Belfast's EMERALD evolved from NWoBHM era act SWEET SAVAGE in 1986. When SWEET SAVAGE guitarist Vivian Campbell decamped to join DIO the band regrouped, drafting Ian 'Speed' Wilson was on guitar with existing bassist Raymond Hailer taking on vocal duties. This role would then be taken by HARV (John Harbinson), a veteran of local acts such as TROJAN, TESTAMENT, ASHANTI and SEVENTH DAWN. Adding Stevie Prosser on keyboards, and with a marked move away from Hard Rock and into more melodic territory, the band evolved into EMERALD.

Demos were recorded to an enthusiastic response and support gigs to W.A.S.P. and RORY GALLAGHER led to negotiations with BMG Records. However, EMERALD folded in 1991 as SWEET SAVAGE reformed.

HARV duly joined another local act, TYRANT, which evolved into DEN OF THIEVES recording two albums for the Zero Corporation label in Japan. HARV returned post millenium with an all new solo band, releasing the album 'Back', as well as fronting WHITESNAKE tribute act SNAKEBITE. The singer formed a fresh band entitled PRESS RED for a 2006 album 'New World', involving guitarist Keith Harris, bassist Peter 'Rondo' Macken, EMERALD keyboard player Stevie Prosser and drummer Julian Watson.

Harbinson re-emerged in 2007 fronting the resurrected FASTWAY.