s replacement for the European “Defiance Over Europe” dates is the hugely talented singer Mats Leven (Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen).
FIREWIND’s European tour starts out next week on September 9th in the UK and will additionally cover The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and France with support coming from Swedish metallers and labelmates Wolf. Here are the exact dates for both the European and the North American tours in support of the acclaimed latest FIREWIND album release “Days Of Defiance” so you can get your tickets NOW:
FIREWIND + WOLF – “Defiance Over Europe” Tour 2011 Presented by: Blackstar Amplification, Rock Hard (Germany), Rock Tribune (Benelux) and Lords Of Metal (Benelux)
FR 09.09. Southampton, UK – Talking Head
SA 10.09. Manchester, UK – Moho
SU 11.09. Glasgow, Scotland – Cathouse
MO 12.09. Reading, UK – Sub 89
WE 14.09. Zoetermeer, NL – Boerderij
TH 15.09. Den Bosch, NL – W2
FR 16.09. Kerkrade, NL – Rock Temple
SA 17.09. Vosselaar, BEL – Biebob
SU 18.09. Cologne, GER – Underground
MO 19.09. Aschaffenburg, GER – Colos Saal
TU 20.09. Hamburg, GER – Knust
TH 22.09. Vienna, AUT – Szene
FR 23.09. San Dona Di Piave, IT – Revolver Club
SA 24.09. Pisa, IT – Borderline
MO 26.09. Paris, FRA – Le Nouveau Casino
FIREWIND + Arsis, White Wizzard & Nightrage – The “Frets of Fury” North American Tour 2011 Sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World
SU 09.10. St Petersburg, FL @ The State Theater
MO 10.10. Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
TU 11.10. Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
WE 12.10. New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
TH 13.10. Hampton, NH @ Wally’s
FR 14.10. Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
SA 15.10. Ottawa, ON @ Maverick’s
SU 16.10. Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
TU 18.10. Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
WE 19.10. St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
TH 20.10. Winnipeg, MB @ The Osborne Village Inn
FR 21.10. Edmonton, AB @ Pawn Shop
SA 22.10. Kelowna, BC @ Sapphire Nightclub
SU 23.10. Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater
MO 24.10. Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
TU 25.10. Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
WE 26.10. San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
TH 27.10. Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky A Go Go
A FIREWIND tour trailer can be viewed online here:
Prior to the European run’s kick off, FIREWIND leader and also Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G. will be hosting an exclusive guitar clinic in the UK on September 8th. He will appear at the Boileroom in Stoke Fields / Guildford, courtesy of Andertons Music Co. & Blackstar Amplification. Tickets are available here.
The clip for FIREWIND’s latest single “Embrace The Sun”, out all over the world digitally, was directed by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames, Arch Enemy, etc.) and can now be viewed here:
A special, behind-the-scenes look into the making of the “Embrace The Sun” video and the previously released first clip “World On Fire” alongside interviews with the band members can be seen here:
The Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by the modern day guitar hero Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne), is extremely excited to announce their first ever headlining North American tour, dubbed the “Frets of Fury.” This package (sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World) kicks off on Oct. 9th and features a wide array of metal’s elite: Arsis, White Wizzard and Nightrage. This is easily one of the most diverse and exciting tours of the fall and head over now to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypXjeYtJwTg&feature=channel_video_title and www.facebook.com/firewindofficial in order to view their amazing, new video trailer to hype their upcoming touring activity. Or view it below:
FIREWIND - Days of Defiance
A few VIP ticketing options for each show are still available that will allow you access into a private meet and greet with the band, a signed poster and limited edition laminate. Head over now to http://tixx1.artistarena.com/firewindto get you orders in now before they are gone. See below for a list of all tourdates.
Also, be sure to head over to http://www.merchconnectioninc.com/collections/gus-g now to check out a slew of exclusive, new Gus G. merch designs.
Don’t forget to pick up FIREWIND’s latest album, Days of Defiance, which is an epic, exhilarating rollercoaster of melodic metal proficiency coupled with a barrage of jaw-dropping guitar-work that will leave you breathless.
The Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by modern day guitar hero Gus G, is extremely excited to announce their first ever headlining North American tour, dubbed the “Frets of Fury.” This package (sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World) kicks off on Oct. 9th and features a wide array of metal’s elite: Arsis, White Wizzard and Nightrage. This is easily one of the most diverse and exciting tours of the fall. Head over to www.facebook.com/firewindofficial to view the entire list of tourdates.
The band has also decided to ensure that their loyal fans are getting the first opportunity to buy tickets before they go on-sale to the general public. This is a first come first serve online ticket ordering system. The maximum order is four tickets. There are three ticketing/VIP package options that includes meet and greets with the band with exclusive 3D posters and laminates, as well as a Platinum Package featuring a private 20 minute guitar lesson with Gus G. Head over now to http://tixx1.artistarena.com/firewind/ to register and get your tickets and VIP access before they are sold-out.
