Crimson Glory--Strange and Beautiful (1991/Atlantic)
Rating--5.5
This release is dissapointing in general, but a damn disgrace when considering the band's past work. Where is the power?
The prog? Vocalist Midnight still sounds good, but after the first two tracks, the songwriting (and all of the distortion,
for that matter) is entirely different from the first two releases.
As a comparison, this is along the lines of
Katmandu--- sort of "soul metal". But the difference there is that Katmandu actually did its "soul metal" justice.
Hell, it's no wonder Midnight got pissed and left shortly after this release came out. 
Alright, alright... let me give what (little) credit is due.
Both "Promise Land" and the title track have good moments, with the first having a nice thump. "Starchamber"
is the other semi saver-of-grace. However... they cannot fully make up for some other, simply sappy and totally un-Crimson-esque
songs, such as "Dance on Fire," "Song for Angels," and so on.
Ugh. Well, thank goodness that eight years later, the band returns and
saves face with 'Astronomica'.
Damn, I miss 'Transcendence'. 
TRACK LIST: Strange and Beautiful/Promise Land/Love and Dreams/The Chant/Dance on Fire/Song For Angels/In the Mood/
Starchamber/Deep Inside Your Heart/Make You Love Me/Far Away
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