It is interesting how matters can develop into something more than we ever expected. The story goes that a young Greek guitarist named Konstantinos Karamitroudis opted to leave a US music college to record a demo called Nocturnal Symphony. Released in 1998, it consisted of ten songs and was under the working title of Firewind.
Taking inspiration for the name from the 1981 Uli Jon Roth’s Electric Sun song “Fire Wind,” the project started to develop interest, however, Karamitroudis had to put in the backburning because of other obligations. Karamitroudis, better known to the Heavy Metal world as Gus G, was asked to join then unknown, but today well-established acts like Dream Evil, Nightrage, and Mystic Prophecy. Helping these acts develop in their formidable years, Firewind would not be a dead end, because in 2002 the debut album Between Heaven and Hell arrived.
From here Firewind would take shape as a band and they have not looked back since. Over twenty years ago, Gus G led Firewind to record nine albums through 2020’s self-titled effort. Doing so through various lineup changes, and handling the outside responsibility of lead guitar work for the legendary Ozzy Osbourne between 2009 and 2017, it seems like Firewind was destined to be. In fact, Gus G’s fortitude to keep the band going has led to international recognition among Metal fans.
This leads us to 2024 when Gus G and Firewind return with their milestone tenth studio album Stand United. Released on March 1, 2024 through AFM Records, Stand United finds long-time Bassist Petros Christo and Drummer Jo Nunez returning, along with Herbie Langhans back on vocals. An album that found Firewind touring the US from April into May, it is Langhans’s second studio record with the band. Receiving universal praise for his work on the 2020 self-titled album, can Stand United follow suit?
An album co-produced by Dennis Ward (famous for his work with Pink Cream 69 and Magnum) along with Gus G, Stand United has a clear and present message that the band has rallied together. This means there appears to be a distinctive cohesion with Langhans on vocals, while some may be partial toward 2020’s Firewind, there is no denying that there are a lot of impressive qualities amidst Stand United.
Consisting of nine songs, Stand United has a classic Heavy Metal sound but arguably feels a bit more Hard Rock in some areas. Remaining are outstanding riffs from Gus G, and vocals of Langhans that remind very much of Helloween’s Andi Deris, each song has an energy that expresses a message of defiance in the face of adversity. Lyrically something you can get behind to chant out loud as you unleash disgust with the modern world, it becomes apparent that Firewind was determined to create anthems for human resistance.
There is no hiding that the world is on the presumptuous of sheer disaster with the constant media-fed divisiveness, an apathetic population, and world leaders beating war drums. A harsh reality, Gus G, who played a big part in Stand United’s lyrics, along with the rest of Firewind joins together to say – we cannot fall into these traps that are only driven by a hunger for power. More than a political message, Firewind’s is a message of humanity first. Something we can all get behind if we take the blinders off long enough to see the bigger picture, the attack on these new songs matches the message.
With a lot of fist-pumping music to dig into, tracks like the title-track, “Salvation Day,” and “Destiny Calling” are a few that lead the charge. Then others like “Chains” offer a feeling of self-empowerment that reminds you that only you can free yourself from the issues that weigh you down. However, you would have to call to “Land of Chaos” as the perfect rally cry on Stand United that hits every point right on the head about modern society with lyrics like –
“Nobody cares. Nobody gives a damn. There is no justice in this land of chaos.”
Or
“Everyone just keeps their distance. Praying that they’re not the next ones. No, not me! Yes, you!”
Beyond this, Firewind also sneaks a pretty cool cover of The Romantics’ hit “Talking in Your Sleep.” Somewhat of a surprise, it works well and lights the mood of the heavier lyrical content. Adrenalized and inspired, Firewind’s Stand United is a great modern Heavy Metal album everyone should be able to get behind. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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