EMERALD SUN – Regeneration

Emerald Sun is a very exciting Power Metal band from Greece. Regeneration is their sophomore release, and is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Upon first listen, you will hear a very similar sound to that of classic Helloween and Gamma Ray.

Emerald Sun released their first album Escape From Twilight back in 2007. Their debut featured a much stronger classic Helloween sound than this Regeneration release, partially due to their former vocalist Jimmy Santrazami, who is a dead ringer for Michael Kiske. Regeneration (as the title depicts) is a rebirth, if you will, of the band with new vocalist Stelios “Theo” Tsakirides taking the helm. In comparison to Escape From Twilight, the songs on this album are much better developed. There is more depth in the songwriting and a better variety of song styles as well.

The opening track “We Won’t Fall” has a great headbanging Classic Metal melody. A good, strong riff and a catchy chorus make this a great anthem. The lyrics are all about fighting back and taking over, and provide a powerful start for the album. The second track, “Theater Of Pain”, is probably one of the most unique tracks. It features a fast, broken riff and high-pitched chanting vocals, which are very reminiscent of something from the band The Offspring. The following track, “Where Angels Fly”, also has a Dexter Holland-esque feel to the vocal performance, but reverts back to a more familiar Classic / Power Metal style performance.

The albums centerpiece performance is “Regeneration (Instrumental) / Starchild”. The opening instrumental keyboard piece is very mystical and sets a melancholy tone. However, once the fast Gamma Ray-style riffs of “Starchild” begin, there is no doubt that Emerald Sun has something to prove with their musical talents on this track.

The remaining tracks are a build up to the 12 minute epic, “Fantasmagoria”. This is a very progressive track which features a soft opening, and builds up to a very strong, and very comprehensive composition. There are no weak points to this track, and it’s an easy listen for the entire performance. The song also features a guest vocal performance from the album’s producer, Vagelis Maranis (ex-Sanvoisen).

The album would have been considered pretty spectacular if it ended with “Fantasmagoria”. However, Emerald Sun decided to make one of the worst Heavy Metal blunders, performing a cover of an 80’s pop song. The song in this case is Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero”. There is nothing good about this track.

Overall, Emerald Sun has made a significant amount of progress with Regeneration. The musicianship is solid, as are the vocals. Although there are still some growing pains to be worked out, Emerald Sun is one step closer to making a concentrated identity for themselves within the world of Metal.