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Damn. This band first released this EP—which is as long as some so-called full-lengths—independently, but Dying Victims Productions ended up signing them. I rarely mention a label in a review, but this one sure knows how to pick good bands.

There's a lot of old-school speed metal here. I can't help but think of old Agent Steel, among others. All those heavy/speed bands that came out around the same time in the '80s seem to be an influence on Emissary—it's like they put them all in a blender. Their sound is quite chaotic and somewhat unpolished, heavy and packed with attitude. There's a DIY thing going on here. It's pretty raw for the genre, so those who are obsessed with overproduced power metal are likely to take a few steps back, but if you like a more live/rehearsal feel to your music, Emissary will certainly strongly appeal to your ears. Again, that early Agent Steel sound keeps coming back to me whenever I listen to this. I can't say anything really sticks out and is particularly memorable once it's over, but it's a hell of a lot of fun while it's on and really calls for multiple listens.