Crimson Glory-Transcendence

Metal Mind
1988/2008

By late 1988 Crimson Glory were set to release their sophomore effort. This album is heavier, has stronger writing and higher production values than their 1986 self-titled debut. Everything about this album seems very well planned as the band seems to know exactly where they are going. This direction allows the listener to really be able to soak in all that is transpiring as the band winds their way through some solidly crafted material. The guitars this time around have some definite rhythms mixed in with the flurry of sound that ruled the first album. Vocalist Midnight sounds more in control on this album and knows when and how to best use his voice. The debut was good, but I quickly got the sense that with this album they wanted to build the momentum and the emotion more. They not only accomplished that goal, but they made it look pretty easy. This was easily their best album, but unfortunately they didn't follow the direction that this album was heading. Like the debut, this album is even better than I remember it as it's heavier and far more active. I actually remember first buying this on cassette when it came out and probably wore out my copy by the early 1990's. Metal Mind's re-issue includes a booklet with full lyrics and a band biography plus the CD includes a re-mixed version of Lonely as bonus track. Probably a top ten metal album of 1988 and certainly one worth owning.