This is the first album I've heard from these guys, and wow, is it good. Here is a great example of a fantastic hard rock band. They aren't metal, post grunge, nu metal or alternative. Just solid rock n roll. To get an idea of how the album plays out sound wise, they're clearly heavier than, say, Collective Soul's heavier moments, but not as hard as Skidrow and the like.
This album is chocked full of excellent, catchy guitar work that is often more interesting than it has to be (United, Sinking Ship, Heaven and Earth). The mix and production quality are just right. The vocals are convincing and the choruses have that anthemic, arena rock feel, but without crossing the line and going over the top. There's just enough vocal chorus restraint to keep them from sounding too 1990's.
They do sometimes remind me of 1990's arena rock bands, but with 20 years of progress and invention with guitar riffs, songwriting, etc. Their sound isn't dated one bit, this is a modern album. It's just something we're getting less and less of: Outstanding hard rock that doesn't seem to be trying to fit in to modern musical expectations. There's no electronic beats, no raps, no static, no electronic fuzz.
And the best part - this album stays strong all the way to the end. So many albums lose momentum after the first half, but not this one. A crucial winning point for United.
I don't give many 5 star reviews, but this band gets one for United. Outstanding!