Originally formed in 1979 under the name Pierced Arrow, the band morphed into Beowulf in 1982 before landing on the name Crimson Glory with a settled line-up that included the powerful and enigmatic frontman Midnight. Standing out from the crowd, the band wore metallic masks that gave them a disturbing and ethereal appearance.
Crimson Glory immediately gained prominence with their highly anthemic song writing that contained progressive harmonies and dramatic high-pitched vocals. The band toured internationally with the likes of Anthrax, Metallica, Queensryche and Ozzy Osbourne.
The lead single ‘Lonely’ from the ‘Transcendence’ album gave the band a hit and became an MTV favourite. The album artwork featured on the Japanese poster for the cult 1985 science fiction film ‘Lifeforce’.
1991’s ‘Strange and Beautiful’ featured drummer Ravi Jakhotia, who later found fame as DJ Ravidrums, playing with the likes of Ricky Martin and The Black Eyed Peas.
This release is complimented with the addition of liner notes from writer Darren Sadler, who conducted brand new interviews with long time bassist Jeff Lords and includes photos and archive material from Lords’ personal collection.
Crimson Glory continue to tour and record to this day.
Loudwire has previously listed ‘Transcendence’ at no.15 in their ‘Top 25 Power Metal Albums of All Time’ poll, noting that ‘…singer Midnight possessed the most eardrum- shattering falsetto in heavy metal (yes, even outdoing the likes of King Diamond and Rob Halford)’.
DISC ONE:
Crimson Glory
1. Valhalla
2. Dragon Lady
3. Heart Of Steel
4. Azrael
5. Mayday
6. Queen Of The Masquerade
7. Angels Of War
8. Lost Reflection
9. Dream Dancer (bonus track)
DISC TWO:
Transcendence
1. Lady Of Winter
2. Red Sharks
3. Painted Skies
4. Masque Of The Red Death
5. In Dark Places
6. Where Dragons Rule
7. Lonely
8. Burning Bridges
9. Eternal World
10. Transcendence
11. Lonely (remix) (bonus track)
DISC THREE:
Strange And Beautiful
1. Strange And Beautiful
2. Promise Land
3. Love And Dreams
4. The Chant
5. Dance On Fire
6. Song For Angels
7. In The Mood
8. Star Chamber
9. Deep Inside Your Heart
10. Make You Love Me
11. Far Away