Gus G. (Firewind): "Authenticity is all that counts"

Gus G. (Firewind): “Authenticity is all that counts”

Gus G. talks about the new Firewind album, music unity, and authenticity's importance in the heavy metal scene.

This interview completes a cycle since Gus G. is back five years after our first meeting at DEPART. Without further ado, we go straight to the Firewind leader.

Costas, having you "with" us again is a pleasure. If you remember, you were the first interview we did as a site. It's been five years since then, and we're still here, so you're off to a good start! You told me then that I was waiting for the last question to get to the important stuff. I'll start there this time: How are Leon, Valentin and Marquesa?

Gus G.: (Laughs) They are all three doing very well. I inform you that our “cat family” has grown even more with the inclusion of Church. We recently moved in, and five other cats are in the neighbourhood. They have us surrounded, but it doesn’t bother us at all. (He sees my dog coming into the shot). Isn’t it wonderful to live with animals? They teach you to love, be selfless, not hold grudges, and much more.

I see one of our cats, who has three little legs. Instead of whining, she makes the most of her time. That alone gives you strength in your daily life. I tell you, animals have so much to teach us. I can no longer imagine my life without them.

How would you describe "Stand United" to someone who has never heard of Firewind? The challenge is to give a clear picture without mentioning previous Firewind or Gus G.

Honest, orthodox heavy metal with a little more melody. It’s a record that, if one loves riffs, you’ll find many interesting parts. If he likes solos, several parts will excite him. Overall, it’s an all-around heavy metal album. Although it has all the classic components of the genre, it also has a strong modern touch.

The lyrics of "Stand United" draw inspiration from current problems and the need for unity. They incorporate strong messages of optimism and strength. This theme is relevant to the current situation and the challenges we are all experiencing. Is there a concurrent event that pushed you in this direction?

You describe it right; it’s like that. Initially, I discussed with Herbie whether there would be a concept behind the album. We had considered talking about “Cardinal Sins,” but that reminded me of something religious or biblical. Honestly, it didn’t excite me. So we decided to change course.

Our previous album was released during a pandemic, although it was completed before this unprecedented phenomenon began. “Stand United” is the record on which we express our thoughts about everything we experience.

Unfortunately, things around us have taken a dangerous turn. There is a war just above our heads that affects our daily lives. The accident in Tempe touched us deeply when we were writing the album, resulting in “Salvation Day“. There are so many unpleasant events that I can mention as triggers.

Nevertheless, we also wanted to communicate solidarity. Every day, we see people ready to tear each other apart. A lack of tolerance for differing opinions and constant division prevail, even over minor issues. All this anger makes us forget that all we have is each other. Hence, “Stand United.”

The thoughts you described above are captured in songs like "Chains" and "Days of Grace." These tracks are infused with sentimentality and melodicism that seem new to Firewind and the traditional heavy metal formula. Would it be fair to say that these songs reveal a more personal aspect of you as a songwriter?

I hadn’t thought of it that way, but this time, I was much more involved with the lyrics than usual. Everything you mentioned exists in my mind; I think about it, and it plagues me. Because I am a musician, I prefer to express my thoughts and feelings through music. So, yes, this album is more introspective.

After two decades and ten albums, what are the biggest challenges you face in the contemporary music scene? How do you manage to maintain your identity while reaching new audiences? Given the changes in the music industry, such as the transition to streaming platforms and the role of social media, how do you adapt your strategy?

The changes around us are many. If you try to follow them closely, you won’t have time for music. We see ourselves as musicians, so we make necessary adjustments without losing our identity. Besides, Firewind is not a pop band. I don’t care what the planet sounds like in 2025, so we can incorporate it.

Of course, you can’t not evolve. We have our identity and are open to new elements. We incorporate elements into our sound as long as they don’t alter our character. And don’t stick to pop; let’s go to metal. Can you imagine us with corpse paint scraping guitars on stage? Even if you can, it won’t be Firewind but something else.

But you need open horizons. We toured with Beast in Black, a fresh and excellent band, although not “traditional” heavy metal. That wasn’t a bad thing; on the contrary, it helped us. We introduced our music to an audience that might not have known us before, so we had the chance to win it.

I'll tell you two songs. Will Apollo be singing them at the upcoming live show? Those are two of your favourite songs, either solo or with Firewind. Because you're the co-writer of both, I see a man with sounds and ideas that aren't limited to one genre. Is there a musical "field" you haven't yet explored that you'd like to try in the future?

As I said, Firewind has its own identity, so something like that is hard to do. That’s why I have “Gus G.”, which is entirely solo and explores such ideas. On “Quantum Leap,” you’ll even find synth-wave elements that I tried out.

I already have ideas for my subsequent solo work. However, I don’t start by saying, “I want to try this”. I work naturally, creating tracks representing different aspects of me.

I was at a concert when "Stand United" was first released, and I heard a group commenting on the album. Ι remember one comment saying that, although I liked the record, it wasn't like "Immortals." How do comments like that make you feel? Do they bother you, or do you see them differently?

Of course, they don’t bother me. On the contrary, I appreciate them. Whether it’s positive or negative, every comment should be respected. Someone took the time to look at your work and give their opinion. If you expect everyone to like everything you do, then the problem isn’t the person who doesn’t like it; you have that expectation.

In our case, these comments are expected. We’ve changed five singers. Some listen only to our first two and don’t like the rest. Others prefer only Apollo, while some know only Herbie. All opinions are respected and accepted since it’s a matter of taste.

Also, we are all fans and discuss “cafe” topics. I, for example, love the discussions about whether the best Black Sabbath is with Dio or Ozzy. I’d also bring the albums with Martin to the debate. I like all Sabbath periods and generally anything with Iommi’s signature.

Even with Gillan?

(Laughs) Yes! Okay, the “Born Again” mix is a little weird, but give it a chance. It’s interesting.

Lately, you've been the talk of the town because of a cover. Also, you've talked a lot about your love of covers. What would the concept be if you could make a whole album of covers, a "Garage Inc." of, say, Gus G.?

Good question! There are two sides I could take. On the one hand, it would be guitarists who have influenced me, like Gary Moore and Malmsteen, to pay tribute to them. On the other hand, we could go to classic heavy metal favourites to have a good time in the studio. I don’t know what I’d choose as a combination.

And while we're at it, name five records you admire for their guitar work.

(puffs) Hardly. Definitely Malmsteen’s “Rising Force.” The Eagles’ “Hotel California.” (He looks at me in wonderment.) You didn’t expect that? Listen to it again and pay attention to all the guitars. First, in addition to the three players, Don Felder, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh remember the title track with its guitars. Then, Led Zeppelin’s “IV”. Just catch “Stairway to Heaven”, you know what I mean. And, of course, it’s something by Van Halen.

Which one?

It doesn’t matter which one you put on. If it weren’t for Eddie, nothing would be the same guitar-wise in our sound.

Now, let's go to the upcoming shows. You have said that every show in Greece is unique because of the audience's energy. How do you adjust your presence on stage when you play in front of an audience that considers you more than a musician, almost one of their people and heroes?

I can’t say that I adapt something or do it differently. We give 100% for every concert and 200% in Greece. I want everything to be flawless and to offer an audiovisual experience that will be unforgettable for everyone who sees us.

You’ll tell me, “So, outside of Greece, you don’t want it?”. Of course, I do, but in Greece, even more so. It’s different to play and see faces you know from below. For example, when we play in Thessaloniki, my parents, my sister, my cousins, my childhood friends and so on are there. So, you know, my anxiety is multiplied.

Greece has recently seen a booming metal scene, something you've commented on. Suppose you direct a new generation of Greek musicians. What advice would you give them to succeed without losing their identity?

I would tell them to be as authentic as possible, which is difficult nowadays. If they do what they love, which comes from their soul, they will find resonance and acceptance sooner or later.

Info ⓘ

Artist: Sober On Tuxedos

Album: Good Intentions

Label: Heaven Music

Release Date: 11/12/2020

Genre: Nu Metal, Metalcore

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