Welcome in to a glorious Power Metal world, signed FIREWIND. It has been over twenty years already since the Greek guitar god Gus G (MYSTIC PROPHECY, NIGHTRAGE, ARCH ENEMY, DREAM EVIL, OZZY OSBOURNE) started it all. The band's new album is their ninth and it became self-titled, as the feeling of having stepped into a new phase emerged. Here we find a detailed and awesome production, released via AFM Records on May 15.
Since seventeen years back the brilliant guitarist has the bassist Petros Christodoulidis (BREAKING SILENCE) with him, who is cool in a relaxed way. Spanish, explosive drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE, KAMELOT) has been playing in this group for the past nine years. Live he is often seen with a smile, while at the same time he can go berserk over the drums, but it sounds fantastic. New singer is Herbie Langhans (VOODOO CIRCLE, SINBREED, AVANTASIA) from Germany. With his powerful voice he brings new life into FIREWIND. Gus said: “I’m proud and happy that we can continue with the tradition of great vocalists thanks to Herbie. He is a hell of a singer and his powerful style breathes new life on our new material, but also on our back catalogue.”
In addition to replacing the one heard behind the microphone, they have gone from five members to four. I am sorry to say that, after many years, keyboarder Bob Katsionis is stepping down from the ongoing touring lifestyle. He is an outstanding musician, who could play both guitar and keyboard almost simultaneously on stage, as if he had three hands or something. I have seen it with my own eyes. He now wants to focus on his own projects and the work as a producer & studio engineer. Former singer Henning Basse left the band due to personal reasons. There were absolutely no hard feelings involved and their friends wish them both the best of luck in the future. It was a big challenge for the band to continue, but it also became a rebirth, like a new chapter in their musical history.
The guitarist and Langhans got to know each other in the autumn of 2019, when the FIREWIND-leader was looking for a suitable replacement for Henning after the tour with QUEENSRYCHE. Gus had earlier been amazed by Herbies vocal performance, when he sang for SINBREED. A question was sent to the singer, asking if he wanted to join for ten new songs, with a deadline in mid January. The German agreed immediately and got familiarised with everything in no time. A few weeks later the recordings for the work “Firewind” were done, ready for Swedish sound engineer Tobias Lindell (EUROPE, AVATAR, H.E.A.T.) to mix it in Lindell Audio Studios. The new material ended up with eleven songs and the result is impressive indeed.
Pleasant bass tones from Petros give an extra nice touch in "Overdrive". This tune has light influences from the seventies and eighties. Johan gives extra power behind the drums in this melodic Metal piece. Gus G: ”The song was supposed to be just a little bonus number, but it took on a life on its own and was doing so well that it just had to be on the album.” He also explains that “Orbitual Sunrise”, “Longing To Know You” and “Space Cowboy” are connected with eachother through their lyrics. ”It’s kind of a Sci-Fi story about the overexploitation of nature, seen through the eyes of a lonely astronaut, orbiting earth in his space capsule.”
The opening number is exciting and nice with beautiful guitar tones. After a micropause, where you almost hold your breath, "Welcome To The Empire" takes off. Here we talk about really heavy power, which gives a satisfying feeling inside the listener. Herbie sometimes has a rough, almost gurgling voice. When he increases both volume and strength to his vocals, all the way from the abdominal muscles, it becomes clearer and more stable. This song is a perfect example of that and it also became their second single, released a couple of weeks ago. The music video was filmed in January. Science Fiction was mentioned earlier and Gus G is a huge fan of such movies, so here he wanted to blend in futuristic visual effects in the story. The rest of the band also thought it was a good idea and I agree that it became a very good result. The guitarist let us know: ”The story is set in a dystopia, where humanity has been surrendered to the New World Order. Two cyborgs are playing with the future of mankind in a chess game. Each move has consequences…”
I am totally fascinated by the incredible work this guy does with his fingers over the strings. The guitar solo in "Break Away" is absolutely outstanding. The whole composition is somewhat progressive and has a captivating dynamic. The singing and music sweep back and forth, together with increase and decrease in strength, which catches the listener’s attention. Another fantastic song is "Perfect Strangers" with its heavy rhythm. In the chorus you hear sharp, cool guitar tones. There is an energy, filled with driving force. The disc's ballad "Longing To Know You" is so wonderful that I nominate it as one of the best tracks I have heard so far this year. It is kind of like a bubbling, slowflowing waterstream, both gently and powerful at the same time.
FIREWIND’s new release contains everything between rushing Speed Metal and slow song parts, woven together by excellent guitar playing. My summary of it all becomes passionate Power Metal with quality. (Anna)
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Bewertung:
8,5 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 47:27 min
Label: AFM Records
Veröffentlichungstermin: 15.05.2020
