Quite unbelievably, it's been almost four years since Greek power metal favourites Firewind released their latest studio album. The previous eponymous record introduced fans to new vocalist Herbie Langhans, the former Sinbreed and Seventh Avenue singer, and was also their first album without longtime keyboardist Bob Katsionis as a full-time member since 2003's, "Burning Earth." With enough time passed for the dust to settle, the same Firewind lineup that could be heard on their previous release returns with "Stand United," and it might just surprise a few listeners.

Kicking things off with "Salvation Day," the first single from the record, proved to be a wise choice, as it sets the tone of the album perfectly. It's exciting, it's fun, but it also has an edge to it. Langham's gruffer approach than some of his predecessors may still be a topic of debate among fans, but it's perfectly suited to this song, and indeed all ten tracks on offer. "Salvation Day" is a rousing number that encourages the listener to work towards a future where they won't start the day with misery and bad news and it's such a nice change of tone from "The planet is fucked and you better learn to live with it."

The anthems continue, particularly with "Destiny Is Calling," which manages to really get the listener's blood pumping with a memorable chorus and once more is a beacon of positive thinking without being naive, as is so often the case with more uplifting songs. Despite this, it maintains a real grit that will delight most headbangers. Meanwhile, "Talking In Your Sleep" is another highlight, offering a more mean, stomping vibe and a great hook, which can also be said of "The Power Lies Within," albeit the latter presents a greater sense of liberation.

Individually, some of the songs may not stand out too much, but when listening to these ten tracks as a collective (or shock horror, an album,) they really come together well. Firewind definitely has better songs from the past, but taken as a cohesive, "Stand United" is certainly one of, if not the best album from Gus G. and crew yet. "Land Of Chaos" is a good example of this, as there's nothing wrong with it, but it works so much better as part of a machine than it would as a single. Closing number "Days Of Grace" has similar qualities, as it wraps up the flow of the album perfectly with its blend of melody and power, but separated from context, wouldn't have the same effect.

Firewind has been one of the most talked about metal bands to emerge from Greece this century and they truly deserve their place as one of the country's great exports (and there's no shortage of superb Greek metal bands), and "Stand United" continues to cement their legacy. It arguably surpasses "Firewind" and will soon come to be ranked among the fan favourites such as "The Premonition" and "Immortals." In a genre so many love to mock, Firewind stands alongside other titans and demonstrates brilliant skill and songwriting which make them one of power metal's most beloved bands.