In the heart of the late 1980s, amidst the glitz and glamor of the arena rock scene, the Canadian power trio Triumph released their ninth studio album, "Surveillance." This album marked a significant moment in their career, both musically and historically.
Released on July 27, 1987, "Surveillance" was a product of its time. The Cold War was still simmering, and the Orwellian concept of surveillance was becoming increasingly relevant. Triumph, known for their thought-provoking lyrics and intricate musical arrangements, channeled these anxieties into their music.
The album was recorded at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, a state-of-the-art facility that allowed the band to experiment with new sounds and technologies. This exploration led to a more polished and modern sound compared to their earlier works.
Musically, "Surveillance" is a diverse album. It opens with the instrumental "Prologue: Into the Forever," which sets a dramatic tone. Tracks like "Never Say Never" and "Headed for Nowhere" showcase the band's signature hard rock sound, with powerful vocals and intricate guitar work. However, the album also features more introspective and experimental tracks like "All the King's Horses" and "Carry On the Flame."
The band members – Rik Emmett (guitar, vocals), Gil Moore (drums, vocals), and Mike Levine (bass, keyboards) – were at the peak of their creative powers. Emmett's soaring vocals and intricate guitar work were as impressive as ever, while Moore and Levine provided a rock-solid rhythm section.
"Surveillance" marked the end of an era for Triumph. Shortly after its release, Rik Emmett left the band to pursue a solo career. This departure left a void that was difficult to fill, and the band never quite regained the same level of commercial success.
