Firewind: Stand United

Two years on from their self-titled album and from slimming down to a four-piece, Gus G and his band return with singer Herbie Langhans continuing on as their frontman after his debut last time round. With long term Fire-men Petros Christodoulidis (bass) and Johan Nunez (drums) also resuming their roles, for Stand United this band mirrors the album title they’ve chosen. That name also reflects a lot of the lyrics on this album, with the themes being that we all stand united in hope of preventing the world from going to hell in a handcart, as it seems to be doing on so many fronts.

For me the aforementioned self-titled album from 2022 hit like a back to basics romp-a-riffalong where Firewind hit reset and laid out their stall once more as to what they were - namely an accessible power metal band with big catchy choruses and the always expected guitar histrionics from Gus G himself. It was a potent mix but if I was being honest the effect wore off for me over time and I’d suggest it kind of slipped out of view pretty quickly. With Stand United the opposite is true, with every revisit to what is an even catchier, more chorus focused effort sticking long in the mind and welcoming you back with a real sense of glee every time you hit play. Langhans fits this band like a glove, his balance of power and passion grabbing the likes of “Chains� firmly and wrapping it around your senses. The title track proves one of the highlights as clever tempo changes keep you locked in to what is a true riff-fest - and of course, Gus G’s solos are bang on the money at every turn.

Interestingly, in a reversal from the previous album Firewind once again roll out the keyboards in more overt fashion. It’s a move that injects a little more fun into proceedings with the best example arriving in the shape of “Talking In Your Sleep�. That is of course a cover of The Romantics hit but in fairness Firewind have previous for choosing cheesy 80s covers and making them their own. However, this track is more a passing change of focus, with the main thrust of Stand United being the likes of the stomping “The Power Lies Within�, the melodically bombastic “Destiny Is Calling� (which reminds me of the much missed Eden’s Curse) or the more impassioned “Days Of Grace�.

I’ve been a fan of Firewind right from their debut album way back in 2002 and in truth not once have they dropped the ball when it’s come to their studio (or live) offerings. For my money, Stand United is up their with the best they’ve put their name to.

Track Listing
1. Salvation Day
2. Stand United
3. Destiny Is Calling
4. The Power Lies Within
5. Coming Undone
6. Fallen Angel
7. Chains
8. Land Of Chaos
9. Talking In Your Sleep
10. Days Of Grace

Added: February 23rd 2024
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Firewind online
Hits: 490
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]