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 CD will feature recordings from his recent final shows with the group.

Commented FIREWIND: "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 through 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!"

FIREWIND — which features in its ranks current OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. (real name: Kostas Karamitroudis) — will kick off the "Guards Of Glory - North American Tour 2013" with TURISAS and STOLEN BABIES on February 2 in Jacksonville, Florida.

FIREWIND successfully wrapped up the calendar year 2012 with four packed club shows in their native Greece (two nights in Thessaloniki and two nights in Athens), commencing the celebration of the band's 10th anniversary. Additionally, and right before the end-of-the-year festivities, FIREWIND entered the studio in order to mix recordings from last year's "Few Against Many" tour for an upcoming live album, to be released before the summer.