EMERALD – Re-Forged

The band Emerald has been churning out their brand of Power Metal for over ten years now. During that time they have grown and progressed as a band to be taken seriously. They have now released their fifth full-length album Re-Forged, which is indeed their heaviest and most diverse album to date.

The sound on Re-Forged is much bigger and more powerful than what you’d hear coming from their previous work. This album features the addition of new vocalist Thomas Winkler and new guitarist Manuel Werro, and both give the band a sense of boldness and maturity. Worthy to mention as well, the song writing on this album is far more advanced than previous offerings.

Emerald’s influences are displayed very clearly on this album: Iron Maiden, Virgin Steele, and Savatage, just to name a few. Emerald does a great job of combining all of these classic influences and creating a very fresh and unique sound. Each track portrays a slightly different variation or theme, and each has a little something different to offer. The album is driven by heavy riffs and dual guitar melodies. Although the dual guitar scenario was present on their previous work, it is clearly more defined on this album.

The focal point on Re-Forged is the vocal work of Thomas Winkler. The previous vocalist, Jvo Julmy, had a very high-pitched and slightly fragile voice. Winkler’s vocals are almost a complete contrast. Winkler has a bolder and heavier sound. Make no mistake about it, though, he can hit all those signature high notes with ease, and he gives the band a more developed sound, which Emerald desperately needed. Winkler also does an outstanding job of performing a grinding Jon Oliva-like growl, and then being able to work up a Ripper Owens-like scream.

Musically, the album is quite diverse and each track presents something unique. The opening track “The Wanderer” sets the tone for the album as it begins with a subdued classical guitar intro and then develops into a heavy Power/Thrash driving song. “The Last Legion” shows off their Maiden influence via the Bruce Dickinson-like vocal work, Steve Harris-esque bass work, and a riff that sounds like it came straight from the Killers album. Of course, the magnum opus of Re-Forged has to be the song “Mutiny,” which is an epic nine-minute track that includes some climactic performances from each of the musicians.

This is truly a new and improved Emerald. There was a lot of passion and hard work that went into both the song writing and performances on this album. If Emerald keeps making music like this, they are sure to enjoy much deserved success in the future.