Pitch Black Records
Website
Facebook
MySpace
by Craig Hartranft, 02.07.2011
Rising from Greece, now signed to Cyprus based Pitch Black Records, comes Emerald Sun with their sophomore effort Regeneration. Frankly, this is pure European melodic heavy/power metal, plain and simple. Honestly, and without bias, Regeneration. is average material. Certainly, Emerald Sun knows their chosen genre: the songs are creative and sound, the musicianship strong. However, most of this we have hear before. But that doesn't mean that Emerald Song can't deliver the goods: Starchild is good stuff, Speak of the Devil has an excellent bass line, and Planet Metal reminds you of why you love power metal. Emerald Sun can be extravagant: clocking in at over 12 minutes, Fantasmagoria is epic, entertaining, but still predictable. What Emerald Sun lacks are true 'hooks' to draw you in. Edguy they're not. Emerald Sun covers Holding Out for a Hero, written by Jim Steiman (Meatloaf) and Dean Pitchford, and recorded by Bonnie Tyler for the movie Footloose (1984). It's heavy and fast, but hardly imbues the original with new life.
While pure and predictable European melodic heavy/power metal, Emerald Sun should be given kudos for effort. Ultimately, however, I will not be pulling this work down for future listens. Fans, of course, would disagree.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
While pure and predictable European melodic heavy/power metal, Emerald Sun should be given kudos for effort. Ultimately, however, I will not be pulling this work down for future listens. Fans, of course, would disagree.
Now entering their second decade in music biz, Sweden's Wildness returns with latest and fourth studio album, Avenger. Band personnel has remained consistent for the last four years with the addition of Erik ... [ Read More ]