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EMERALD RAGE
Valkyrie

Stormspell (2023)
Rating: 7/10

Dripping with mythology once again, Akron, Ohio-based metalheads Emerald Rage arm themselves with trusty steel for another round of fantasy. This is bombastic metal for those who like to sit aloft on the grand throne and stare down at mere mortals. Throw this in the cauldron with the likes of Blazon Stone and Eternal Champion for a merry old time.

A pinch of Thin Lizzy, a sprig of Iron Maiden, a flash of Running Wild, a dash of Judas Priest, it’s all the rage apparently, but Emerald Rage have been doing this for a few years now so this second full-length outing is very much in their comfort zone as they heroically bond power metal with more traditional values.

‘Prince Of The Moon’ begins the album in epic fashion with a sweeping piano tumble and then for the next eight minutes you’re swept up in a sea of sturdy riffs and majestic melodies in typical Euro-metal fashion. The vocals of guitarist Jacob Wherley are relatively commanding, particularly on the triumphant choruses. However, like a lot of modern power metal the feel of this platter is a bit mechanical in places and almost too glossy to the point that any fire within seems watered down.

‘Archangels’ sees the band in a niftier mode with the scurrying axe work as again there is that strong marrying of Running Wild and Iron Maiden. The title cut stands out with its shift of pace and I particularly enjoyed the slower, grittier trudge. ‘Stone Monkey’ also sees the combo resort to grittier tactics and kudos to drummer Chandler Emhoff for such thumping expressions. ‘Dragonblood’ also showcases variety, where again the axe work comes to the fore with some interesting angles and thornier twists. Closer ‘Paradiso’ sees the band get back into the epic power metal groove by relaying a lengthy tale that once again exudes that Maiden-esque sensibility.

While Emerald Rage and this style of metal is rarely my go-to genre, I’m still impressed by the affair as a whole. Admittedly the production is a bit thin, but as power metal albums go Valkyrie is mildly entertaining although it didn’t quite prompt me to become an orc slayer.

Neil Arnold

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