History
The band had a demo in 1998 called Nocturnal Symphony. Firewind signed to Century Media in late 2004. The band's UK tour with Yngwie Malmsteen was cancelled in 2005 when singer Chity Somapala was unable to procure a visa for the U.K. He was subsequently booted from the band. Gus G. quit Nightrage in early 2006 in order to focus on this band. Allegiance was due in July, 2006. Instead, the album was later billed for January 2007 through Century Media. This album marked the first release with new vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Majestic and Time Requiem) and drummer Mark Cross (ex-Helloween and Metalium) whose talents had a prominent impact on the creative process. Allegiance was mixed at Studio Fredman with guitarist Gus G’s former band-mate Fredrik Nordstrom. Singer Apollo Papathanasio had to cut short touring with the band in early 2007 supposedly due to a family emergency. Henning Basse of Metalium was filling in. Gus G. asked its old singer Stephen Fredrick to join it on the stage in 2007 at ProgPower USA. In the summer, Apollo was resting and dealing with back problems. As a result, Metalium’s Henning Basse stepped in and toured with the band. The band announced a new album called The Premonition for March 25th, 2007.
Reviews
FIREWIND - FORGED BY FIRE - CENTURY MEDIA/MAGICK
Firewind's latest album, Forged By Fire, is a solid heavy metal album that is nevertheless just shy of brilliant. The voice of Chity Somapala is good, but he tries too hard. Guitarist Gus G. rips with his trademark fret runs and squeals. The album is pure heavy metal, but that does not mean it is monotonous. There is the occasionally anthemic and melodic song or the commercial ballad like Hate World Hero which features amazing guitars. Tyranny is reminiscent of Iron Maiden from the Di Anno period in the beginning and has some fantastic vintage metal guitar work, while Escape From Tomorrow ratchets up the speed factor to good effect. Feast Of The Savages is a shredding instrumental where Gus G. and Marty Friedman trade fire and keyboardist Bob Katsionis adds his own touch taking the song to a sound near that of Rainbow. Incidentally, Firewind lists a full-time keyboardist, but the fans are lucky in that most songs omit his unwanted presence. Perished In Flames is predictably heavier in the riff department and the album ends with the anti-war ballad Land Of Eternity. Watch for bonus video footage on the album as well.
Personally speaking, Dream Evil is a better band than Firewind and why Gus G. would leave that band is a mystery. All the same, Firewind is also a good band worthy of investment by heavy metal fans. - Ali "The Metallian"
FIREWIND – ALLEGIANCE – CENTURY MEDIA 
It is generally accepted that guitarist Gus G. (triple G) is adept, dextrous and talented. His work is no less inspiring and impressive here. What is new on Allegiance, however, is singer Apollo Papathanasio formerly of Majestic. The frontman certainly puts in a convincing performance – no fear Firewind fans (triple F) – that shows off his capable ranges. A good instance is the song The Essence. His voice is the perfect accompaniment to Firewind’s musical range which spans the spectrum from hard rock to heavy and speed metal. Feeling is clearly an important component of Firewind.
Notable tracks are the speedy Dreamchaser, the heavy Insanity with the crazy guitars, the instrumental Before The Storm with its touching guitar work and Ready To Strike. It is on Ready To Strike that Papathanasio sounds like Whitesnake’s David Coverdale, which is interesting given the song’s line about “In the dead of the night.” Can you say, “Still Of The Night’?? Falling To Pieces is the album’s catchy and infectious cut.
Allegiance is a good to very good album with a strong sound, yet falls just short of excellent. The album features a multi-media section. – Anna Tergel
Interviews
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