Melodic metallers FIREWIND have announced Kelly Sundown Carpenter (ADAGIO, BEYOND TWILIGHT, DARKOLOGY - pictured below) as the new vocalist for their upcoming North American touring activities, after longterm vocalist Apollo Papathanasio parted ways with the band.

Even though Papathanasio has been temporarily replaced for some touring activities in the past, he has appeared on all Firewind releases since 2006’s Allegiance album and the band’s upcoming live album will feature recordings from his recent final shows with the group.

The band comment on the news as follows: “Today we are in the unfortunate position to announce that Apollo has decided to step down permanently from the vocal duties in Firewind. For the past few years it was evident that Apollo could not keep up with Firewind's ever growing and demanding touring and promotional schedule. Several times we've had to recruit replacements in order to continue touring the world and keep playing for our fans. We're lucky enough to have worked with some of the best metal singers out there!

Although we're sad to announce Apollo's departure and we sure will miss him, at the same time we feel that the show must go on! Firewind is a band that has gone thru lots of ups and downs the past 10 years, but is still going strong! With that said, we're happy to announce that Kelly Sundown Carpenter will be singing for us on the upcoming North American tour with TURISAS! This guy's a phenomenal singer and we can't wait to get out there and rock!

We're looking forward to our return in America. See you all soon!”

More on Firewind, including their tour schedule, at this location.