[Grigoris] It's really nice to see a band that's happening today having a good core base of fans in its homeland. Greek Heavy_Power Metal heroes FIREWIND delivered their first headline European tour through 2008/2009 and it seems that the reputation of the notable quintet still stands reasonably high. The specific gig, initially set to be held in mid-December 2008, was eventually lined up for that semi-freezing Sunday evening in Gagarin205 Club (Athens downtown) seeing the participation of a good-esteemed total of 600+ mostly teen-plus metalheads. With FIREWIND still enjoying success due to their The Premonition early spring 2008 CD plus the remarkable issue if the Live Premonition DVD album, while it was the first time Italian progsters/powermetallers ELDRITCH would perform on Greek ground, the billing already stood up for relatively high expectations nonetheless.

[Grigoris] How many fans does a band like ELDRITCH have in Greece, I wonder? For any number, just add some more since the Italian 'thinking Metal' band's performance was surely good and neat. Not familiar with their blend at all, it was a good chance to be as objective as possible watching the quintet's recital in front of not more than 400 faces (the show begun as promised on the tickets - rare and great!). Terence Holler (aka Mario Tarantola) took hold of the theatrics attitude in the field of play, singing great in no vain while reacting warmly with the initially frozen crowd (except the front rows), something that gradually changed since ELDRITCH were both skilled on stage and in a fine live mood in order to both deliver and entertain, taking the audience on their side finally.

The sound was not adequate for their blend, but it was far from being disappointing anyway. Their fans seemed to enjoy the band's setlist even if - for a band first visit in a foreign country - objections and wishes are always on the menu. The main picture was, whatsoever, honest and well-received. The drummer - Raffahell Dridge - was a real octopus behind the kit and their mix of Prog Metal with more modern/aggressive pieces portrayed a band that works hard in order to endorse a personal style, something quite rare in our days. Not a fan of this style, to repeat, truth is ELDRITCH could win an open ear; at least that's what happened in their 60-minute gig that evening.

[Dimitris] After the end of the very good performance of ELDRITCH it was time for the Greek Metallers FIREWIND. This concert was initially planned for the end of the previous year but had to be postponed due the raging riots in Athens. This date change did not affect anyone and Gagarin205 club was packed mainly with young (really young) fans of FIREWIND. The honest and modest attitude of Gus G. together with his soul effort for this band have really earned the heart of the Greek Metal scene. And this is a great accomplishment taking into account the Greeks' 'difficulty' to accept bands from their country.

Nevertheless, after the intro the Greek band entered the stage with a extremely high mood playing the up-tempo Into The Fire from the latest and most successful The Premonition. Last time I saw FIREWIND was in Chicago in May where they opened for ARCH ENEMY. Even if some months have passed I believed that the band is even more solid now. The Greeks look good on stage with nice choreography (without being over-prepared), excellent communication with the crowd and of course solid musicianship.

The setlist comprised (as expected) songs mainly from the latest album like Head Up High, the most melodic Mercenary Man or the atmospheric power ballad My Loneliness during which Apollo proved once again that he is a top singer and performer. Although, the recent health problems have messed up his vocal stamina he managed to handle the almost 2 hours set.

Katsionis (with another cool t-shirt reading sexbo(m)b) and Gus G. look perfect on-stage giving each other to do his 'stuff' tormenting their guitars and keyboards (for Bob). Mark and his big drum kit did a nice job feeling the solid rhythm with the modest bass player Petro who prefers to stand in the back most of the time.
The sound and the light show were very good and I believe helped the band to give a energetic performance and satisfy the young audience who did well (and sometimes overdid) on mosh-pitting and chorus singing. Ok, somewhere in the middle of the setlist and the drum solo things stepped close to boring but the band did a reprise with Tyranny, Steal Them Blind and of course Between Heaven And Hell.

The concert was close to the end and after the excellent Maniac cover (where everyone was singing) Gus G. revealed something that we all knew; Tara Teresa joined the band for the groovy Breaking The Silence spreading waves of enthusiasm although (I think) she did not look that hot as she did in the video clip. Tera stayed on-stage and did Falling Pieces putting a perfect ending to this nice concert. I have to admit that Tera's vocals sound good with Apollo and maybe we should expect a future co-operation for the band's next discographic step.

[Dimitris] So, FIREWIND thanked the Greek audience for their support and high energetic response while Bob smashed his keyboard underlining the band's high mood and top shape. Personally, I feel quite happy that FIREWIND have succeeded in the Metal scene and I think that after some years they can stand besides ROTTING CHRIST without blushing with shame. To wrap it up this was a hearty evening without the usual Greek complaints (sound quality, bad timing) with two bands that are currently in their top condition.

FIREWIND setlist:
01. Into The Fire
02. Head Up High
03. Kill To Live
04. Allegiance
05. Angels Forgive Me
06. Silent Code
07. Circle Of Life
08. Fire And Fury / Feast Of The Savages
09. My Loneliness
10. Bother's Keeper
11. Mercenary Man
12. Tyranny
13. Till The End Of Time
14. Steal Them Blind
15. Between Heaven And Hell
16. Breaking The Silence
17. Falling To Pieces

(photos by the Anger)

ELDRITCH

FIREWIND