Imagine wanting to create music for a whole thirty years but always having to put it off because of one reason or another. Life has a tendency to get in the way more times than not, and that’s what happened with three American men who wanted to bring about their own concoction of heavy metal to the stage. After three decades, the right conditions arrived and they seized the opportunity to act on their dreams. Three albums in, Emerald shows that passion doesn’t die with age, and their latest album is flawless proof.
Heavy metal is the kind of thing that doesn’t have any more room for innovation when it comes down to sound or execution. You can either go for a really classic sound like Iron Maiden or Manowar, a slightly slower approach like Black Sabbath at times or use modern recording technology to bring the heavy out in absolute spades like Vhaldemar. Emerald went for the first option as their latest record, “Angels of Oblivion”, could’ve come actually come out in 1984 (when Emerald was first created) and it would sound exactly like the rest of heavy metal at the time. These eight tracks come together very nicely to channel everything that’s classic about heavy metal and it’s clear that growing up along with the genre has helped Emerald realize their vision of creating music. “Angels of Oblivion” is an echo of the past that comes at us full speed with no sign of stopping in sight as this record has everything you could ask for. Tasty riffs, a clean sound, a great sense of musicianship that permeates every chorus, and an overall entertaining sound that you can only find within the world of heavy metal and Emerald knew how to truly tap into it. They’re on a clear path to success with “Angels of Oblivion”, and it couldn’t be any more obvious.
More times than not, attempts at recreating or even bettering classic heavy metal ends in failure as bands don’t put the time or passion into the mix. But every once in a while we’re treating to bands like Emerald who were growing up along with the genre itself so they’ve seen every single twist and turn heavy metal has taken over the decades, and you can really feel that in the admirable work that is “Angels of Oblivion”. The album truly is a callback to an era that is seldom traveled, and it’s a very sweet treat because of that.
LISTEN to “Angels of Oblivion” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Emerald on Facebook here.
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