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I didn't think much of this at first spin, but repeated listens really made me like this album. Emerald are a Swiss band playing easily identifiable Swiss Power Metal in the Wolf/Cryonic Temple/Hammerfall mold. This is their fifth album, and I have to say I have come to really enjoy it.

Now Emerald are not perfect, and at first blush this sounds like a less-polished Iron Fire, but the very looseness and roughness is part of their charm. They have a kickass guitar sound and they play some absolutely killer riffs. Songs like "The Last Legion" and "Witches Tower" are absolute Heavy Metal killers with no doubt. Singer Micheal Vaucher is a rough spot, as he is not always right on key, and his voice is limited in range, but he has a lot of charisma, and this carries him through the album.

If Emerald cleaned up and sounded more pro, they would be a lot less entertaining, but with their rough underground feel, they have that unknown gem vibe going for them. For B-grade Heavy Metal, this band is right at the top.