Crimson Glory--Astronomica

Crimson Glory--Astronomica (1999/Interstellar) Rating--8.3

The long-anticipated release from this strong (but vastly unheralded) power/prog band of the '80s. Following its first two stellar releases, the band's third album dissapointed, leaving the unit in disarray. With 'Astronomica,' many fans of the old ways shall be pleased once again.
Wade Black replaces Midnight on vocals, and while is he certainly not a note-for-note substitute, Black can still hold his own. There may be, however, a few too many forced notes by Black on some songs, such as the first single "War of the Worlds". His best work emits when he lets the music flow from him, as his voice is a tantalizing mix between Tim "Ripper" Owens and nasty Mark Slaughter.
The music itself is a bit more towards today's power metal than the power/prog genre that the band helped create back in the late '80s. However, again, many older fans will still be pleased. Also included (on limited versions) is a three-song bonus disc, featuring live tracks recorded in 1989, with Midnight on vocals. While an interesting piece, there appears to be a good deal of overdubbing/effects, and it does not have a particularly live and "raw" feel.
Strong pull-off riffs are the sign of "New World Machine," and the heavy "Lucifer's Hammer" has some good vocal shifts. A mystic intro leads into "Touch the Sun," while the slow and lighter "Edge of Forever" contains some more good Black singing.
The riffed-etched verses of the title track make it a solid show, and "Cyber-Christ" is chugging, with a strong-flowing, distorted-vocal chorus.
Even considering the long wait, it's fair to say the band did not let down. Alas, 'Transcendence' may never be revisited. But then again... perhaps one day it will......
TRACK LIST: March to Glory/War of the Worlds/New World Machine/Astronomica/Edge of Forever/Touch the Sun/ Lucifer's Hammer/The Other Side of Midnight/Cyber-Christ/Cydonia
BONUS DISC: Painted Skies/Queen of the Masquerade/Lost Reflection

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