Way back in November 1980 I recall a Sunday evening trekking over the Snake Pass from Sheffield to see Triumph at the Manchester Apollo mainly because Praying Mantis were supporting with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal at its zenith.
Mantis were fine sure enough. Then on came a “power trio” from Canada and it wasn’t Rush. Triumph, like NWOBHM, were at the peak of their powers. A full on bombastic show with enough lights to put Blackpool Illuminations to shame. And they had the musical chops to match. What a show.
First thing the following day it was off to buy Progressions of Power quickly followed by other Triumph stuff to repeatedly listen to the spectacular shredding of Rik Emmett and the soaring vocals on classics such as Magic Power et al.
Now here I am almost four full decades after that cold November night in Manchester with Rik Emmett’s solo offering and his Resolution 9. A proper, expertly crafted, crisp and clean album of classic rock with a bluesy tint here and there with Rik’s golden soulful voice and fingers of fire untouched by those four decades.
The full-on aural assault of Triumph it is not. An excellent, well-paced and varied offering it is with plenty to enjoy. And make no mistake – the guitar playing is right out of the top drawer. Rik can riff and shred with the best of them with plenty of melodic feel and finesse. A super-tight band helps too. A truly marvellous listening experience. Well, that is bar the cringe worthy Sweet Tooth but the rest means we can forgive the boy Emmett for one mistake.
Stand Still gets things off to a fine rocking start with the driving riff and blues undertone. Human Race an upbeat melodic slab with a huge hook. I Sing follows in the same vein and the hauntingly beautiful My Cathedral is a highlight. All four cuts of the highest quality and musicianship expertly played.
As is everything which follows with the exception of the aforementioned Sweet Tooth. Fortunately that’s soon forgotten when it fades out to be replaced by Heads Up. A superb hard riffing rocker with a storming solo reminding the listener instantly of Triumph. End of the Line storms along too with the extended guitar interplay. First class.
Then it’s the Triumph “reunion” on Grand Parade including Mike Levine and Gil Moore. A real “grower” and slow-burner of a song which is a treat after the penny drops.
Rik calls on a couple of his other Canadian buddies in the forms of Alex Lifeson and James La Brie who lend their considerable guitar and vocal talents on a couple of cuts. Here’s one of them – End of the Line.
Top marks to Mr. Emmett and his band for putting this album out. A genuine pleasure to listen to and a fine showcase for the man’s talents. That’s without taking anything away from the rest of the band who are first rate.
A proper, proper classic rock album from a guy who has been there, done it and now doing it again. And how!
>> RIK EMMETT RESOLUTION 9 ON ANAZON HERE <<
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