Emerald Sun-Regeneration

Pitch Black Records 2011



Regeneration is the sophomore release from Greek power metal act Emerald Sun. Recorded, mixed and mastered by ex-Sanvoisen front man Vagelis Maranis (who provides vocals on the 12 minute track “Fantasmagoria”) Regeneration is a solid entry into the field of European power metal. Tracks like the crunchy opener "We Won't Fall" and "Theatre Of Pain" offer that familiar mix of melody, technical prowess and speed tinged metal that power metal fans will eat up. Vocalist Stelios "Theo" Tsakirides has a great set of lungs on him and is backed by top notch musicians Johnnie Athanasiadi - Guitars, Teo Savage - Guitars ,Jim Tsakirides - Keyboards ,Bill Kanakis - Drums and Fotis "Sheriff" Toumanides. Together the band burns their way through powerful rockers like "Where Angels Fly", "Starchild" and "Speak Of The Devil" while showing off their softer side on"Chasing The Wind" ( a surprisingly enjoyable metal ballad). As a whole Regeneration is a nice slab of metal. It's good, old fashioned power metal and a fun listen. Well, that is except for the band's choice of a cover song. I have no idea what the band was thinking when they decided to cover Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For A Hero". Tacked on as a bonus cut on CD copies this 1984 pop classic (from the movie Footloose) is just plain awful. After listening to some fist pumping metal the last thing I want to hear is a guy try to out due Bonnie's number in what amounts to an utter cheese fest. With it's bouncing keyboards it made me want to gag. I'd rather listen to Tyler's version for the billionth time than this incredibly lame cover. Why I ask? Why ruin what could have been a perfect listen for me? It reminded me of the first time I heard Fred Durst burst out "Faith". Some songs are just not meant to be sung heavy metal style. Aside from this blunder Regeneration is a good listen. Emerald Sun will hopefully only get better from here on out.