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In this digital/download age we live in it is always a treat to step back in time and have a vinyl LP in your hand. The reissue has the inner sleeve covered with pictures on one side and the lyrics for every track on the other. Although you will not find it necessary to follow along with the lyrics because the vocals are very clear and they always were easy to pick up when you heard one of their songs.
If you are too young to remember “Magic Power,” hearing it now in this format will blow you away. Whether you remember listening to it on the radio constantly back in 1981 or you are new to the music of Triumph, this will be a treat. The 9 tracks the make up the album are very strong and any group would be hard pressed to duplicate the consistency of such a landmark release. At the time they were and still are referred to as prog-metal however they sound like a good rock band to me with nothing too complicated going on. I can see where there are some prog influences but there is not enough to tag them as prog-metal. Maybe there was back in 1981 but that no longer applies in 2011, as the genre has changed and advanced dramatically.

30 years later the music has not lost its appeal, in fact in has weathered the test of time very well thank you. Celebrating the release of this album 30 years ago is not the only reason to offer it in a package with an LP and other goodies like the band has on their site, it deserves to get all of this attention and give people another chance to relive the magic or begin another era of fans altogether.
The three men that were Triumph have plenty to celebrate and be proud of. There are not a lot of bands around today making rock ‘n’ roll this timeless. Get your hands on a copy of the vinyl LP version of Allied Forces before it becomes another sought after collector’s item with an outrageous price tag on it. You can get just the album for around $25.00 or order a package that includes the LP, signed poster, letter from the band, keychain, and a T-Shirt for $49.99.

Key Tracks: Magic Power, Allied Forces, Fight The Good Fight

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Often considered one of the most disappointing Triumph records, “The Sport of Kings” was attacked because of its heavy keyboard sound and the band’s shift to a more radio-friendly song style (in the vein of the then uber-popular Foreigner and Journey).

While this newly remastered version of this CD can’t erase all of that 80s cheesiness, “The Sport of Kings” does sound more dynamic today than it did upon its initial release, even if some of the songs are truly dated (and, over 20 years later, why wouldn’t they be?). While songs like “Tears in the Rain” perhaps play better today than in 1985 (due to the exquisite remastering here), the lackluster of other songs — such as “What Rules My Heart” — becomes really apparent.

Not a bad Triumph CD if you’re a fan of 80s rock radio, but quite disappointing if you like Triumph’s harder-edged sound, “The Sport of Kings” at least benefits from the recent re-mastering. It still may not be one of the band’s best CDs, but at least some of the better tunes have been punched up a little.

Triumph: Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, keyboards; Gil Moore – drums, vocals.

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Often considered one of the most disappointing Triumph records, “The Sport of Kings” was attacked because of its heavy keyboard sound and the band’s shift to a more radio-friendly song style (in the vein of the then uber-popular Foreigner and Journey).

While this newly remastered version of this CD can’t erase all of that 80s cheesiness, “The Sport of Kings” does sound more dynamic today than it did upon its initial release, even if some of the songs are truly dated (and, over 20 years later, why wouldn’t they be?). While songs like “Tears in the Rain” perhaps play better today than in 1985 (due to the exquisite remastering here), the lackluster of other songs — such as “What Rules My Heart” — becomes really apparent.

Not a bad Triumph CD if you’re a fan of 80s rock radio, but quite disappointing if you like Triumph’s harder-edged sound, “The Sport of Kings” at least benefits from the recent re-mastering. It still may not be one of the band’s best CDs, but at least some of the better tunes have been punched up a little.

Triumph: Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, keyboards; Gil Moore – drums, vocals.

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When I was 13, my uncle had a music store in Tulsa, OK and he let me pick out any cassette I wanted — a cassette, mind you. As you may guess, I chose Triumph’s “Allied Forces.” Well, some may argue with my choice but it sparked a love for music that led me to keep that cassette free of nicks and scratches until the CD came out and I guard that closely as well. I primarily picked it because of the radio favorites that you can still hear today on any classic rock station. Listening to Triumph on my MP3 player destroys the memories I had when they released this guitar-flavored favorite, so I try to preserve what I can.

Rik Emmett and Gil Moore share vocal duties on this disc. They each take turns per the tracklist but it’s Emmett who shines on such classics as “Magic Power” and “Say Goodbye.” I’ve heard Triumph called by some as “the poor man’s Rush” but I give credit to both bands equally. I’ve always felt that Triumph had a slight amount of blues stirring in them and the song “Hot Time (In This City Tonight)” confirmed that to be true.

My only complaint is the song “Ordinary Man.” It’s kind of cheesy and long but, at 2:46, the song takes a gallop and keeps your interest for a few more bars. I know that they are a progressive band but this track just drags along. One that may have slipped by you is “Petite Etude” — it has some clean classical guitar picking and it leads into the final track that allows Triumph to close out their fifth disc with an oft-requested favorite.

There is a passionate sound that Triumph tried to translate in their music; I got it, and although some 80s music has been shelved for a while; it calls to those who liked Triumph to at least revisit their mark on history.

The best cuts are “Fool For Your Love,” “Magic Power,” “Fight The Good Fight,” and “Say Goodbye.”

Triumph: Rik Emmett – vocals, guitar; Gil Moore – drums, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, keyboards.

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There’s a reason this “Greatest Hits” package is entitled “Classics.” I think that’s an appropriate title because Triumph’s music can be heard on the classic stations, and, after you review the track list and haven’t heard one of these songs in awhile, call up your local DJ and request it.

“Classics” runs the years between Triumph’s best hits and even pulls from their first album with the raw 1976 hit “Rock & Roll Machine.” The song “Somebody’s Out There” could have been taken from any Journey album when Steve Perry was crooning to the crowds. All in all, it’s a musical treat from start to finish. Each song is a memory and everybody has their own to relive and smile about.
I won’t wax anymore than is needed. If you have this CD then kudos to you for buying one of their compilations, if you don’t, seriously, what’s wrong with you?

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After the disappointment of some fans with 1985’s “The Sport of Kings,” Triumph recorded and released “Surveillance” which, while not a complete return to form, was at least a step in the right direction.

Adding more hard rock crunch in the form of distorted guitars and irresistible riffs, and bolstering the number of rock’n’roll anthems versus radio-friendly ballads, “Surveillance” gave longtime Triumph fans more of what they wanted: music that sounded like the band’s earlier albums.

This re-mastered edition is incredibly crisp  and, although the music never aspires to the glory days of “Allied Forces” or “Never Surrender,” “Surveillance” is still a pretty damn good Triumph CD.

Triumph: Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, keyboards; Gil Moore – drums, vocals.

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“Live at the US Festival” (TML / Universal; 2003)

Triumph fans will love the fact the band’s live performance at the legendary US Festival in 1983 is finally available for the first time ever on CD.

Containing nearly an hour of great Triumph tunes, including “Allied Forces,” “Lay it on the Line,” “Never Surrender,” “Rock & Roll Machine” and more, “Live at the US Festival” is a great document of a popular band performing a great set in front of a crowd of over half a million. And a great performance it is. The band sounds at the top of their form, with blistering leads from Rik Emmett and solid rhythm support from Gil Moore and Mike Levine. There must be something about playing before an audience that large that brings out the best in musicians.

The production is stellar, especially considering that the source material are analog tapes over 20 years old. “Live at the US Festival” sounds like it could have been recorded last year.

I’ve heard some rumblings about added keyboards and missing songs here but, being unfamiliar with the original performance and various bootlegs being traded around, I didn’t notice at all.

“Live at the US Festival” is a must for any Triumph fan. Fans of ’80s “metal” will find lots to like here as well.

Also available is a DVD, to be reviewed soon.

Triumph: Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals; Gil Moore – drums, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, vocals.

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“Live at the US Festival” (TML / Universal; 2003)

Triumph fans will love the fact the band’s live performance at the legendary US Festival in 1983 is finally available for the first time ever on CD.

Containing nearly an hour of great Triumph tunes, including “Allied Forces,” “Lay it on the Line,” “Never Surrender,” “Rock & Roll Machine” and more, “Live at the US Festival” is a great document of a popular band performing a great set in front of a crowd of over half a million. And a great performance it is. The band sounds at the top of their form, with blistering leads from Rik Emmett and solid rhythm support from Gil Moore and Mike Levine. There must be something about playing before an audience that large that brings out the best in musicians.

The production is stellar, especially considering that the source material are analog tapes over 20 years old. “Live at the US Festival” sounds like it could have been recorded last year.

I’ve heard some rumblings about added keyboards and missing songs here but, being unfamiliar with the original performance and various bootlegs being traded around, I didn’t notice at all.

“Live at the US Festival” is a must for any Triumph fan. Fans of ’80s “metal” will find lots to like here as well.

Also available is a DVD, to be reviewed soon.

Triumph: Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals; Gil Moore – drums, vocals; Mike Levine – bass, vocals.

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TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH (2004) Sanctuary Records 70 Minutes  $19.99 Directed by Tom O’Neil Video: Full Frame (1.33.1) Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1; DTS 5.1 Subtitles: None Packaging: Keepcase Chapter Stops: 12 Region 1

For a band that hasn’t performed together since the late 1980s, TRIUMPH has been keeping a high profile in the music scene. The original line-up consisting of Gil Moore (drums, vocals), Mike Levine (bass), and Rik Emmett (guitars, vocals), have struck a deal with IRON MAIDEN’s record label, Santcuary Music, to re-master and re-release TRIUMPH’s back catalog of CD’s and home videos. Back in their day, the Canadian power trio known as TRIUMPH earned a reputation as a killer live musical act. During the peak of their success, Moore, Levine, and Emmett headlined major venues throughout the states and beyond. Ever when their creativity began dwindling (with the SPORT OF KINGS album), TRIUMPH still packed the arenas based on their live musical reputation, and their wonderful hit songs they’ve composed over the years, like Lay It On The Line, Magic Power, Fight the Good Fight, Never Surrender, and others. Already, Sanctuary has released their early live performance TRIUMPH: LIVE AT THE US FESTIVAL on DVD, and now less than six months later comes a completely re-mastered version of their 1987 live extravaganza, TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH. Not bad for a band that hasn’t performed together in over a decade.TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH captures the band live at the Metro Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The concert was performed on September January 16, and the band was in support of their just released SPORT OF KINGS album. Together Gil Moore, Mike Levine, and Rik Emmett perform a razor-sharp set of their best material in front of 10,000 screaming mad Canadian rock fans: Tears in the Rain Somebody’s Out There Somewhere Allied Forces Lay It on the Line Midsummer’s Night Daydream Follow Your Heart Take a Stand Spellbound Magic Power Rock & Roll Machine Rocky Mountain Way Fight the Good Fight If you are a TRIUMPH fan, then you are well aware of the band’s penchant for composing complex power rock arrangements, highlighted by the musicianship of Moore, Levine, and especially guitar-wizard Rik Emmett. For this concert, additional guitar shores are handled by fellow Canadian Rick Santers. TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH showcases all that the group has to offer. Gil Moore delivers his super-tight drum beats that sometimes border on thrash during the faster songs, while delivering his unique vocal stylings. Mike Levine provides the bass and comic relief for this set. And Rik Emmett steals the show with his classically influenced guitar playing that alternates between heavy precision riffing and acoustic picking. And don’t forget that Emmett has a soaring vocal style that’ll make the hairs on your neck stand up. His high-pitched singing perfectly cuts through the progressive power sounds of TRIUMPH. Most of the songs during this show are on the heavy side, with the exception of a few lighter radio-friendly tunes from THE SPORT OF KINGS album, like Somebody’s Out There, Take a Stand, and the sub-par Tears in the Rain. Much like the band BOSTON, TRIUMPH have a reputation of being a highly technical band in terms of their equipment and stage show. So you’ll see Emmett play a variety of guitars including a radical double neck. And they poured millions into their stage show, which you’ll experience during this concert. Considering that today’s bands don’t bother with a stage show anymore, TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH is a treat for that reason alone. Sanctuary Records presents TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH in the original 1.33.1 full frame ratio. This live performance was professionally shot on videotape, with some multiple camera setups that add to the ‘energy’ of a TRIUMPH performance. The color is fully saturated and even in the darker lighting, you can make out the presence of Gill Moore, Mike Levine, and Rik Emmett. In addition to capturing the band live on stage, the presentation showcases the million dollar stage show and laser effects. The original stereo soundtrack has been re-mastered to Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 soundtracks. Both soundtracks are distortion free with crystal clear fidelity. Naturally, the DTS 5.1 provides a bit more depth and imaging. Though both tracks offer exceptional depth and precision, the actual surround activity (sound field panning) is lacking. And it sounds like Gil Moore’s drumming was a bit down-mixed. A good audio presentation, but not great. From the Special Features menu, you can access a Photo Gallery. There is also a behind the scenes documentary called BackStage at the Spectrum, which examines the group backstage at a Philadelphia Spectrum THUNDER 7 performance circa 1985. Also included are two bonus music videos, a live rendition of When the Lights Go Down (culled from TRIUMPH: LIVE AT THE US FESTIVAL), and the promotional video for Just One Night. Both videos are presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 sound. TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH is a great celebration to the career of Rik Emmet, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore. This disc contains all the band’s best songs and biggest hits. Whether you are a fan of TRIUMPH or a new comer to their music, you’ll learn what happens when true musicianship meets power rock. About the only downside to the concert is some of the fashions from the pozer friendly 1986 music scene, and one of the biggest fashion victims of the decade is bass player Mike Levine, who jumps around on-stage clad in a bright red jumpsuit that would make Sammy Hagar (the Red Rocker himself) turn tail and run. That is why I stated earlier that Mike Levine provides (unintentional) humor to the show. But, Santuary’s TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH is wonderfully presented with worthy extras and a superior Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 sound mixes. Well after viewing this DVD my fellow rock fans, I leave you with this parting thought: Do I smell a TRIUMPH reunion in the near future?  TRIUMPH: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH is available from DVDEmpire.com

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