About.com Rating



Gus G. has been one busy shredder the last few years. After snagging the prestigious Ozzy Osbourne gig in 2009, followed by the recording of Scream and its subsequent world tour — while simultaneously writing, recording and releasing Firewind’s Days Of Defiance and its following tour. And just barely two years later, they are about to release their seventh full-length album, Few Against Many.

For a normal person, this much activity would make your head spin.


But Gus G. is a hard worker for sure. And there’s no denying his godlike guitar status. On Few Against Many, he knows when to lay down the riff and when to let loose. He sounds more under control on this one and is not too over the top with his guitar wankery. The other great dynamic to Firewind is the exceptional vocals of Apollo Papathanasio. His vocals are raspy, soulful and extremely powerful. Just perfect. CD opener “Wall of Sound” begins with a rumbling low-end keyboard sampled rhythm that is soon joined by some melodic-piercing lead runs and some great vocal harmonies on the chorus. “Losing My Mind” has more of a ’70s hard rock feel than your typical European power metal.

“The Undying Fire” has a huge, hook-laden chorus making it a pure sing along anthem that will surely become a live staple. “Long Gone Tomorrow” has a lurid riff mixed with a thick, driving rhythm. It also has a ’70s feel to it, somewhat like what Michael Amott creates with Spiritual Beggars.

Overall, the quality of songs are super and there is plenty of variation, speed, dynamics and melodic charm that progresses throughout the album.

At 10 tracks, it’s the perfect length. The songs flow nicely and there’s enough great guitar work without overpowering the songs. The keyboards are perfectly mixed and are not too dominating and the rhythm section works like a perfect clock that just keeps on steadily ticking.

(released May 22, 2012 on Firewind, Ltd.)



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