Crimson Glory-Transcendence, 1988

I was going to do the Sea Hags today, but just didn't get time to listen it. However I did get time to listen to this one so I will do it today. This was the sophomore effort from Florida based Crimson Glory. They were most known for two things.
1-Those silly metal masks they wore.
2-Sounding a lot like Queensryche.
Indeed their self-titled 1986 debut was similar to pre-Rage for order Queensryche. Yet this album sees the band stretching out their wings a bit more and taking some chances. Also their playing and writing skills seem sharper and a little more advanced than on their debut. This album is perhaps less accessible than Queensryche, but more involved. I also hear some King Diamond and early Rising Force in their music as well. Midnight's vocals are fairly high at times which may not be for everyone, but he sings with emotion so that helps. Though the playing is involved, it is for the sake of the whole song. I don't feel that it is overdone in any way. I think they have a good sense of when to change things up and they manage to not be too predictable. This helps keep things interesting for the most part. As far 1980's progressive metal goes these guys tend to be a side note next to bands like Queensryche and Fates Warning and that not be fair because this is a strong album. My only big complaint is the ultra slick production. I think some traditional fans hear the term "progressive metal" and cringe because they think that means lofty playing and not enough "heavy" metal. Sometimes that's true and I would like to have heard a slightly heavier edge to this album. Still all in all a good album that's held up reasonably well.