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)
Mercenary Man
Firewind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Firewind's song Mercenary Man tell the story of a man who has lost his way and is seeking redemption. He is standing in the doorway, ready to leave and run to the border, to escape from his past and find a way to heal his broken mind. He is a mercenary man, a soldier made of steel, but he feels empty inside, like he has lost his soul. He is surrounded by death and he has lost his ability to communicate effectively, but he is determined to catch his own wounded shadow and take control of his life before it's too late.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that the singer is lost and seeking a way to heal his broken mind. He is running in desperation and has lost the ability to communicate with others, but he is determined to catch his own wounded shadow and leave his troubled past behind him. The solo section of the song serves as a musical interlude, giving the listener a moment to reflect on the emotional weight of the lyrics, before returning to the final repetition of the chorus.
Overall, the lyrics to Mercenary Man are a powerful expression of the struggle to find oneself in a world of chaos and pain. The singer is seeking a way to heal himself and find meaning in his life, despite the challenges he faces. The imagery of death and desperation adds to the emotional impact of the song, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama take a look at your boy Face a man without a soul
The singer of the song is in a state of disillusionment and emptiness, with no sense of purpose or meaning in his life.
He is standing in the doorway I'll be gone
The singer is leaving his current situation, indicated by his physical location standing in the doorway, and he knows that he will not return.
Before the night is over I have to go Have to run to the border
The singer has urgent reasons to leave and is willing to go to extreme measures, like crossing the border, to make his escape.
Lost my way I run in desperation Lost the words I lost communication
The artist feels lost and is struggling to find direction in his life. He has also lost his ability to communicate with those around him, which contributes to his feelings of isolation.
All I see is death beneath my window All I need is to heal my broken mind
The artist is surrounded by suffering and negativity, but he recognizes that the root of his problems lies within his own mind and he seeks to find a way to fix it.
I will catch my own wounded shadow Just before we leave it all behind
The singer recognizes that he has personal demons and issues to confront before moving on to a new phase of his life, and he is determined to face them head-on.
Mama keep the faith it's alright Your boy's a mercenary man A soldier made of steel A shotgun rings
Despite his troubles, the singer's mother can find comfort in the fact that he is strong and capable, like a mercenary or tough soldier who can handle any challenge.
The wind is calling my name Fields of gold Beneath the blood red sky
The artist is compelled to embark on a new journey and follow his destiny, no matter how daunting or uncertain the path ahead may be.
-Solo-
Instrumental section of the song.
All I see is death beneath my window All I need is to heal my broken mind I will catch my own wounded shadow Just before we leave it all behind Just before we leave it all behind
Closing verses of the song, reiterating the artist's internal struggle and determination to overcome it before moving on from his current situation.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: APOLLO PAPATHANASIO, KONSTANTINOS KARAMITROUDIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrAngelMachine
All these years and i STILL miss Apollo. That dude is a fucking awesome singer.
@giorgosmarkos368
DrAngelMachine when did he leave?
@arrasar
thinking the same every time I listen to firewind
@protossevolution3361
2023 and I was listening for the "millionth" time this song, and I just felt that I had to come to the comments and say that I miss Apollo in Firewind, haha. Funniest thing is, your comment is 6 years old. Amazing.
@DrAngelMachine
@protossevolution3361 I know, right? It's like every single time I hear his voice, I start bursting into tears because he was so fucking GOOD in that band!
@jiniescat71
LOVE IT!!!! Kicks ass!!! My nephew loves it too. Every time I put it on, he yells " turn it up!!!" KEEP ROCKING GUYS!!!
@beatrizmenendez3505
My favorite song of Firewind. Melody and Power!
@EddyScbr
Great song. It's been some time since I listened to Firewind for the last time, brings me back some memories...
@xgriff_ins_klo9877
One of my 20 metal songs ever!
@wolfheartdeadleaves
The greatest tribute to Gary Moore. Military Man + Wild Frontier in one song!