22/06/2006

Samir:Hi! Thanks for talking to us. How's everything with the band?

Everything’s very good thank you!

Samir:Ok! Do an introduction of Firewind's history!

I first started Firewind in 1998 and did a few demos with different line-ups until 2001. That’s when I was offered a contract with Leviathan Records (USA) for Firewind. They hooked me up with singer Stephen Fredrick and we did 2 albums with him for Leviathan, Between Heaven and Hell (2002) and Burning Earth (2003). Since we had a lot of success in Japan we did a tour there in 2004 and a few European festivals. That was also the time when we changed singer and record label. The new singer was Chity Somapala and the new label was Century Media. We released our 3rd album thru CM in 2005 called Forged By Fire. We toured Europe and UK, but after that some more line-up changes came. We now have a stable line-up with new singer Apollo Papathanasio and drummer Mark Cross. The core of the band has always been me, Petros Christo (bass) and Bob Katsionis (keyboards). Our new album is called Allegiance.

Samir:How come you named the band "Firewind", what's the story behind that name?

I took it from Electric Sun’s album “Firewind”. I’m a huge Uli Roth fan and I thought that Firewind is a great band name! Sounds strong.

Samir:What are the principal differences between your first album, and the music of the new one?

The music style is still the same but you can say we sound more contemporary, while our first album was more traditional 80s metal and a bit neo-classical at times.

Samir:If you could choose any band to tour with who would it be? Any preferences?

Scorpions, Maiden, or Sabbath.

Samir:What do you see as the big difference between Firewind and Dream Evil?

Dream Evil was more of a fun band and the songs were more simplistic arranged. Firewind showcases more chops and technical ability while keeping the songwriting catchy with big riffs and choruses.

Samir: What have the media and fans to say about your album "Forged By Fire" and do you remember how many gigs did you do on that album?



“Forged…” was a big step for us. It brought us more exposure, better distribution since we had changed labels to Century Media. We got very good reviews worldwide and we did a European tour with Hammerfall, Thunderstone and Lordi. That tour was short, but we played huge venues instead. It ended with a very successful gig in Gothenburg’s Scandinavium Arena in front of 8000 fans! We also did some one off shows in Norway, UK and a Greek tour.

Samir:Where was that first show?

The first show of the tour started in London where we supported Nevermore.

Samir:How was it to work with an experienced singer like Apollo Papathanasio?

I know Apollo for many years and it’s been an amazing experience working with a good friend who at the same time is one of the best metal singers around. We worked together closely for many days in the studio. Apollo is very hard working and has a lot of discipline. He delievered like no one else!

Samir:At this point in your career are you able to make a living from playing metal? What sacrifices must you make to have this work out?

Yes, I’m fortunate that I can make a living from playing Heavy metal, probably because of my big backcatalog. I’ve made lots of sacrifices for my music, basically given up everything and relocated to America and then Sweden in order to form my dream band and make it happen. It’s been a long trip so far and I’m glad we’ve made it this far.

Samir:As a band do you have any set goals?

Yes, of course! FIREWIND – mania all over the world!!

Samir:Tell us something about your gigs.What was the best live experience.



Our gigs are always very intense and we like to communicate with the crowd and make sure everyone has a great time. We play with a lot of energy and very hard! Some of our best gigs so far have been the Lorca festival in Spain and our recent show in Greece with Dokken. Unforgettable shows really!

Samir:If you 'll be invited to playing here in morocco, do you accepte about this invitation?

Of course!!! We’d love to play in Morocco! Interested promoters can contact our agency at: booking@firewind.gr

Samir: What albums made the biggest impact on your life?

Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive, Racer X – Second Heat, Yngwie Malmsteen – Trilogy, Black Sabbath, Master of Reality, Metallica – Metallica, Scorpions – Taken By Force

Samir: Let's talk about your songwriting .what's the kinds of your lyrics?

It’s about different kinds of things. Mainly with the human feelings and situations we’re going through.

Samir: Do the members of the band play in other projects? Or is Fire wind your only and main goal?

Firewind is our main goal and when we have free time from it, some of us do side projects. Bob our keyboardist is releasing some solo albums from time to time and Apollo is preparing a solo album too. Mark has done a side project called God’s Army as well.

Samir: What have been some of your best memories with the band?

Too many good memories, really. We have a great time when we go on tour and also in the studio. Recording of “Allegiance” was a turning point in our career and I will never forget those recordings. Plus Sweden was frozen cold when we were there in the studio. I’ve never seen so much snow in my life haha!

Samir: What was the favorite band you toured with?
It was great touring with Rob Rock in Japan in 2004. Also the tour with HammerFall in 2005 was great, they treated us very nice.

Samir: What is your musical background? Your personal influences?

I started playing the guitar after I heard Peter Frampton and Al Di Meola, so thoese were my very first influences. Of course my life changed when I first heard Black Sabbath, Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert, as well as Steve Vai. I also love bands like Megadeth and Iron Maiden, I’m a huge fan.

Samir: Can you tell me more about "Burning Earth"? What is your feeling about it?



I believe it’s our 2nd best album after “Allegiance”. I’m very proud for that album, but also have a bitter feeling because it was never promoted the way it should have been. Most of the songs are very strong in there and to this day, a big part of our live set is based around the songs from “Burning Earth”.

Samir: Do you have anything you would like to say to the readers of Zero tolerance webzine ?

Thanx for your support, hope to see u on tour soon! Check out our new album and Pledge Your Allegiance!!!

Samir : any last words. thanks for the interview

Thank you samir

Albums:

Nocturnal Symphony 1998
Between Heaven And Hell 2002
Burning Earth 2003
Forged By Fire 2005
Falling to Pieces 2006
Allegiance 2006


Links:

http://www.firewind.gr/
http://www.myspace.com/firewind

Members:

Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Gus G - Guitars
Petros Christo - Bass
Bob Katsionis - Keyboards
Mark Cross - Drums