The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, but activity was put on hold when Gus was hired by Dream Evil and Mystic Prophecy.
After the release of his other bands' debut albums, Gus' attention returned to the Firewind project. Only he remained from the original formation - Leviathan owner David T. Chastain brought in vocalist Stephen Fredrick and drummer Brian Harris (both ex-Kenziner), while Gus enlisted the help of bassist Konstantine, a fellow Greek. this line-up recorded the debut album Between Heaven and Hell.
In 2003, new changes were instituted as Norwegian drummer Stian Kristoffersen and Greek bassist Petros Christo joined the band. Harris and Konstantine had been replaced as Gus was looking for a more permanent rhythm section that was prepared to tour. This line-up recorded Burning Earth and went on a tour of Japan with Rob Rock, but without vocalist Stephen Fredrick, who was not prepared to go on the road (despite prior guarantees to the contrary). His replacement on the Burning the Earth Tour, the Sri Lankan singer Chitral 'Chity' Somapala, was given the job full-time. Fellow touring member Bob Katsionis was also hired permanently to play keyboards. Firewind got a worldwide deal with Century Media by the end of that year.
This line-up recorded the album Forged By Fire, but a few months after the release, Chity left due to personal and musical differences with the rest of the band. When his replacement, Apollo Papathanasio of Time Requiem, was found, it was also announced that Stian Kristoffersen would be leaving, to be replaced with the veteran Mark Cross. The reason for the split was that Gus wanted to have a set of Greek-based musicians willing to make Firewind their number one priority (probably to end the virtual revolving door of members) and Stian's main band was the Norwegian outfit Pagan's Mind. Gus also left his roles in Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy and Nightrage between 2004 and 2006.
This new line-up recorded the album Allegiance, which was released in July 2006.
During November - December 2006, they toured the UK supporting Dragonforce with All That Remains.
In 2009, Gus G. became Ozzy Osbourne's guitar player.
In 2010 Apollo became the new Spiritual Beggars frontman.
In 2010, Michael Ehre replaced drummer Mark Cross.
In 2010, Michael Ehre left and was replaced by Johan Nunez (also Nightrage)
Line-up
* Herbie Langhans - Vocals (also Avantasia and Radiant)
* Gus G. (Kostas Karamitroudis) - Guitars (formerly Keyboards)
* Petros Christo - Bass
* Johan Nunez - Drums (also Nightrage)
Former members
* Brandon Pender - Vocals (1998)
* Stephen Fredrick - Vocals (2001-2003)
* Chitral Somapala - Vocals (2004-2005)
*Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals (2005-2013)
*Henning Basse - Vocals (2015-2020)
* Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, live Guitar (2004-2020)
* Konstantine (Kostas Exarhakis) - Bass (2001-2003)
* Matt Scurfield - Drums (1998)
* Brian Harris - Drums (2001-2003)
* Stian L. Kristoffersen - Drums (2003-2005)
* Mark Cross - Drums (2005 - 2010)
* Michael Ehre - Drums (2010)
Discography
* Nocturnal Symphony (Demo, 1998)
* Between Heaven and Hell (2002)
* Burning Earth (2003)
* Forged By Fire (2005)
* Allegiance (2006)
* The Premonition (2008)
*Days of Defiance (2010)
*Few Against Many (2012)
*Immortals (2017)
*Firewind (2020)
Circle of Life
Firewind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In "Circle of Life," Firewind sings about the ups and downs of life, as well as the importance of accepting change. The opening lines "Tears of rage have fallen off my face, I cannot hide" suggest that the singer is struggling with intense emotions they can't contain. They feel their dreams have died within them, but acknowledge that being alive is a gift that should be cherished. The following line "creative minds, she'll break my heart to find" suggests that the singer may have been in a relationship with a creative individual who has caused them pain. Despite this, they resolve to keep their head high, climb the sky, and fly.
The repetition of "have I lost my mind" questions the sanity of the singer, but they come to the realization that they were blind and needed a change of heart. The lyrics also touch on the tears of a coward and shame, but the singer declares they have found a way to win the game. The final line, "it's a circle of life," reinforces the idea that life is cyclical with ups and downs, and that one must embrace change to learn and grow.
Line by Line Meaning
Tears of rage
I am overwhelmed with emotions that cause me to cry tears of anger and frustration.
Have fallen off my face
These tears are so heavy that they are falling off my face uncontrollably.
I cannot hide
Even if I wanted to, I am unable to conceal my true feelings.
My dreams take hold in me died
My aspirations and hopes for the future have been crushed, leaving me feeling lifeless.
To be alive
The mere act of existing and being conscious is a precious opportunity given to all humans.
Is a gift all of mankind
Being alive is a gift bestowed upon all humans, and should be cherished accordingly.
Creative minds
Those with imaginative and inventive abilities possess powerful tools for shaping the world around them.
She'll break my heart to find
The truth that will be revealed to me may be painful and devastating.
Head up high
I must remain confident and optimistic in the face of adversity.
Climb the sky and fly
By persevering and striving toward our goals, we can reach incredible heights and soar above our limitations.
The truth now shows That I was blind
After gaining new knowledge and insight, I now realize that my previous beliefs and perceptions were flawed.
Made me change my mind
This newfound understanding has inspired me to alter my thought processes and make different decisions.
It's the circle of life
This is a reminder that life is a continuous cycle of ups and downs, and every experience contributes to personal growth and evolution.
Tears of a coward
This refers to tears that stem from fear and insecurity, rather than a genuine emotional response.
Tears of shame
These tears are a result of feeling guilt or embarrassment over past actions or mistakes.
I found a way
Despite the obstacles I faced, I was able to overcome them and succeed.
To win this game
Life can be seen as a game or competition, and by persevering and pushing through challenges, we can achieve victory.
Do your best just stay awake
When faced with challenges or adversity, one must remain alert and do their best to overcome them.
What you've got no one can take
Each individual possesses unique skills and qualities that cannot be taken away by anyone.
-Solo-
This is an instrumental portion of the song without lyrics.
(Made me change my life)
This slight change in lyrics emphasizes how a change in mindset and perception can have a profound impact on one's life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: APOLLO PAPATHANASIO, KONSTANTINOS KARAMITROUDIS, MARK CROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind