Crimson Glory – Chasing The Hydra

Written by on 02-05-2026 at 10:01.

Crimson Glory was founded in 1983 in Sarasota (Florida, USA) and quickly grew to be a leading name within progressive power metal. With their self-titled debut (1986) and Transcendence (1988), the band delivered two true classics. They distinguished themselves through technically refined, complex compositions, atmospheric arrangements, and the characteristic, stunning vocals of Midnight. All of this was interwoven with an imaginative, mystical aura, further enhanced by the iconic silver masks worn by the band members. Despite critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, large-scale commercial success remained elusive, while internal tensions led to multiple hiatuses and lineup changes. This took its toll on the music: the albums Strange and Beautiful (1991) and Astronomica (1999) could not match their earlier work and both got mixed receptions.

The band split up, later announced several comebacks, but due to a lack of concrete results and only sporadic live activity, those plans were met with understandable skepticism. For a moment, things looked promising when Todd La Torre, the current frontman of Queensrÿche, joined the ranks, but due to a lack of momentum and creative progress, this too proved short-lived. Only with the release of the single Triskaideka at the end of 2023 did a true return finally seem to take shape. A full-length album, however, took a little longer… until now. In April 2026, Crimson Glory rises again with Chasing The Hydra. The question is whether the band can live up to the high expectations.

Three original members — Dana Burnell (drums), Ben Jackson (guitar), and Jeff Lords (bass) — are still part of Crimson Glory. Together with newcomers Mark Borgmeyer (guitar) and Travis Wills (vocals), this quintet forms the band’s current incarnation. And on Chasing The Hydra, it becomes clear that this core is enough to preserve the original DNA. The album sounds familiar and still breathes that typical Crimson Glory atmosphere, making a sense of nostalgia almost inevitable. A second Crimson Glory or Transcendence, however, should not be expected. But is that even realistic more than thirty years later? Those who let go of such expectations and approach the album with an open mind will discover that the past is by no means disrespected. At times, there is a rather explicit nod to earlier work: for instance, Broken Together evokes memories of Azrael, and in the title track, that defining riff from the Transcendence classic Red Sharks resurfaces. Redundant repetition, or a warm, deliberate connection to the past?

Once again, the sound is defined by engaging progressive structures, tasteful arrangements, compositional elegance, layered melodies, and a convincing vocalist. With the title track, Armor Against Fate and Pearls Of Dust, Crimson Glory occasionally shows a fiercer side. Many songs move in a mid-tempo range, display a thoughtful sense of balance and finesse (Broken Together, Indelible Ashes, and Pearls Of Dust), and are characterized by ethereal harmonies and subtle contrasts. The album features a modern production that blends the band’s classic sound with a more contemporary edge. As a result, the overall sound comes across as more modern and powerful. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the drums: a fuller drum sound could have given the whole a bit more drive and impact.

The sensitive issue of the vocals is, of course, unavoidable: a direct comparison between Wills and the late Midnight is ultimately of little use. It simply falls short, as Midnight’s exceptional range and expressiveness were unique and nearly impossible to match. And yet… at certain moments (for example in Broken Together, Angel In My Nightmare, and Indelible Ashes), Wills demonstrates that he too can effortlessly switch between powerful high notes and more restrained, emotional passages without really sacrificing intensity. Admirable!

Chasing The Hydra could easily be an album that makes you look back with nostalgic longing, wondering what it might have brought the band had it been released in 1991. Perhaps this is the album they should have… no, could have… made right after Transcendence. But rather than dwelling on what might have been, it is more interesting to conclude that Crimson Glory is making its presence felt again. This renewed encounter is more than a simple revival of an old-school sound: it carries a somewhat more contemporary coloring. Chasing The Hydra therefore requires a bit more time to fully sink in, but ultimately proves more than worthwhile.

In recent years, the band has also returned to wearing masks. As with those original silver masks, the concept returns here as well, but in a looser, more modern form rather than an exact recreation of the past. The hope now is that Chasing The Hydra will not prove to be a one-off resurgence, but rather the beginning of a phase in which Crimson Glory reclaims a lasting place and will have much more to offer in the future.

Score:

82/100

Label:

Bravewords Records, 2026

Tracklisting:

  1. Redden The Sun
  2. Chasing The Hydra
  3. Broken Together
  4. Angel In My Nightmare
  5. Indelible Ashes
  6. Beyond The Unknown
  7. Armor Against Fate
  8. Pearls Of Dust
  9. Triskaideka

Line-up:

  • Mark Borgmeyer – Guitar
  • Dana Burnell – Drums
  • Ben Jackson – Guitar
  • Jeff Lords – Bass guitar
  • Travis Wills – Vocals

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