Firewind’s Gus G checked in with Metal Hammer to speak about the band’s upcoming tour with Stratovarius, including some set-list hints! Get your tickets here!

Firewind’s founding member Gus G spoke to Metal Hammer about the band’s dates with Stratovarius. Here’s what he had to say:

You seem to have struck up quite a friendship with the UK audience, why do you think that is?

Gus G: “The UK audience has great taste in music, would be the only logical explanation *laughs*. But really, we’ve focused in building the band in the UK since 2006 and it has paid off. We’ve supported some bands, we’ve done 2 headline tours, we’ve played in the biggest festivals. And there seems to be a demand for us always to come back. We always make sure we play killer shows and leave people wanting more I guess…”

It was mentioned on your latest press release that you may even drop a new song into your set-list, have you been rehearsing a lot of new material?

Gus G: “No, we haven’t rehearsed anything yet. We do have 5 or 6 new songs and ideas for another 7-8 maybe. So the material is there. We just gotta put it together the following months.”

What can you tell us about the material you’ve been working on?

Gus G: “I think we really have some strong songs so far. It’s in the FIREWIND style and sound of the last couple of albums. I think our fans will dig it. It will contain all the good elements we’re known for: Melody, power, heaviness, lots of shredding, catchy hooks and memorable choruses.”

What setlist changes are you planning for this tour?

Gus G: “We haven’t really discussed this in the band, but since we will be doing the 3rd UK tour in support of “The Premonition” (not counting one offs or festivals) we feel we should play some older material that our fans haven’t heard before and kind of spice up our setlist. I would also like us to debut a new track off the forthcoming album as well. Don’t know which one yet, but I’m sure we’ll make it happen.”

Get tickets for Stratovarius and Firewind here!