FIREWIND

The heavy metal vision of Ozzy guitar maestro Gus G, Firewind are close to achieving musical perfection. Tasteful and heavy, they are everything the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was striving to be back in the 1980s.

Power metal may seem an odd successor to Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, yet in the Greek band’s lyrics and songwriting there are enough twin-guitar riffs and licks to satisfy the most ardent Judas Priest fan. Moreover, they are not a carbon copy of NWOBHM bands. They have their own sound, based around devastating riffs, Gus G’s masterful guitar licks and a touch of keyboard.

Successful worldwide, Firewind have forged a strong following due to their exceptionally strong live performances. Despite serious lyrics, the band never take themselves too seriously; in their latest tour, their bassist tap-danced his way through a rockin’ rendition of Michael Sembello’s Maniac with gusto.

A band that has only recently exploded into the mainstream, Firewind have been legends in the Greek metal scene for years. In their early days, bands such as Dream Evil and Nightrage have recognised Gus G’s talent and borrowed him for recordings. As they rose in stature through their six brilliant albums, their status earned Gus G recognition from the Ozzman himself. That attention can only have helped them musically: Firewind’s last album was a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

More info: http://www.firewind.gr/2008/bio.html