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Valkyrie is the second album from Emerald Rage, whose name lines up with their chosen style of power (Emerald)/thrash (Rage) metal. These guys can play, and the album features a nice guitar tone and overall solid production that lets all the instruments be heard without sounding sterile or artificial. The vocals are a barking shout but suit the music well, which ranges from out-and-out power metal speedsters like "Archangels," thrashy heavy metal ("Prince of the Moon"), and a hybrid style that evokes a combination of Timeless Miracle, Mercyful Fate, and even Rush on "Paradiso." After several listens, my impression is that of a good record with some memorable parts but nothing truly amazing. Valkyrie embodies the "solid but unspectacular metal album" sentiment. If a mix of Running Wild, Mercyful Fate, and Vicious Rumors sounds like a winner to you, give it a spin.