Greek metallic powerhouse FIREWIND, led by the modern day guitar hero Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE) has announced their first ever headlining North American tour, dubbed Frets Of Fury. This package (sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World) kicks off on October 9th and features a wide array of metal's elite: ARSIS, WHITE WIZZARD and NIGHTRAGE.

This is easily one of the most diverse and exciting tours of the fall and stay tuned here over the coming weeks for the entire list of tour dates and VIP ticketing options.

Gus G. states: “We couldn’t be happier to announce our first full North American tour! It’s been over three years since Firewind toured from coast to coast across the US and we’re coming back stronger than ever with a killer package. We put a lot of thought into who we wanted to go out with us and truly believe that each band on this bill brings something special to the table making this a very diverse line-up. However, shredding guitar driven metal remains the prominent feature across the board.

“In fact there’s more to it than just that, as this package is somewhat of a musical family tree. Not many people know this but Arsis’ guitarist James Malone and I went to Berklee together back in 1998. We had an instrumental band together for awhile, which later became Firewind. James is a kick ass shredder and I’m glad our bands are finally touring together.

“Also, most people don't know that I played in Nightrage for few years. I did two albums with them and their main-man Marios Iliopoulos is a phenomenal guitar player. He also filled in on bass for Firewind this year, when Petros was unable to tour. Nightrage is one of my favorite bands and you definitely got to come down early to check them out. White Wizzard are currently making noise worldwide and they’re definitely a band to watch out for as well. We’re proud to have these great bands on board with us, making this such a high quality package for all metal fans.

“We will also offering special VIP ticketing options for each show on this tour that will allow you access into a private meet and greet with the band, a signed poster and limited edition laminate. See you out there this fall.”

Firewind''s scheduled show on September 11th in Glasgow, Scotland has moved venues due to Apollo 23's age restrictions. The show will now happen at the Cathouse and it's an all ages gig. Tickets that have already been purchased are still valid.

Firewind recently released their new iPhone app, available for download now at this location.

Firewind recently announced dates for their European tour in support of the Days Of Defiance album. The Defiance Over Europe tour will run throughout September of this year and feature labelmates WOLF as the main support act.

Tour dates:

September

9 - Southampton, England - Talking Head
10 - Manchester, England - Moho
11 - Glasgow, Scotland - Cathouse
12 - Reading, England - Sub 89
14 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Boerderij
15 - Den Bosch, Netherlands - W2
16 - Kerkrade, Netherlands - Rock Temple
17 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
18 - Cologne, Germany - Underground
19 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos Saal
20 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
22 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
23 - Brunico, Italy - UFO
24 - Pisa, Italy - Borderline
26 - Paris, France - Le Nouveau Casino

Firewind are additionally confirmed to be appearing at the 2310 Festival in their Greek hometown, Thessaloniki, on July 6th alongside JUDAS PRIEST and WHITESNAKE. Here are all upcoming festival dates announced so far:

June

19 - Hellfest Open Air - Clisson, France
25 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium

July

1 - Basinfire Festival - Spálené Po?í?í, Czech Republic
6 - 2310 Festival - Thessaloniki, Greece (with Judas Priest and Whitesnake)

8–10 - Sonisphere Festival – Knebworth, UK

Firewind recently launched their newest video, for the Days Of Defiance album release. The clip for the band’s new single, 'Embrace The Sun', was directed by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY, etc.) and can now be viewed below:

A special, behind-the-scenes look into the making of the 'Embrace The Sun' video and the previously released first clip, 'World On Fire', alongside interviews with the band members can be seen below: