Review Summary: ''Spread your wings you can fly,
but the dove is never free,
in painted skies that shade the color of your dreams''
The self-titled album was just a warning about the potentials of this group, however only a few gave the appropriate attention. The proof about the fact is that the album got no distribution at all in the US. Transcendence represents the band's highlight, an epic point in time that unfortunately had no continuity in metal paths. Crimson Glory continue their journey from the point which they left us in the first album: that of melodiousness, exciting rhythms and of unique songs. One of the negatives that I had singled out and mentioned when I heard Crimson Glory (1986), was the bad production which left the band standing at a lower level than the one it deserved. Fortunately, it was one of the things that changed and the results are obvious from the first song: a shining, clear sound which highlights the details. A contrast between ''Lady of Winter'' with the respective ''Valhalla'' I think will convince you.
There was a point where I thought the band might think to change some of its characteristics by the end of the first album (because of the minor attention it was given), however I was totally mistaken. The group appears more unfettered and assured that they know what they are doing and by playing the kind of metal they know best, they do not pay attention to the 'musts' of their label company and to other parties which have financial interests. Each of the ten songs is an example of glitter-shining, well-cut, polished steel which has nothing to envy from similar albums of the era. From ''Lady of Winter'' sharp riffs until the last second of the self-titled ''Transcendence'', the journey to the stars is magnificent. During that journey you will meet the aggressive duet of ''Red Sharks'' and ''Where Dragons Rule'', the melancholic ''Burning Bridges'' and the inspirational ''Eternal World''. The points which I believe must given attention are the following:
1. ''Masque of The Red Death'', with the opening riff drilling your ears and the catchy refrain which will lead you to an endless head banging,
2. ''In Dark Places'', the epic mid-tempo song of the album which combines fine tuning and guitar harmonies
3. ''Lonely'', the commercial song of the album which begins with soft and velvet vocals but transforms to a hymn of metal, keeping its metal dignity until the end and,
4. ''Painted Skies''. With more melody than riffing, the marriage between dynamism and emotion is exceptional. Personally, it causes me thrill and excitement and I should dare and say that this is my favourite song of this band.
Way past Drenning's (lead guitars) technical abilities and Lords' (bass) professionalism, the specific album highlights once again Midnight's crystal voice which shows what a splendid singer he was. As I have mentioned above, there is an undeniable improvement in terms of production and in this way Crimson Glory manage to solidify their status as one of the best metal bands of the 80s.
