In Greek/Roman mythology, the Hydra was killed by Hercules, but not even he could kill off this band. Proof that great music never dies.
Many bands have faced the daunting task of replacing their lead singer. AC/DC has managed to pick themselves up admirably after the untimely demise of Bon Scott. Judas Priest replaced Rob Halford for some years with the extremely competent Tim “The Ripper” Owens, before clamoring fans started asking for his return. Although, to be fair, it’s not his fault that both Downing and Tipton are pedestrian lyricists at best. Iron Maiden faced severe backlash when they, in a particularly strange move, decided to replace Bruce Dickinson with Blaze Bayley. It’s not that he was a bad singer, far from it. Maybe he wasn’t the right fit for a band like Maiden.
When Crimson Glory first burst onto the scene, they encompassed all the quintessential traits of a classic power metal act. This included the precise drumming of Dana Burnell, the accurate bass lines of Jeff Lords, and the fabulously creative guitar duo of Ben Jackson and Jon Drenning. But what really set them apart from the rest was obviously Midnight. He was, quite simply, one of the most talented singers in heavy music.
The fusion of instrumental precision and vocal acrobatics made Crimson Glory (1986) and Transcendence (1988) stand out. Both became true classics of the power metal genre throughout the years. True to its name, Strange and Beautiful (1991) was both peculiar and exquisite. This release ultimately proved to be a divisive record. Confusing their core fans and precipitating their first hiatus.
With all the inner turmoil of reunions and separations between Midnight and the other band members, it would take nine years to release another full-length album, titled Astronomica, and featuring a Midnight copycat (which in itself is pretty amazing) by the name of Wade Black. Even Todd La Torre, before he joined Queensryche, has sung with them. The sad demise of Midnight in 2009 made any chance of reuniting the classic line-up impossible. Unless they choose to do a holographic projection, similar to what they plan to do with an Elvis Presley spectacle. There are also talks to do the same with Freddie Mercury. Crimson Glory has managed to maintain a small but loyal following, supporting them whenever and wherever they played.With astounding perseverance and willpower, they are back with this LP, 26 years after their last album. Was it worth the wait? You might ask. Fortunately, the album doesn’t tarnish the band’s legacy. Their musical traits are all unscathed. Judas Priest riffs, Iron Maiden’s guitar melodies, juxtaposed with the fantasy proclivities of Blind Guardian lyrical themes.
The compositional elegance and classy arrangements imbued within these nine tracks make it worthwhile for the more discerning progressive power metal aficionado. This is not your traditional verse – pre-chorus – chorus and back again formula. The instruments intertwine and complement each other perfectly. They continue to show a level of sophistication and balance that is well above your run-of-the-mill metal band. Maybe that is why they are still around, while many others have perished along the way.
Newcomer Travis Wills does a commendable job on the record, keeping the vocal melodies tight and rising to a respectable falsetto whenever needed. Admittedly, in a live setting, he does struggle with some of the older repertoire. Let’s face it! Who wouldn’t? Expertly produced, in fact, there’s not one record of their discography that doesn’t have excellent production values.
Much like Leatherwolf (another criminally underrated power metal act), they continue to present us with awesome music to this day. We hope they continue to do so in the future.
It’s also relevant to acknowledge that they’ve started to wear masks again. Not full-face masks like in the beginning of their career, mind you. Rather, more subdued and aesthetically pleasing versions. Still, it’s a very interesting nod to the past, while pointing to the future.
Chasing the Hydra is set for release on April 17th.
CRIMSON GLORY
