Thanks to Daniela, webbattender for Mystic Prophecy for making the interview possible
Thanks to Massacre Records for the promo pictures of the band
RAVENLORD is the name of the seventh Mystic Prophecy album. I got in touch with bandleader R.D Liapakis (he’s also the only remaining original member in the band) to talk about the new excellent album, the line up changes and the past present and future of Mystic Prophecy. Read more about this great Greek/German heavy metal act down below.
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:
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 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.
We are proud to announce that Gus G is officially a Golden God!
At last night’s prestigious Metal Hammer Golden God’s ceremony in London, Gus picked up the ‘Best Shredder’ award. The Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne guitarist couldn’t be there in person to accept his award as he is on the road with Ozzy but he did send short video.
You can catch Gus and Firewind at this year’s Sonisphere festival, after which the band will return for a UK tour in September.
Upcoming Firewind UK dates:
9th September – Southampton, UK – Talking Head
10th September – Manchester, UK – Moho
11th September – Glasgow, Scotland – Cathouse
12th September – Reading, UK – Sub 89
8th/10 th July – Sonisphere Festival – Knebworth, UK
Gus G. Comments On The Tour and Special VIP Ticketing Options
FIREWIND - Days of Defiance
The Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by the 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 and stay tuned to www.facebook.com/firewindofficial over the coming weeks for the entire list of tourdates and VIP ticketing options.
Gus G. states: “We couldn’t be happier to announce our first full North American tour! It’s been over three years since FIREWIND toured from coast to coast across the U.S. and we’re coming back stronger than ever with a killer package. We put a lot of thought into who we wanted to go out with us and truly believe that each band on this bill brings something special to the table making this a very diverse line-up. However, shredding guitar driven metal remains the prominent feature across the board.
“In fact there’s more to it than just that, as this package is somewhat of a musical family tree. Not many people know this but Arsis’ guitarist James Malone and I went to Berklee together back in 1998. We had an instrumental band together for awhile, which later became FIREWIND. James is a kick ass shredder and I’m glad our bands are finally touring together.
“Also, most people don’t know that I played in Nightrage for few years. I did two albums with them and their main-man Marios Iliopoulos is a phenomenal guitar player. He also filled in on bass for FIREWIND this year, when Petros was unable to tour. Nightrage is one of my favorite bands and you definitely got to come down early to check them out. White Wizzard are currently making noise worldwide and they’re definitely a band to watch out for as well. We’re proud to have these great bands on board with us, making this such a high quality package for all metal fans.
“We will also offering special VIP ticketing options for each show on this tour that will allow you access into a private meet and greet with the band, a signed poster and limited edition laminate. See you out there this fall.”
In other news, FIREWIND have also recently launched a free and official iPhone App, which can be downloaded for free here: http://itunes.apple.com/app/id434835076
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.
There is no doubt that one of the most stunning guitar players in the hard rock/metal scene right now is Gus G. (Ozzy, Firewind) and he is proud to be partnering up with Guitar Center for an upcoming “Sessions” event. This three hour instructional seminar will take place on Thursday, April 21st at Guitar Center Hollywood beginning at 7PM. This is a free event, but space is limited so be sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on this very intimate evening. Fans can expect to see Gus perform lots of his favorite riffs, participate in a Q+A segment and autograph signing. For additional information feel free to visit http://gc.guitarcenter.com/sessions/gusg/.
Gus G. states: “I’m very excited about coming to Guitar Center in Hollywood later this month cause while I’ve done various clinics and workshops in Europe and Japan, this is going to be the first one in the U.S. for me! When they presented me with the ‘Sessions’ idea I thought it was a great way to meet some fans at a more intimate environment, play some stuff for them, answer questions and actually get to meet them.
“I will definitely be playing material from Ozzy and Firewind albums and hopefully I’ll meet lots of you down there. Remember, this is going to be a free entrance event! See you soon.”
Guitar Center Sessions is a music and education based initiative that features informative and provocative discussions, along with hands-on tutorials by the industry’s most respected artists. Serving as an inspirational incubator for musicians, Sessions provides an opportunity to network with their peers and gain insight and knowledge from their musical influences in a comfortable and intimate setting.
FIREWIND – “Embrace The Sun” Video Clip launched online; Digital Single out now; Gus G. nominated for Metal Hammer UK’s Golden God Award; FIREWIND confirmed to appear at UK’s Sonisphere festival!
Greece’s melodic Metal shooting stars FIREWIND, led by the modern day guitar hero Gus G, are proud to launch their newest video for the “Days Of Defiance” album release: The clip for the band’s new single “Embrace The Sun” was directed by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames, Arch Enemy, etc.) and can now be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlstARCNT2c
FIREWIND are releasing their newest single “Embrace The Sun” all over Europe digitally today (See the artwork above!). The single for the acclaimed album track “Embrace The Sun” comes with a special instrumental mixdown of the song as b-side as well as the video clip for song both in regular and in alternate band-performance-only version. It can be purchased here via I-Tunes: http://itunes.apple.com/de/album/embrace-the-sun-single/id421516777
FIREWIND - Days of Defiance
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: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaQ_LRmrAgU
Gus G.’s guitar prowess was recently further validated as UK’s METAL HAMMER magazine has nominated him for a 2011 “Golden God” award in the “best shredder” category, recognizing not only the fantastic work he has done recently as Ozzy Osbourne’s right hand man, but also the incredible contribution to metal he continues with the mighty Firewind! Support Gus G. by visiting the poll and giving your vote via the link below: http://goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk
Previously, US magazine Revolver had announced Gus G. to be nominated as well in the “Best Guitarist” category of the “Golden Gods” award, which is decided upon by fan voting. Click now on the link below to cast your vote for Gus now and stay tuned as the winners will be announced live on April 20th at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles: http://www.revolvermag.com/beta/goldengods/voting
Presented by the Guitar magazine (Germany) and Top Guitar magazine (Poland), Gus G. most recently showcases some of his breathtaking playing techniques in a contest clip that invites other talented players to reproduce the piece as video recording on their own in order qualify to be handpicked by Gus to win one of his ESP Ltd. signature model guitars as well as a Blackstar HT 5S Ministack Amp. Additionally FIREWIND shirts will be given away too…
Soon to announce intense headlining tour activity for both in North America and Europe for the Fall, FIREWIND have just been announced to appear at this year’s UK edition of the Sonisphere festival, taking place in Knebworth, UK on July 8th – 10th, 2011. FIREWIND will appear as part of a splendid line-up, which features the likes of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Motörhead, The Sisters Of Mercy, Mastodon, In Flames, Architects, Volbeat and many, many more.
Gus G. comments on FIREWIND’s appearance as follows: “We’re very excited for our debut performance at Sonisphere festival! We’re truly honoured to be a part of Sonisphere UK and to share the stage with the Big 4 and so many other great bands!! Knebworth get ready, we’ll set your world on fire!!!”.
FIREWIND have also confirmed to be appearing at Basinfire Festival in Czech Republic on July 1st. Here are all upcoming festival dates announced so far:
Check out the furious opening track “The Ark Of Lies” from FIREWIND’s current masterpiece album “Days Of Defiance” completely free after you tweet or Facebook about the song. Go here for more details: www.centurymedia.com/specials/firewind/
Get your voting heads on! Gus G (Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne) is nominated in the 2011 Metal Hammer ‘Golden Gods poll.
Gus features in the ‘Best Shredder’ category, recognizing not only the fantastic work he has done as Ozzy’s right hand man, but also the incredible contribution to metal he continues to build with the mighty Firewind!
FIREWIND – Announce New Digital Single Details, Post Behind-The-Scenes Video Clip Online and Gus G. Nominated For A Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Award!
The Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by the modern day guitar hero Gus G, is currently preparing for a slew of activity over the course of the next few months. The group are set to release a new digital single for the stunning song “Embrace The Sun” on March 14th 2011, which will also feature the much anticipated video for the track shot by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames, etc.). This comes off their 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.
A special, behind-the-scenes look into the making of the “Embrace The Sun” and “World On Fire” videos can now be seen exclusively at the link below. In this clip you will get a glimpse into the many hours of work it takes to create such a visual masterpiece. This also features in-depth interviews with the band members on the set, so click the link below now to check it out:
FIREWIND is currently working on putting together a massive North American touring package for the fall as well as long awaited European touring, so stay tuned to www.facebook.com/firewindofficial for a big announcement over the coming weeks.
Gus G’s guitar prowess was recently further validated as Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Awards has nominated him in the “Best Guitarist” category, which is decided upon by fan voting. Click now on the link below to cast your vote for Gus now and stay tuned as the winners will be announced live on April 20th at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles: http://www.revolvermag.com/beta/goldengods/voting
FIREWIND have also recently been confirmed to appear with the song “World On Fire” as part of a new ten-song mega pack in February for Activision Publishing’s “Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock” alongside Children Of Bodom, Black Label Society and many others. For more information about “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” and the entire line-up of downloadable songs and disc imports, please visit:www.guitarhero.com
Presented by the Guitar magazine (Germany) and Top Guitar magazine (Poland), Gus G. most recently showcases some of his breathtaking playing techniques in a contest clip that invites other talented players to reproduce the piece as video recording on their own in order qualify to be handpicked by Gus to win one of his ESP Ltd. signature model guitars as well as a Blackstar HT 5S Ministack Amp. Additionally FIREWIND shirts will be given away too…
The contest runs up to April 15th, 2011, so find more details and get ready for some quality shredding right here:
FIREWIND live shows 2011:
19.06.2011 Hellfest Open Air – Clisson, France / www.hellfest.fr
25.06.2011 Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium / www.graspop.be
More dates will be announced soon…
Check out the furious opening track “The Ark Of Lies” from FIREWIND’s current masterpiece album “Days Of Defiance” completely free after you tweet or Facebook about the song. Go here for more details: www.centurymedia.com/specials/firewind/
Psycho Choke is proud to announce the new video “Get Down“. Taken from the album “UNRAVELING CHAOS” released by 7Hard Records 2010. Feat. guest solo from Gus-G (Firewind, Ozzy).
Louder than hell, aggressive, optimistic and happily violent Psycho Choke deliver a special blend of nerve striking vibes with eastern and western grooves under a soft touch of discrete poetry. With a little help from Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind), Marios Iliopoulos and Olof Mork (Nightrage) and Jacob Hansen (Invocator, Anubis Gate) “Unraveling Chaos” is the album that every metal core fan will talk about for months. Play it on high volume and let the waves destroy your eardrums.
From Guitarist Gus G: “Psycho Choke is a band from my town and I’ve known them for many years. They always recorded quality music and play intense live shows. I was happy to jam on their new album and I wish them nothing but the best!”
The Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by the modern day guitar hero Gus G, is currently preparing for a slew of activity over the course of the next few months. The group are set to release a new digital single for the stunning song, “Embrace The Sun,” on March 15th, which will also feature the much anticipated video for the track shot by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames). This comes off their 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.
A special, behind-the-scenes look into the making of the “Embrace The Sun” and “World On Fire” videos can now be seen exclusively at the link below. In this clip you will get a glimpse into the many hours of work it takes to create such a visual masterpiece. This also features in-depth interviews with the band members on the set, so check it out below:
FIREWIND is currently working on putting together a massive North American touring package for the fall, so stay tuned to www.facebook.com/firewindofficial for a big announcement over the coming weeks.
Gus G’s guitar prowess was recently further validated as Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Awards has nominated him in the “Best Guitarist” category, which is decided upon by fan voting. Click now on the link below to cast your vote for Gus now and stay tuned as the winners will be announced live on April 20th at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. http://www.revolvermag.com/beta/goldengods/voting
FIREWIND have also recently been confirmed to appear with the song “World On Fire” as part of a new ten-song mega pack in February for Activision Publishing’s “Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock” alongside Children Of Bodom, Black Label Society and many others. For more information about “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” and the entire line-up of downloadable songs and disc imports, please visit: www.guitarhero.com
FIREWIND live shows 2011:
03.03.2011 Club Quattro – Osaka, Japan
04.03.2011 Club Quattro – Nagoya, Japan
05.03.2011 Club Quattro – Tokyo, Japan
19.06.2011 Hellfest Open Air – Clisson, France / www.hellfest.fr
25.06.2011 Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium / www.graspop.be
FIREWIND – Special Gus G. guitar-contest presented by Guitar (DE) and Top Guitar (PL) launched online!
Greek melodic Metallers FIREWIND, lead by guitar-virtuoso Gus G., continue to promote their latest killer album release “Days Of Defiance” around the globe and have now launched a very special online contest:
Presented by the Guitar magazine (Germany) and Top Guitar magazine (Poland), Gus G. showcases some of his breathtaking playing techniques in a clip that invites other talented players to reproduce the piece as video recording on their own in order qualify to be handpicked by Gus to win one of his ESP Ltd. signature model guitars as well as a Blackstar HT 5S Ministack Amp. Additionally FIREWIND shirts will be given away too…
The contest runs up to April 15th, 2011, so find more details and get ready for some quality shredding right here (or watch it below): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzpCnZol_zk
Gus G. checks in as follows: “Hi all, just wanted to give you a little update on what’s been going on in our world lately. Although I’ve been on tour in N. America rocking on Ozzy Osbourne’s side the past few months, FIREWIND have been working on our upcoming plans and we really need you to stay tuned for this one, cause this Spring super cool news are coming your way and they involve a new video & single, tourdates (I know our fans have been waiting for these…) + even more cool stuff!
But we thought we’d start out by giving away some gear, cause that’s how cool our camp & endorsement partners are! So, check out the video contest that Century Media put together. The idea is very cool, all you gotta do is just play one (or actually a few) of my licks as demonstrated on the video and post them online. I’ll check them ALL out and pick the winner who will get my signature ESP guitar and a very cool HT-5 Blackstar amp!
I’m always very flattered when I hear from guitar players that my music and playing inspires and influences them. I’d love to see your videos ripping on these licks and hopefully you’ll be the lucky one!”
FIREWIND have recently been confirmed to appear with the song “World On Fire” as part of a new ten-song mega pack in February for Activision Publishing’s “Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock” alongside Children Of Bodom, Black Label Society and others. For more information about “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” and the entire line-up of downloadable songs and disc imports, please visit: www.guitarhero.com
And here are all upcoming FIREWIND live shows:
FIREWIND live shows 2011:
03.03.2011 Club Quattro – Osaka, Japan
04.03.2011 Club Quattro – Nagoya, Japan
05.03.2011 Club Quattro – Tokyo, Japan
19.06.2011 Hellfest Open Air – Clisson, France / www.hellfest.fr
25.06.2011 Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium / www.graspop.be
More dates will be announced soon…
Check out the furious opening track “The Ark Of Lies” from FIREWIND’s current masterpiece album “Days Of Defiance” completely free after you tweet or Facebook about the song. Go here for more details: www.centurymedia.com/specials/firewind/
