Search - Triumph :: Edge of Excess

Triumph is not Triumph without Rik Emmett

David Susnjara | 01/20/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"A Triumph album without the immense all-around talents of guitarist/singer/songwriter Rik Emmett is simply not Triumph. This early 90s release was the one and only effort by drummer/singer Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine to continue on after parting ways with Emmett. ALLIED FORCES or JUST A GAME this album is not. . . by any stretch! EDGE OF EXCESS -- with former Aldo Nova guitarist Phil X and Toronto youngen Mladen teaming to take over Emmett's spot only on guitars -- is worlds different from Rik-era Triumph. Gone and sorely missing are Emmett's sweet vocals and beautiful melodies and great guitar solos. EDGE OF EXCESS does rock hard start to finish but the songs fall miserably short of Triumph gems of years gone by. There's no depth on this album. Just 10 completely straight-forward, power-driving hard rock songs, all with lead vocals by drummer Gil Moore. A few of them, though, really aren't that bad for what they are. "Troublemaker," "Child Of The City" and "Turn My Back On Love" are fierce, heavy and loud. Ted Nugent would be proud. I prefer Rik Emmett. EDGE OF EXCESS is not a total triumph, nor is it total Triumph."

Last ditch effort to move on without Rik Emmett

Kimberly A. Goodwin | Massachusetts | 02/03/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The CD is not that bad. It's definitely worth a listen. The production is nice and has more of a commercial heavy metal guitar driven sound. Guitars definitely stand out along with Gil's voice. Meet new guitarist Phil X, who's not as good as Rik Emmett, but does a decent job filling in, with a sort of Zakk Wylde playing style and crunchy tone. The downside of this disc is the lack of real energy between the band members. Gil's drumming went from a busy John Bonham style of the old days, to a typical basic four four count drum playing. Unfortunately no little keyboard interludes by bassist Mike Levine either. The disc feels like they are trying their best to move on in a different direction without Rik. Overall a decent effort with the best song being " Child of the City"."