The veterans have released four studio albums, and now, nearly three decades later, Crimson Glory unleashes its fifth album, “Chasing the Hydra”, out via BraveWords Records on April 17th. The band’s line-up features three original members, Ben Jackson (rhythm guitar), Dana Burnell (drums), and Jeff Lords (bass), including new members Mark Borgmeyer (guitar) and Travis Wills (vocals).

The compositional approach and the guitar wizardry have been refined; its complex appeal will recapture the classic 80’s flair of bands like W.A.S.P. and Fates Warning. This impressive balance of the high-pitched vocals, metallic bass riffs, and fierce rhythm guitars makes this comeback album instantly heavy. The opening track “Redden the Sun” offers progressive elements with dramatic-oriented vocal melodies coursing through the sheer power of songcraft.

Truth is, I didn’t know what to expect from these veterans, and without pushing the boundaries, Crimson Glory expands its songwriting prowess. In fact, the impressive musicianship is all over the place, from the soaring vocals that give the songs an aggressive feel to the hammering drums, and the up-tempo riffing where the guitars provide a fierce tone with groove riffing in the eponymous song “Chasing the Hydra”. There are moments when the emphasis is on melodies, keeping the songs rocking with plenty of technical riffing, and the high-pitched falsetto vocals are just perfect.

Crimson Glory exhibits a softer, gloomier edge to their music, often uses acoustic guitar and atmosphere, and they flawlessly turn things up a notch on “Broken Together”. This beautiful song is epic and filled with intricate vocals, while the guitars bring plenty of infectious melodies, weaving something that belongs to the band’s legacy. Dark, mysterious aura often charged with earworm choruses, which somehow reminds me of the classic debut album. The vocals are hypnotic and backed by reverbed guitar riffs, which will make your hair rise; however, “Chasing the Hydra” truly excels from beginning to end, and these nine tracks are absolutely perfect, sophisticated, proggy, and wonderfully befit the band’s past era.

Another highlight is “Angel in My Nightmare”, which packs timeless heavy riffs, emphasizing how cunning the band uses the atmosphere by incorporating guitar strings and keyboards, setting a mood of fantasy. The nods to traditional heavy metal resonate, demonstrating a dark, dramatic vocal performance. There is a lot of diversity in the riffing prowess; Crimson Glory knows how to combine a beautiful ballad with a dash of heaviness and grooves. From the heights of the remarkable and awe-inspiring, the veterans return to form on their fifth glorious album, recalling the shimmering age of 80s power metal.

“Chasing the Hydra” remains adventurous and epic in its songwriting scope but never departs from its classical sound; other songs like “Indelible Ashes” highlight the menacing atmosphere, and despite its heavy metallic riffing, the guitars and drums gallop with state-of-the-art. The song contains soaring vocals, heavy drumming, and beautiful guitar textures that explode into a catchy solo section without losing grip on aggression. Crimson Glory will surprise the fans with its intellectual wizardry.

The guitars on “Beyond the Uknown” follow in the same sheer power and center the focus on progressive metal with its glommy keyboards and pounding bass guitar, similar to Iron Maiden. The solos are just as intricately melodic as they are catchy in creating a charming atmosphere. Another mind-blowing track is “Pearls of Dust”, which is nothing short of magnificent; the guitar melodies carry you on a voyage of stars.

The album can be easily recommended to fans of Savatage, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden because of haunting mid-paced gallops, which provide a mystical edge to the guitar harmonies of 80s heavy metal riffing. Magnificent pure art is put into these songs, combining high quality, especially in the slower sections, and the towering guitars punch the listener.

The epic closure, “Triskaideka”, emphasizes atmospheric majesty. Crimson Glory’s talent in exploring dark themes and ominous vocal theatrics through fusing different elements is just wonderful! The performance is staggering, even the guitars are so subtle in their melodies, and solos that combine power and intensity make this comeback album glorious.

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