Crimson Glory--Transcendence (1988/Roadracer)
Rating--9.3
Eternal World--RealAudio Red Sharks--RealAudio
One of the truly great hidden gems in metal. A mix of early, ripping-prog Queensryche (the self-titled debut),
and the
powered precision of bands like Sanctuary. This is the sound (and perhaps the one band?) that would seem
to directly influence the sounds of power/prog heavyweights Conception,
Elegy, and others. No small feat there!
Soaring, range-rippling vocals, razor distortion, and pulsing
energy abound. Rip!
The solid "Lady of Winter" starts the disc off, and its main calling card is a heavy solo
section. "Red Sharks" follows with a rapid, frantic intro pace, and then trades off tempos with a majestic, deep, and yearningly
powerful vocal chorus section.
"Masque of the Red Death" is sharp with fast, rolling stutter riffs, and "Where Dragons
Rule" is soaring and strong as well.
"Lonely" is melodic and good, and "Painted Skies," while having a slower pace, is extremely
thick and solid. "Eternal World" starts with fast verses, and then absolutely piledrives with riffs for the second half of the song---one
of the top moments on the disc.
Keeping the earlier comparisons in mind, "In Dark Places" sends shivers up one's back,
as its stalking, mystical note pulse reminds of the best of Conception...
In all, this one is simply a power/prog classic---almost before there
was such a thing! One of the great sins of the metal world is the fact this one was overlooked. The band's sound was ahead
of its time, but in the same instant they missed out on the mid-80s metal explosion as well, meaning that they'd be doomed to little
exposure or benefit from media.
Scoop it up, kiddies. At least the true metal hearts can enjoy it...
HOT CHOPS: A great line in "Where Dragons Rule," as vocalist Midnight cries of the dragons, "Like shooting stars, they fall
from the sky...!" Ooooohhh...
TRACK LIST: Lady of Winter/Red Sharks/Painted Skies/Masque of the Red Death/In Dark Places/Where Dragons Rule/
Lonely/Burning Bridges/Eternal World/Transcendence
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