I like both and reasoable choice here

Apollo was the best singer for Firewind IMO

Not a fan of Henning's voice and even though Immortals is a good album musically, I didn't like its concept as I feel that the epic style doesn't suit Firewind. Also, Henning doesn't write lyrics which is a huge downside. I wonder if they'll bring someone else to write them, like they did with Dennis Ward.

Another drawback is the live shows, Henning was disappointing when I saw them in 2017 regarding the songs from the Apollo era. Not that Herbie was great either, but he did a better job handling the old catalogue, especially the first 2 albums.

Obviously Herbie wasn't the best choice that Gus could've made as he knew even back then that he had a job in Avantasia - a much better one in terms of salary too. I don't think that Firewind can take more singer changes and maybe that's why Gus turned to Henning again, but I can't help but feel that this is not the way forward.

I love this band to death so I hope I'm wrong as I'm sceptically waiting for their next album. Let's also hope that the new (?) concept won't give us another cringe-fest of a video like Ode to Leonidas. Fingers crossed.

Written by warrior_of_ice on 25.11.2025 at 19:48

Apollo was the best singer for Firewind IMO

Always liked the vocals of Stephen Fredrick the most (especially on the debut album). Very unique and full of charisma, and also a style you don't often get with a power metal band. That, in combination with the raw production of the first album, makes Between Heaven And Hell a really unique power metal record in terms of sound, imo. It's still my favourite record from Firewind tbh. The later albums went a bit too streamlined and conventional for me. Still some very good stuff in there like: Burning Earth, The Premonition, and Forged By Fire, but that magic from the debut was (at least for me) never really replicated.

That all being said, I do understand why a lot of people like Apollo's vocals. A bit more of a traditional voice for power metal but still with a lot of charisma in it, which fitted well with the style direction Firewind was heading in.

Herbie wrote on facebook

Some of you may already heard that I left Firewind.
It wasn't an easy decision, and it wasn't a decision against Firewind, but rather for my family. All the touring was quite a strain on me and my family, and I had to decide what to do next.
There were also often overlaps with Avantasia and other projects, and because of this I always felt guilty towards Firewind.
I'm very grateful to Firewind for all the experiences and I also learned a lot, and we made two fantastic albums. We traveled the world, laughed, goofed around, and ROCKED!
I'm happy that Henning is back and excited to see what the future holds. I'll definitely enjoy watching the occasional show with a beer in the future.
All the best for you guys

Written by tominator on 26.11.2025 at 12:17

Always liked the vocals of Stephen Fredrick the most (especially on the debut album). Very unique and full of charisma, and also a style you don't often get with a power metal band. That, in combination with the raw production of the first album, makes Between Heaven And Hell a really unique power metal record in terms of sound, imo. It's still my favourite record from Firewind tbh. The later albums went a bit too streamlined and conventional for me. Still some very good stuff in there like: Burning Earth, The Premonition, and Forged By Fire, but that magic from the debut was (at least for me) never really replicated.

That all being said, I do understand why a lot of people like Apollo's vocals. A bit more of a traditional voice for power metal but still with a lot of charisma in it, which fitted well with the style direction Firewind was heading in.

I do agree, with that raw production being similar to an unique 90s style. And Stephen Frederick is also a great singer. With that, I feel that Chity/Henning/Herbie were a "continuation" vocal style of Stephen. Yes, Apollo is that traditional power metal vocalist & versatile with his highs & lows, but the others are more Dio-unique. Also, Apollo's vocals didnt sound too great there on his last album with them, crackling from all the extensive touring, which is why he left anyway, though he has sounded way better since. I also feel both Henning & Herbie didnt give it their all either, no power behind those albums, with Herbie not sounding too good live. Which sucked because he was amazing with Seventh Avenue & Sinbreed. Same with Henning with Mayan & Metalium. It also seems Gus has a habit of hiring vocalists that also sing in multiple bands already, Apollo was the only one not having a side band. If only Stephen Frederick was still in the music business....

What a chance to bring Apollo back, wasted