EMERALD - ARMED FOR BATTLE - 1987 - Christian Heavy Metal

EMERALD – ARMED FOR BATTLE – 1987 [1] Armed For Battle [2] Teenage Suicide [3] We Attack [4] Look To The Stars [5] Winds Of Doom [6] Judgement Day Arranged and Produced by Emerald EMERALD ~ Bass: Joe Palma (Tracks: 3,4) Bass: Roger Dale Martin (Tracks: 1,2,5,6) Drums, Synthesizer: Kyle Morrett Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals: Dave Enos Lead Vocals: Larry Philips Label: Metal Gem Records – A-111-777 Format: Vinyl, 12“, Mini-Album Country: US Released: 1987 Genre: Rock Style: Heavy Metal Released in early 1987, ARMED FOR BATTLE is (currently) the only full-length album by Emerald, although they also have a 6-song EP called DEMO 1984, finally made available in 2022. The original version of ARMED FOR BATTLE was also technically an EP since it consisted of 6 songs clocking in at just over 32 minutes, but subsequent releases added 2-3 extra tracks, which makes it a full-length. The version I have includes the speedy “Traitor” and Rainbow-ish “Born to Die,” both originally debuting on California Metal II. The band hails from Fontana, SoCal, which is just east of Los Angeles, bordering San Bernardino. Guitarist Dave Enos started the band with singer Larry Philips in 1978. Bassist Roger Martin plays on several of the tracks here; he went on to join Vengeance Rising for their first two albums. While Emerald decided to close-up shop in late 1988, Dave and Roger reformed the band in 2019 with a new singer (so let’s hope we get some new material). While an obscure band with spiritual/biblical themes they’re top-of-the-line despite the modest-budget recording, which took almost a year to record. Their sound is similar to late 70s/early 80s Priest, albeit they shoot for the reverent tone of songs like “Beyond the Realms of Death,” “Saints in Hell” and “Burning Up” as opposed to pop ditties like “Living After Midnight” or even “Breaking the Law.” Dio is another comparison, as is the contemporaneous Cirith Ungol, just with far superior vocals. Speaking of the singing, I can’t think of anyone else who sounds like the superb Larry Philips. The band as a whole has their own sound despite my comparisons. They’re grave, but thoroughly reverential. It’s useless to cite favorites since every song has its appeal, although I suppose the doomy “Judgement Day” is my favorite with its memorable “Take me home” chorus (the song’s not total doom, however, as it throws in a well-placed frenzied part). It goes without saying that this is a must-own for anyone who favors 80’s metal, keeping in mind that it features white metal themes presented in a classy manner. ~ Wuchak August 31, 2022 *** A Christian power metal band from Fontana, California active from 1978 to 1988. Founded by guitarist Dave Enos and vocalist Larry Phillips with bassist Roger Martin enlisted for the recording sessions of their debut EP entitled “Armed For Battle“ until his departure mid-session. He would join the band Vengeance Rising and later Die Happy and Once Dead. Bassist Joe Palma replaced Martin with the EP being released in 1987. The band dissolved in 1988. Drummer Kyle Morrett would join Sacred Faith and Enos founded Last Daze. Despite no new material or touring, the band claims to be active again as of 2019. ~ Bull’s Rocks THANKS FOR WATCHING. YOU’RE INVITED TO SUBSCRIBE!