CHITRAL SOMAPALA and FIREWIND
Biography
The band began when guitarist Gus G. (ex-Mystic Prophecy, Dream Evil) decided to record a demo with some close musician friends. The project was entitled Firewind, and seeing that the experiment had worked rather well, they decided to give a shot at getting a professional recording deal. The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, which offered them a deal in early 2001.
The band suffered quite a few alterations in its line-up after that. Only Gus G. remained from the original formation, and vocalist Stephen Fredrick, drummer Brian Harris (both ex-Kenziner) and bassist Konstantine joined Firewind.
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 permananent 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.
Chity with NEVERMOREs Warrel Dane of NEVERMORE in London 2005
CHITY with FIREWIND
Biography
The band began when guitarist Gus G. (ex-Mystic Prophecy, Dream Evil) decided to record a demo with some close musician friends. The project was entitled Firewind, and seeing that the experiment had worked rather well, they decided to give a shot at getting a professional recording deal. The demo attracted the attention of Leviathan Records, which offered them a deal in early 2001.
The band suffered quite a few alterations in its line-up after that. Only Gus G. remained from the original formation, and vocalist Stephen Fredrick, drummer Brian Harris (both ex-Kenziner) and bassist Konstantine joined Firewind.
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 permananent 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.
Chity with NEVERMOREs Warrel Dane of NEVERMORE in London 2005
CHITY with FIREWIND
