Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle’s take on incorporating the energy and flavors of heavy metal and electronic dance has been a refreshing element to local lineups — and it seems people nationally are taking notice., The band’s music demonstrates a visceral shift between light and dark, morphing unexpectedly in rhythm, vocal timing, and melody. The dueling vocals range between growling screams and soaring choruses — one moment, there are guttural bursts and hardcore punk; the next, a heavy breakdown with electro melodies; and the next, an alt-rock chorus against a neoclassical backdrop., Members Dylan Neuman, Rhandy DeGarmo, Lev Lewis, Zach Couch, and Blayr Lignoski grew up in the local scene. In fact, vocalist/songwriter Neuman is son to one of Arizona metal’s most charismatic figures: Prophet of St. Madness., So far, 2017 has been an exciting year. The group opened for Parkway Drive; appeared at Anaheim’s Winter NAMM Show; released a video from their second album, 2016’s Lost Empires; and are tracking songs for a 2017 album with Cameron Mizell (Sleeping with Sirens/Memphis May Fire). And after recently joining the ColdCock Whiskey family, Emerald Isle is talking with several agencies about summer tours., “It’s an incredible competition to stay among the best this scene has to offer. Arizona is a gold mine of talent, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” DeGarmo says. Lauren Wise