It's hard not to have heard about Gus G. at this point. Over the last decade, he's gone from an unknown to his current role as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist. Somehow, in the midst of everything he's also managed to contribute his amazing guitar work for Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy and Dream Evil. However, there is one band that bears his mark more completely than any, namely Firewind. Originally formed in 1998 to showcase Gus' demo, Nocturnal Symphony, within three years the band released their first album (Between Heaven And Hell) and has been busy ever since.
Still, the message didn't completely hit home for me until October of 2011. I was heading back to the Bay Area for a workshop and to spend time with my parents. I wanted to make the most of the trip by catching some great music and visiting my favorite Bay Area venues to do some research for the Music Tech Center. I lucked out, the Frets of Fury tour was scheduled at Slim's in San Francisco during my stay and there was no question I'd be there.
What a show it was. As expected, Gus G. put on a clinic, demonstrating exactly why he's at or near the top of nearly every "great metal guitarist" list out there these days. What's even more amazing about Firewind, though, is that the entire band is unbelievable. Just when you start focusing on Gus G.'s guitar work, you find your attention captured by the power and polish of Apollo Papathanasio's vocals and his easy audience interaction. And the band would be nowhere without the pummeling wall of thunder generated by Petros Christodoulidis on bass and Johan Nunez on drums.
But that night at Slim's, the guy that completely blew me away was Bob Katsionis. Every time Gus G. plays an unbelievable line, Bob is there to answer with his own display of dexterity on the keyboards. And if that weren't enough, Bob takes care of harmony lead guitars, keeping up with Gus throughout the show. Even that, however, doesn't take the cake. No, the two things that sealed the deal on that show were all Bob. First of all, there was a moment during the set where Bob ends up backing his own right-handed keyboard solo while comping the rhythm guitar part with his left hand. Then later in the set, to make it worse, he used a similar two-handed approach to harmonize a lead line between keyboard and his guitar. I've always had a soft spot for the utility infielders of the music world, guys who cover multiple instruments, pretty much doing whatever the band needs them to. In particular, Paul Raymond always impressed me in how easily he moved between keyboards and rhythm guitar. Bob Katsionis ups the ante big time, through virtuoso performances on the same two instruments, while always putting on a great show and appearing to be thoroughly enjoying every moment.
If you've managed not to hear Firewind, check out "Days of Defiance", and on May 22nd grab a copy of their brand new release, "Few Against Many". If you love great musicianship and melodic heavy metal, you will not be disappointed. And, while you're at it, check out this concert-style official video for the first single (Wall of Sound) off the new album. You'll get a great sense for Firewind's live show but in the end, you really need to get out there and see the band live.