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Emerald: Unleashed

Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
by Craig Hartranft,  08.14.2012

In 2010, Swiss metal band Emerald was Re-Forged with a new line up, including a new vocalist. This year they're Unleashed with another long player of NWOBHM inspired heavy and power metal.

Emerald: looking quite metal-ish.

Unleashed is likely a case of 'If it ain't broke, then don't fix it.' Emerald's formula remains speedy power metal with pseudo-Halford high vocals and plenty of fiery twin lead guitar work. This time around the arrangements sound even more Maiden-esque than before, and the band tries hard to be a bit more technical. This is notable on A Past Never Born and Eye of the Serpent, but also on the shorter Blessed. Mostly, without losing the melodic undercurrent, Emerald sounds heavy, speedy, and even a bit thrashy, as on Face of Evil or F.T.M..

With a stable crew on board, Emerald is hitting their stride once more with Unleashed, a decent platter of European heavy and power metal. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With a stable crew on board, Emerald is hitting their stride once more with Unleashed, a decent platter of European heavy and power metal.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]