This band began as the international all-star band, but recently shifted to almost purely Greek act. Powered by the guitar wizardry and compositional genius of a young guitarist Gus G, it has done fairly well in both Europe and Japan. Originally it also featured x-Kenziner members, vocalist supreme Stephen Frederick and drummer Brian Harris, who played on the band's breakthrough second album, "Between Heaven And Hell" (2002) as well as on "Burning Earth" (2003). Gus G also participated in several other projects, such as Dream Evil and Mystic Prophecy. In late 2003, however, Stephen Frederick left the band, replaced by former Avalon singer, Chiti Sompala, who sang on the album "Forged By Fire" (2005) ensued. His position proved temporary also, as the band was joined by a young Greek singer, Apollo Papathanasio, who sang on "Allegiance" (2006) and "The Premonition" (2008).
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL (2002)
BEST SONGS: "World Of Conflict," "I Will Fight Alone," "Who Am I?"
Well, the ever-rising wave of Manowarshippers has gotten the new crest. One more album like this, and Firewind would take over Rhapsody's spot on the throne of "better-than-Manowar" "four kings of metal, four metal kings," which it used to share with Hammerfall (and they both inherited the said throne from Virgin Steele). How fresh can the played-to-(the bridge of)-death metal cliches be? Well, as well as the main driving force 21 y.o. Greek, Gus G (he must either be from Compton, CA or Tracy G's estranged brother), wants them to be. Two of album's best tracks, "World Of Conflict" and "I Will Fight Alone," will make any true metal warrior squeal with pleasure like a pleasure slave. Nevertheless, the lyrics are nowhere near as dumb as those of Manowar, Rhapsody, or Lost Horizon, and are on approximately the level of Hammerfall. By good lyrics here, I'm not implying any deep thoughts or emotions a-la Conception, but rather word patterns that sound cool in the context of the song ("Raven, hawk, and the dove..."). The album could use a little more consistency, because at times it does stumbles into the over-cliched territory (and I simply can't bear another song named "Fire"), but overall it is just so well done and delivered, that I can't but wish all the best for them. I do, however, think, it would be a good idea for Gus to concentrate on Firewind exclusively, instead of all his other projects (and the stuff I've heard from Dream Evil sounded far inferior to "BH&H"). Stephan Frederick sounds much better than he ever did in Kenziner (in part because he has a much firmer ground to stand upon), although he does get a bit monotonous at times. More than solid production from David Chastain. Oh yeah, "Who Am I" is one of year's best ballads.
BURNING EARTH (2003)
BEST SONGS: "Steal Them Blind," "You Have Survived," "Brother's Keeper"
An excellent follow-up to their breakthrough album, Between Heaven & Hell. While not really having any songs quite on the level of otherworldly "World Of Conflict" and "I Will Fight Alone," the overall level of songs is actually higher than on the predecessor. Every song is well-written, every riff is tasty, every lick and fill fits in. Magnificent singing from Stephen Frederick: he is on the verge of joining the world's vocal elite. Clearly, some thinking went into the lyrics as well: cynical and rocking "Steal Them Blind" (too bad the drawn-out spoken intro becomes tedious after a while), anthemic "I Am The Anger," philosophical "Immortal Lives Young" (similar to the latter day Iron Maiden epics, but livelier), swift instrumental "The Fire And The Fury," triumphant "You Have Survived," and emotional "Waiting Still" and "The Longest Day" have decent lyrics and are wonderful metal songs overall. "Brother's Keeper" is also top of the bill, as far as world-conscientious metal goes: it's truly moving. Overall, this is one of the year's best. Of all Gus G's projects, Firewind is clearly my favorite. I am, therefore quite upset over Frederick's departure from the band, I hope it's not permanent.
FORGED BY FIRE (2005)
RATING: ****
BEST SONGS: "Tyranny," "Hate World Hero," "Perished In Flames"
A solid album throughout, but the well is drying. Stagnation is seen in virtually every song title (it has titles like "Tyranny," "Burn In Hell" and "Perished In Flames," for Shakespeare's sake!), and the riffs are no longer the same tasty air-guitar grabbers like the ones that graced the previous two releases (in fact, many of them seem rehashed from various metal sources). In reality, this album could have been released under the moniker of "Mystic Prophecy" or "Dream Evil," and not many would raise their eyebrows. Not even guest appearances from thrash legends James Murphy (Testament) and Marty Friedman (Megadeth) help to distinguish the tracks from each other or average moments on the first two discs. The voice of newcomer Chity Sompala (formerly of Avalon) is not distinctive the way his predecessor's was, although he is more than adequate (even though in a couple of places he reminds me of more powerful and more polished Blackie Lawless). Certainly Gus could do worse in picking the vocalist. Unfortunately, the new blood does not exactly reinvigorate the band, and the album sounds exactly like what is expected from it. Now, all that said, FbF is still a very good collection of riffs and melodies, all cohesive and working together (except the verse and the chorus in "Forgotten Memory": they just do not). Yes, the standard has been set high with BH&H and BE, but if you look at this album for what it is, it is more than capable of delivering to you over forty minutes of energetic quality metal. The album has plenty of speed ("Escape From Tomorrow"), aggression ("Beware The Beast"), and pathos ("Tyranny") characteristic of Firewind. Melodic mid-tempo anthems were always Gus's strength, and "Hate World Hero" is definitely one of the highlights, albeit being slightly on the poppy side (Bon Jovi covering this song would not be out of the question... in a fantasy world). The only track which does not send the immediate "been there done that" signal is "Perished In Flames," which starts out with the Megadeth’s "Dawn Patrol"-type bass and then catches on fire and takes off with a killer chorus. With that in mind, I hope Gus takes a year off from ALL OF HIS BANDS and just concentrates on the originality aspect of his creativity. With three very similar sounding albums under their collective belts, Gus & Co cannot afford to appear stagnant, or the public's attention is going to be directed elsewhere. The field is just too saturated, ya know. Last question: can the beginning to "Tyranny" sound any more like Kiss's "Detroit Rock City"?
ALLEGIANCE (2006)
RATING: ****
BEST SONGS: “Fall To Pieces,” “Ready To Strike,” “Deliverance”
Not quite as good as the band’s previous releases, especially the first two, but still good. In fact, I really disliked it at first, but then, with ample listening, it grew on me. The weak points start with the fact that the new vocalist, Apollo Papathanasio, is nowhere near as good as either Sompala or Frederick. Of course, when paired with somebody even worse than he is (mysterious “Tara” on “Breaking The Silence” is just annoying in an attempt to sound “sensuous”), he is indeed passable, but after those two titans, he can’t really hold the candle. However, Gus and the crew still deliver some nice tunes to chew on and headbang to. The first single, “Fall To Pieces,” is indeed a very catchy and grabbing tune, with some excellent guitar harmonies. Nice solo in “Ready To Strike.”
Waltzy “Deliverance” is also pretty good. The sound is slightly different than before, but not enough to talk about “change of direction.” Overall, pretty good, but far from sheer domination of the predecessors.
THE PREMONITION (2008)
RATING: ****1/2
BEST SONGS: “Mercenary Man,” “Angels Forgive Me,” “Circle of Life”
This release is their best since Burning Earth, and it’s amazing to watch the band, while not inventing anything truly original, still managing to sound fresh and relevant. The album begins with a bass intro that recalls “The Thing That Should Not Be” from Metallica, and I thought: “Wow, this is going to be different.” Unfortunately, this is where “the different” ended, and the opening “Into the Fire” shifted into the ever-familiar power metal mold. The only change from their earlier albums is the increased role of keyboards (and slightly less grit), but even that doesn't hurt them. But how well done it is! “Head Up High” is a wonderful melodic metal anthem, slightly resembling Dio’s “Hungry for Heaven” in minor keys. The single, “Mercenary Man,” in a perfect world would be all over the radio, but sadly it’s only going to please us, the metal Illuminati. Same goes for “Angels Forgive Me.” The keyboards really highlight the band’s sound, without sticking out needlessly. “My Loneliness” is a little cheesy, but not too much. “Circle of Life” is another pinnacle: a terrific mid-tempo rocker. Firewind’s lyrics, while not great, are still a good notch above average, especially for Greeks. A sure shot at one of the year’s best. Oh yeah, and the cover of “She’s a Maniac” is still fairly retarded (if a person is “dancing like she’s never danced before,” she sucks).
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