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)
Who Am I
Firewind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In this time, have I been before
Who is she, in this goddess form
Love divine, soul and flesh restored
In the infinite expanse of time
There are spirits we can't deny
Man and wife, the ancients have foretold
Still a spark, is struck by whose device
No one knows, how love immortal grows
Oh! I have seen, so many things, not through my eyes
What have I done, to be so born, of ancient lore
Oh! She has been everything, my soul desired
Love conquers all, our spirits are forever more
The lyrics to Firewind's song "Who Am I" explore the theme of identity and the cyclical nature of life. The first few lines ask the questions of who the singer is and where they come from, and whether they have existed in past lives. The following line introduces a mysterious feminine energy in the form of a goddess, who represents divine love and the restoration of the soul and body.
The second verse expands on this theme, suggesting that even in the vastness of time, there are spirits that cannot be denied. The contrast between "fire and ice" suggests that even opposites can exist together in harmony to create life - a concept echoed in the idea of "man and wife" being foretold by the ancient prophesies. However, there is still an enigmatic quality to the way love grows and endures - as the final lines suggest, it is something that cannot always be understood or explained.
Line by Line Meaning
Who am I, where have I come from
Questioning my origins and identity.
In this time, have I been before
Considering the possibility of past lives.
Who is she, in this goddess form
Describing a mysterious and divine feminine presence.
Love divine, soul and flesh restored
Reveling in the transformative power of love.
In the infinite expanse of time
Reflecting on the vastness of existence.
There are spirits we can't deny
Acknowledging entities beyond comprehension.
Fire and ice, hand in hand creating life
The opposition of elements working in harmony to give birth.
Man and wife, the ancients have foretold
Highlighting the timeless nature of marriage.
Still a spark, is struck by whose device
Speculating on the source of love's initiation.
No one knows, how love immortal grows
Recognizing the enduring mystery of love.
Oh! I have seen, so many things, not through my eyes
Remarking on supernatural and unexplainable experiences.
What have I done, to be so born, of ancient lore
Wondering about one's place in myth and legend.
Oh! She has been everything, my soul desired
Exulting in the fulfillment of long-held hopes and dreams.
Love conquers all, our spirits are forever more
Affirming the triumph and infinite nature of love.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: STEVE GLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind