Clash of the album covers

Okay, it's two progressive metal albums from 1988. We have...



Crimson Glory-Transcendence

Vs.



Queensryche-Operation Mindcrime


***So which cover do you prefer?

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.

Crimson Glory-s/t

Metal Mind
1986/2008

Back in the mid 1980's before progressive metal was even really a label, there were a few pioneers who were establishing the sound that would eventually become it's own genre of metal. Queensryche and Fates Warning get a lot of credit, but one band that is too often overlooked is Sarasota Florida's Crimson Glory. They formed in 1982 as Beowulf, but would soon complete their line-up and change their name. By 1986 they had developed their sound which included a soaring double guitar attack, a solid rhythm section and some impressive vocals. Sometimes this band tends to get knocked aside for being too much like Queensryche or some people just can't forget the silly masks these guys wore for a while. Hearing this re-issue is a bit of a re-visiting for me as I had not heard this one in some time. It's actually better than I remembered because I had forgotten just how active the guitars are. Some progressive metal gets so caught up in itself, but every song here is moving forward with a lot power in tow. They don't stop for self-indulgent passages, every part is directed towards the goal of strengthening the song. Although the music is involved, it never comes as being too much. They knew how to keep themselves in check and everything is just building and constructing the songs. Metal Mind's re-issue includes the bonus track "Dream Dancer" and a booklet with full lyrics and a band biography. A good package for a solid debut that probably too many people have either overlooked or have yet to discover.