INTERVIEW: Firewind

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Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Good thanks! Very busy these days with the launch of the new album, so we’re excited.

Can you talk to us about your single “Ode To Leonidas”?

It’s a song from our new album “Immortals” and obviously it’s a tribute to the legendary King of Sparta, Leonidas who stood against a massive Persian army only with 300 of his Spartan soldiers & what is believed another 700 Thespians & Athenians, at the “Hot Gates”.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

It’s part of the album concept – about the famous battle of Thermopylae from Ancient Greek history.

How was the video filming experience?

Very cool! We shot the video in Belgrade, Serbia with iCode Team and they did an amazing job.

What made you want to write a concept album?

We decided to make an album that is about our Greek heritage and history, it was something we hadn’t done before. These are some of the most legendary and heroic battles of mankind, so we thought it would be great to combine these stories with a heavy metal soundtrack.

From all the ancient history, why did you choose the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis?

Various reasons. We felt the heroic story of Leonidas & 300 would resonate well with Metal fans, plus the battle of Salamis was really the first time that all the kingdoms of Greece united in order to fight the Persians. Up until then, Greece was not really a unified country.

How was the recording and writing process for this album?

We took our time with writing and recording, we didn’t follow any deadlines. We wanted to be relaxed about it. After we finished the writing, we recorded whenever we felt like it and used various studios, including our home studios. It was a smooth process.

What was it like to work with Dennis Ward and how did that relationship develop?  How much did he influence the album?

I’ve known Dennis a bit since 2009. Back then we started working on a project that had similar theme – the ancient Greek wars. We wrote 4 ideas but in 2009 I joined Ozzy’s band so everything was put on hold. I revisited those demos last year and 3 of these ideas still sounded great to me. I approached Dennis and asked him to finish those songs up and try and do some more material. From there it snowballed and we ended up co-writing the album together.

Do you tend to take a different approach when you are playing for someone else than when you are working on this particular project?

Well, Firewind is my baby and I created this sound. So it’s a different thing doing this and then playing someone else’s songs. But my sound and style doesn’t change much, I bring the same vibe to whatever I’ll do.

Would you call this a more “matured” album? A total departure from your past material?

I would say it’s a return to form. I wanted to make one of the best Power Metal albums, so we didn’t hold back on the cheese and epic-ness.

You have some upcoming tour dates in Europe and The UK –  Any plans to tour in the US?

Not sure yet. Depends how the album does in the US and if there are offers for us to play.

What else is happening next in Firewind’s world – anything else you’d like to share?

Well, we have several festivals lined up this summer, so we will be busy with that, but we’re also looking into playing some territories we haven’t been to before, like Russia and South America. Please connect with us on Social Media and stay in touch!

Tour dates

Connect with Firewind:

Official Website: http://www.firewind.gr/2017/home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firewindofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/firewindmusic

Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/70I9vE7YTwKmelfEplXc5r

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/immortals/id1174998887

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firewindofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/firetv

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