Stand United is the tenth album from Gus G.'s Firewind, a band most fans of melodic and power metal should have at least a passing knowledge of by now. Things you can count on from Firewind are a slick production, great sound, and lots of ear-pleasing melodies. Former Sinbreed/Symphonity singer Herbie Langhans has the prototypical gruff, powerful voice for this kind of music and leans into his vocal lines with aplomb. Behind those things, however, Stand United has precious little to offer. The songwriting is the definition of safe with songs that sound fine but like every other melodic metal song you've ever heard, and Gus G.'s guitar work is very restrained, to the point where I started to wonder if he'd left the band. He's obviously a solid player but there is nothing in the riff work or solos even remotely inventive or jaw-dropping and, let's be honest, the six-string histrionics are one of the main draws for Firewind. There is nothing at all wrong with Stand United. Every note is in its place, the sound is excellent, and the songs go down easily, but there is nothing to separate it from any number of albums by bands like Masterplan, Burning Point, Deris-era Helloween, etc. If you live and breathe that stuff, by all means grab a copy, but if you've got a few of those in your collection already, there is nothing here you really need.
