CRIMSON GLORY

If you read my review of the Hell’s Heroes festival earlier this year, you’ll know how thrilled I was to finally see CRIMSON GLORY live.  Having passed on the chance to catch them during the “Transcendence” tour back in the late 80s (a decision I’ve regretted ever since), I never expected I’d get another opportunity.  But thanks to the fine folks behind Hell’s Heroes, not only did that dream come true, the band decided to come back with a trio of Texas shows.  I made it to the Houston date, and despite some sketchy weather, the night proved well worth the journey.

The band kicked things off with two cuts from their self-titled debut, “Valhalla” and “Dragon Lady.”  Both sounded phenomenal, setting the tone for the night and giving new vocalist Travis Wills the perfect stage to establish himself as the rightful heir to the late Midnight.  Wills stayed faithful to the original performances while adding his own subtle nuances, giving the songs a fresh edge without losing their classic spirit.

From there, the set moved into “Transcendence” territory, delivering thunderous renditions of “Lady of Winter” and “Masque of the Red Death.”  The performances were both powerful and majestic, which is what the fans expected to hear.  When the band tore into “Where Dragons Rule” (a clever nod to the “Dragons Rule Texas” tour name) and the soaring “Painted Skies,” it felt like being transported straight back to the golden age of prog metal. These songs were part of the soundtrack to my early twenties, and hearing them performed live with such precision was pure magic.

Before launching into another run of “Transcendence” tracks, the band slipped in the menacing “Queen of the Masquerade,” which sent the Houston crowd into full headbanging mode.  The next trio—“Burning Bridges,” “In Dark Places,” and “Eternal World” added even more depth to the setlist. The inclusion of “Burning Bridges” and “Eternal World,” absent from the Hell’s Heroes performance, was a welcome bonus that the crowd clearly appreciated.

The final portion of the night was split evenly between the first two albums. From the debut came “Azrael” and “Lost Reflections.”  “Azrael” remains the song that first pulled me into CRIMSON GLORY and hearing it live was a highlight. For “Lost Reflections,” Wills donned a silver mask in a touching tribute to the band’s iconic imagery; a small gesture that resonated deeply with longtime fans like myself.

CRIMSON GLORY closed the show with their hit single “Lonely” and the blistering “Red Sharks.” Wills delivered both with confidence and charisma, but the entire band deserves credit. Guitarists Ben Jackson and Mark Borgmeyer remain a formidable duo, seamlessly trading riffs and solos with precision. The original rhythm section (Jeff Lords on bass and Dana Burnell on drums) anchored the performance with rock-solid intensity.

Over the years, CRIMSON GLORY has seen its share of lineup changes, but this incarnation feels special. It’s a band honoring its legacy while pushing forward, and I sincerely hope this lineup continues both on stage and in the studio. If you missed these Texas dates, you missed something truly special. Here’s hoping they return soon so you too can get your second chance.  Next time, don’t miss out so you won’t live with the same regret I had for decades.