When listening to or dealing with a North American traditional Heavy Metal band, one must have in mind that the roots of the genre in the country drink influences both from JUDAS PRIEST (that is more important to US Metal consolidation than IRON MAIDEN), NWOBHM bands, and from 70s Hard Rock, some melodies from AOR, and even touches of Country Music and Folk Rock. This is a cultural feature, to be exact. And on the work of the Colorado quintet CHAMBER MAGE shown on “By the Light of Emerald Gods” - their first full length - depicts such traits, even on a subjective form.

Iván Alcalá (recordings, mixing) and Andrew Lee (mastering) are the ones who helped the band on studio to build the album’s sonority. It means that they chose something simple and organic in the vein of the 80s, with simple instrumental tunes. It’s heavy and enables the fans to understand what’s being played, but it could be done a bit better (it’s raw beyond the right point). A tip: try to make things as ENFORCER, SKULLFIST and others, making modern sonorities with simple recordings. And the art of William Nevin (artwork) and Joanna Harms (logo) fits in a great way to the music. As guests, here are Angela Jensen on the cello on “The Silver City Fell”, and JP Abboud, Taylor Webb, Charles Wahler, Matt Harrigan, Noelle Bovee and Justin Venman on the choirs.

The band focus its energy on creating a path into traditional Heavy Metal/Epic Metal, but many influences of US Metal can be heard on the core of their music (refined catching melodies, very good technical appeal). It’ obvious that such formula is already known, but they deliver a form of music full of energy and are showing personality at such young age. It means that they’re truly promising, showing very good vocals (that can be better in the future), charming guitar riffs, solos and arrangements, and solid and heavy bass guitar and drums rhythmic work, adorned with excellent choirs and choruses. It's clear that they can mature more and more, but after listening to “In Battle”, “Blades on the Rampart”, “Bishop’s Vengeance”, “Beyond the Lighthouse”, “To Spires Deep and Caverns High (Riders of the Iron River)”, “The Length of the Chain”, “The Emerald Tower Revealed” and “The Silver City Fell”, everyone can be sure that they’re really a very good band, and this album is a ‘must have’ item for Heavy Metal fans (vinyl or CD, not digital things that are for sissies).

Be welcome, CHAMBER MAGE, and “By the Light of Emerald Gods” shows that you’re here to stay.