by Vincent JeffriesAfter original guitarist and musical centerpiece Rik Emmett left Triumph in 1988, it appeared to be curtains for one of Canada's most successful hard rock outfits. The group had enjoyed over ten years of success, selling millions of records and concert tickets based largely on Emmett's mile-high operatic vocals and neo-classical but radio-friendly guitar work and compositions. Drummer Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine were solid contributors to the band's success, however, and after a few years of inactivity the two musicians added fellow Canadian guitarist Phil X to their lineup and released Edge of Excess in 1993. The reformed version of Triumph did surprisingly well, earning much praise in Canada for this comeback offering, but the disc was generally ignored in the States. The record boasted two hit singles, "Child of the City" and "Trouble Maker" (which was also featured in the Hellraiser III soundtrack). Other standouts like the title track and "Black Sheep" boast a muscular yet melodic sound that had always been the band's trademark, proving Moore, Levine, and X to have the necessary chops and instincts to thrive sans Emmett. Although older fans will certainly miss Emmett's presence, Edge of Excess did nothing to diminish Triumph's considerable reputation.