EMERALD - Armed For Battle

Not many copies are remaining worldwide but you can get a copy of EMERALD - Armed For Battle on cd or vinyl if you are quick from www.soundmass.com

Emerald - Armed For Battle - No Remorse Records re-issue
No Remorse Records Announce EMERALD Armed For Battle Reissue:
The 1987 debut EP of Southern California heavy/power metal act EMERALD, Armed For Battle, is scheduled for CD and vinyl re-issue via No Remorse Records on December 21, 2018. CD version includes four bonus tracks in addition to a booklet with lyrics, photos and line notes, while the vinyl version comes with two bonus tracks and insert with lyrics and liner notes. Black vinyl is limited to 400 copies and green vinyl 100 copies.

EMERALD arose out of the eighties Sunset Strip metal scene after it was founded in 1978 by 15-year-old guitarist Dave Enos and 22-year-old vocalist Larry Phillips. The group proceeded to go through a literal revolving door of bassists and drummers prior to solidifying its line up with drummer Kyle Morrett and bassists Roger Martin (VENGEANCE RISING) and Joe Palma. 

The EMERALD moniker was chosen due to its versatility: not only does it represent a stone in the throne of God, but it also does not force you to place a label on the band in terms of the style of music that it plays. Consider, for instance, how EMERALD (as taken from an interview back in the day) describes itself as ‘(not) a typical Christian band- we don’t feel led to minster. In fact, we look at ourselves as a band of Christians rather than a Christian band’. More specifically, ‘When we started out (even before STRYPER) we wanted to go out into the whole world, because we felt our songs were to be sung to the world rather than sung in churches. We would rather sing songs to lead people to the Word (rather) than preach to them’.

Armed For Battle was recorded on a budget of 13k, which, unfortunately, left little if no money for promotion. The album, nevertheless, sold well in Europe’s underground metal scene, particularly in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. After having gone out of print and turning into a highly sought after collector’s item, Armed For Battle was re-issued on CD for the first time in 2001 by Magdalene Records as a ‘2-for-1’, with the second album being ORACLES’s power metal romping EP Selah. In addition to the Armed For Battle tracks, the Magdalene re-issue also includes the two songs EMERALD recorded for the California Metal II compilation from 1988, “Traitor” and “Born To Die”.

Armed For Battle CD track listing:

1. “Armed For Battle”
2. “Judgement Day”
3. “Teenage Suicide”
4. “We Attack”
5. “Winds Of Doom”
6. “Traitor” (bonus track)
7. “Look To The Stars”
8. “Vengeance is Mine” (bonus track)
9. “King Of The Universe” (1984 demo bonus track)
10. “Battleground” (1984 demo bonus track)

Armed For Battle vinyl track listing:

Side A:
1. “Armed For Battle”
2. “Judgement Day”
3. “Teenage Suicide”
4. “We Attack”

Side B:
5. “Winds Of Doom”
6. “Traitor” (bonus track)
7. “Look To The Stars”
8. “Vengeance is Mine” (bonus track)

Looking forward to getting my copy.

Did you order from Soundmass?

alldatndensum wrote:

Did you order from Soundmass?

Yup, by the time I found out that CMD even had it they were sold out.
The only two options seemed to be Soundmass and the record label (No Remorse).

It's a good album, had hardly any publicity that I remember.

I did the same thing, Staybrite, and ordered via Soundmass.

Quote :

Yup, by the time I found out that CMD even had it they were sold out.
The only two options seemed to be Soundmass and the record label (No Remorse).

I ordered a copy via a domestic seller on eBay.  It was still a bit pricey when factoring shipping but am still glad I was able to obtain a copy.

Quote :

It's a good album, had hardly any publicity that I remember.

That is correct in that "Armed For Battle" was recorded independently by the band on a budget of 13k, which unfortunately left little funds in order to promote it.

The bonus song "Traitor" is a bit different from the California Metal II versions, which is kind of interesting.

Through The Dark Radio wrote:

The bonus song "Traitor" is a bit different from the California Metal II versions, which is kind of interesting.

Yeah the guitar arrangement is quite different... but the vocal melody sounds the same to me...

this reissue is very good imo...

mr.electric40 wrote:

Through The Dark Radio wrote:

The bonus song "Traitor" is a bit different from the California Metal II versions, which is kind of interesting.

Yeah the guitar arrangement is quite different... but the vocal melody sounds the same to me...

this reissue is very good imo...

Oh, it's definitely a great song on the new release.  It's just a different feel to it.

I haven't played this yet, but mine came in the mail from Soundmass today!  Woot!

I am listening to this while working on my sermon for Sunday.  Man, this album absolutely rocks!!!

I got mine today and I'm listening to it now while doing a little work in my office this afternoon.  It does rock, and I will say the record label did a good job on the inserts.  I also had no idea that Roger Dale Martin (of Vengeance Rising and Die Happy fame) was also in this band.

Just ordered one from DVD, they have them back in stock for a limited time...