FIREWIND Signs New European Deal With CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND, who are led by current OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G., have signed a new worldwide deal (excluding North America) with their longtime partners Century Media Records. The band is currently in the studio in its hometown of Thessaloniki recording a new studio album, to be titled "Few Against Many", for a late spring release.

Commented Gus: "We're currently completing work on our upcoming FIREWIND studio album, which is coming out killer! I think this album will turn a lot of heads and I can't wait for you to hear it!

"Whether I've been working with Century Media on FIREWIND since 2005 or earlier projects since 2002, we've always had a winning team. Together we've achieved fantastic things in the band's career and the proof is the ever growing fanbase and popularity of FIREWIND.

"When I explained them my vision and ideas for the new album, they convinced me they're the right partner to take this to a new level!"

Added Antje Lange, Century Media's European label manager: "We feel very honoured to work with Gus G. further on and play our part in the fast development of this outstanding Greek talent.

"FIREWIND is one of the few fast-growing bands in their genre. They have the ability to write excellent songs, Gus G. is a true magician on guitars and their live performance is breath-taking. Anyone out there asking for more?"

In a 2011 interview with Oregon Music News, Gus stated about the relative lack of promotion in North America for FIREWIND's latest studio album, "Days Of Defiance", "If were up to me, I would have released the album after I would be available to tour behind it. This was the label's idea who wanted to the album out. Our current label, Century Media, wanted it released. They said, 'We paid you to record the album and we want the masters.' I said, 'Okay, here you go.' I didn't feel good about it. This is the politics of the music business, I tried to make the label see that sure we'd get some press due to my involvement in Ozzy's band, but we would not be able to tour. Waiting 10 months to tour behind an album isn't a good business."

When asked if there were any plans for FIREWIND to re-release "Days Of Defiance" as an "expanded" edition to coincide with the band's recent North American headlining tour, Gus said, "We have thought about it but it goes back to the politics with our label. This was our last album for Century Media [under the previous deal] and unless you're signed for a long-term contract, they aren't going to do much for you. So for FIREWIND, this time around, there wasn't any creative marketing behind the album. It's sad, because I do feel that it's our best album to date and the fans absolutely love it. Unfortunately, there could have better promotion and Century Media should have waited a few months to release it, but that's record label politics for you."

FIREWIND will play two special shows this week in Greece to conclude the worldwide touring cycle for "Days Of Defiance". In addition, FIREWIND has already announced the first couple of European summer festival appearances: Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic) and Summer Breeze (Germany).

"Days Of Defiance" landed at position No. 53 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. The CD was released in North America on October 26, 2010 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media.