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In my review of Emerald's 2010 album Re-Forged, I concluded by saying that some catchier songs should have been high on the band's wish list. 2012 sees the release of Unleashed and it seems as if that wish has come true. A little bit, anyway. The choruses on "Harleking and "Eye of the Serpent" are catchier than anything on Re-Forged but still not what I would call truly memorable. Where the band has stepped up their game is in the music itself. Iron Maiden remains one of the biggest influences. Check out the twin guitar work on "Another Universe" and the solo on "Eye of the Serpent" to see what I mean. But Unleashed is more varied. The opening solo on "F.T.M." reminds me of Marty Freidman's work with Megadeth while faster songs "Face of Evil" and "Wrath of God" have some similarities with Falaschi-era Angra.

Like its predecessor, Unleashed is solid, polished Heavy/Power Metal with a few more high points than there are dull moments. It is sure to please fans of the genre but unlikely to win converts to the cause.