Firewind – Stand United
Reviewed by: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9.5
Power metal Icons Firewind are set to release their anticipated new album ‘Stand United’ on March 1, 2024.
Coming off their last release, a live showcase titled ‘Still Raging – 20th Anniversary Show’ in September of 2023, it’s great to get a new release so early in 2024.
Guitar virtuoso Gus G, vocalist Herbie Langhans, bassist Petros Christo and drummer Jo Nunez have created a body of work that tackles the issues of the day with the direction that we need to ‘Stand United’ rather than at odds with each other.
The fantastic artwork created by Costin Chioreanu echos the message with the multitude of faces making this so poignant. The first track ‘Salvation Day’ gets right to the point with massive guitar riffs, strong vocal performance and a pounding drum and bass beat giving you some insight what this album is all about.
‘Stand United’ is one of my favourite songs which has a massive power metal sound right from the wicked guitar intro. The catchy chorus will make this a fan favourite live. ‘Destiny Calling’ the lead single released as a teaser for fans during their European tour. This track has it all with a killer groove and a smoking guitar solo. ‘The Power Lies Within’ is a heavy song with thick groovy sound showcase Gus G’s flawless guitar ability. This is another personal favourite of mine.
Tracks ‘Come Undone’ and ‘Fallen Angel’ both are pre release singles that have more of a progressive sound and killer drum beats. Again the guitar solos are phenomenal on these tracks. ‘Chains’ is a super catchy song and the intro is reminiscent of Judas Priest. Langhans vocals are strong and Gus G creates a cool chugging sound leaving an ear worm.
‘Land of Chaos’ gives you a total ass kicking. The killer guitar intro and solo, thumping drums and bass mixed with a heavy vocal performance gives off a more traditional sound making this the heaviest track on the album. Langhans snarl is a a cool addition giving this track a darker sound. ‘Talking In Your Sleep’ is a Romantics cover and a fun addition to this album. It brings this song to another level and is heavy as hell.
The last song on the album ‘Days Of Grace’ completes the album with a song that creates an immersive listening experience. The acoustic guitar intro mixed with an impressive vocal range gives you the notion of a ballad but Gus G’s ripping solo changes the direction of the song bringing in a heavier groove that gives this track such a cool sound.
Firewind consistently creates groundbreaking material and this new release is evidence of this.
Musically, vocally and lyrically this album checks all the boxes and you can tell this band is a tight knit unit that love what they do.
This album spans many metal genres and I recommend it to all metal fans looking for a relevant release in 2024. Play it at eleven.
Stand United is set to release March 1, 2024 via AFM Records.