FIREWIND BRING THE FIRE AND THE WIND (AND METAL) FROM GREECE

Apparently Firewind has been around since 2002, but I am just discovering the awesomeness of this Greek power metal outfit. Gothic, electronic keyboard sounds slice through modernized versions of NWOBHM-inspired guitar riffs like razors that penetrate the deepest pit of your stomach and make you want to throw an inward facing fist up in the air in power metal glory. Driving, mid-tempo drum beats anchor most of the songs, preventing Firewind from reaching the level of ridiculousness attained by Dragonforce; though a healthy dose of double-bass drumming crops up when called for. Add the occassional Swedish-style harmonizing and plenty of artful, creative guitar solos (courtesy of Greek wunderkind Gus G.) and you’ve got the musical base underneath singer vocalist Apollo Papathanasio. Papathanasio has an impressive range and great singing voice, part Halford and part Into Eternity’s Stu Block, though derivative of neither. It all comes together in the shape of consistently excellent songs with undeniable hooks both vocally and musically.

I hope our readers enjoy this band as much as I do, especially all 672 of the Greek visitors who have graced our pages so far this month — thanks! Drop a comment and say hello.

-VN

[Visit Firewind on Myspace]