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)
Ready To Strike
Firewind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me that you won't give up the fight
Tell me that you believe in yourself
Do the things you want to do
Tell me you'll keep these wings up high
Tell me what you won't stay there and cry
Tell me that all hell will break loose
Tell me there is no good excuse
No one can stop this time machine
It keeps on rolling till the dawn
If you want to join this dark engine
We're ready to strike
We're ready to strike
Across the oceans
In the dead of the night
-Solo-
Tell me you'll keep this faith alive
Tell me that you won't stay there and sigh
Tell me you'll turn this place upside down
I'll tell you that no one messes me around
Tell me the story about last night
Tell me that you won't give up the fight
Tell me that you believe in yourself
Do the things you want to do
No one can stop this time machine
It keeps on rolling till the dawn
If you want to join this dark engine
We're ready to strike
We're ready to strike
Across the oceans
In the dead of the night
Just like a fragile feather
You're trembling in the wind
Your fear is closing in you
Stay there till you bleed
Oh with no tear you will
Sail across the oceans
Like a storm coming out
Through the darkness
-Solo-
No one can stop this time machine
It keeps on rolling till the dawn
If you want to join this dark engine
We're ready to strike
We're ready to strike
Across the oceans
In the dead of the night
The lyrics to "Ready to Strike" by Firewind give a message of empowerment and overcoming fear. The song encourages the listener to face their fears and live life to the fullest. The lyrics use vivid metaphors and imagery, such as a "time machine" that keeps rolling until the dawn, and a "dark engine" that is ready to strike across the oceans in the dead of the night. The chorus repeats the phrase "We're ready to strike" as a call to action, inviting the listener to join in the momentum and take charge of their lives.
The song's lyrics also reference not giving up the fight and keeping faith alive. The message seems to be about being courageous and fighting for what you want, even in the face of uncertainty and opposition. The lyrics suggest that having a positive attitude and belief in oneself can lead to success and overcoming obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me the story about last night
Recall last night's events and recount them to me
Tell me that you won't give up the fight
Promise me that you'll continue resisting
Tell me that you believe in yourself
Assure me that you have confidence in your abilities
Do the things you want to do
Pursue your desires fearlessly
Tell me you'll keep these wings up high
Promise that you'll keep soaring towards your goals
Tell me what you won't stay there and cry
Declare that you won't linger in sadness
Tell me that all hell will break loose
Assert that chaos will ensue
Tell me there is no good excuse
Confirm that there are no valid justifications
No one can stop this time machine
The passage of time is unpreventable
It keeps on rolling till the dawn
Time doesn't stop until daylight
If you want to join this dark engine
To participate in this movement
We're ready to strike
We are prepared to take action
Across the oceans
All around the world
In the dead of the night
During the late hours
Tell me you'll keep this faith alive
Promise me that you'll maintain your beliefs
Tell me that you won't stay there and sigh
Confirm that you won't linger in despair
Tell me you'll turn this place upside down
Promise you'll make significant changes
I'll tell you that no one messes me around
I won't tolerate anyone disrespecting me
Just like a fragile feather
As delicate as a feather
You're trembling in the wind
You are shaky and vulnerable
Your fear is closing in you
You are overwhelmed by fear
Stay there till you bleed
Persist until you are injured
Oh with no tear you will
Without shedding a tear you could
Sail across the oceans
Travel far and wide
Like a storm coming out
Approaching like a tempest
Through the darkness
In spite of the obscurity
Contributed by Penelope J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Susan Lindsay Waddle
‘Allegiance’ is fourth full-length album by Power Metal Band Firewind, released on 13 July 2006, on Century Media Records. Apollo Papathanasio had just become Vocalist and Mark Cross had just joined them as their Drummer. Gus G.(Konstantinos “Kostas” Karamatroudis) is of course, their Awesome Lead & Rhythm Guitarist because he is a Greek Guitar Guru. Their Bass Guitarist is Petros Christodoylidis and their Keyboardist is Babis Katsionis. Gus G. was the Producer of ‘Allegiance’ and Fredrik Nordström did the awesome Engineering & Mixing For the album. And Peter In de Betou did the Mastering for the album. “Ready To Strike” is Track # 04, The Lyrics were written by Apollo Papathanasio & The Music was written by Gus G. & Bob Katsionis. Firewind has the essence of metal perfection. Rock on Heikki as you keep sharing the best \m/ ever with us-“We Rock!”🎸😎🤘🏻
Heikki Rokkonen
Thanks beauty ❤❤🎸🎸🤘🤘❤