Firewind

Yet another power metal ensemble showcasing the widely acknowledged and always in-demand talents of Greek guitar hero Gus G. (whose real name is Kostas Karamitroudis, and whose other credits include Dream Evil and Mystic Prophecy, among countless guest spots), Firewind blurs the lines between serious band and casual side project with its fluid multinational membership and surprisingly busy musical output. The latter has been represented by dependably yearly releases such as Between Heaven and Hell (2002), Burning Earth (2003), and Forged by Fire (2004); while the former has seen musicians like American vocalist Stephen Fredrick (also involved with Finland's Kenziner), Greek keyboardist Bob Katsionis (Septic Flesh), and American drummer Mark Cross (Helloween, Nightfall, Winters Bane, etc.) come and go. Because of all this, it's impossible to affirm whether the "band" has been laid to rest or remains a going concern. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi