CRIMSON GLORY

CRIMSON GLORY burst onto the prog metal scene in 1986 with a phenomenal self-titled debut.  A couple of years later, they returned with an even more focused effort that stands as one of the best records from that genre, rivaling even QUEENSRYCHE.  After that, things seemed to fall apart a bit.  Ditching their trademark silver masks, their Atlantic label debut saw a shift in style that didn’t seem to resonate with the changing tastes in 1991.  While still a great album, “Strange and Beautiful” lacked the mystique that its predecessors created leaving us fans a little bewildered as to why they veered off their majestic course.  Returning after a significant hiatus, “Astronomica” saw a slight return to form with Wade Black fronting but unfortunately, that line-up only lasted for that one release.  For a brief period, Todd La Torre fronted CRIMSON GLORY before finding a home in QUEENSRYCHE but thankfully, that is not the end of the story.  Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, CRIMSON GLORY are back and with a career defining record in tow.  With new frontman and singer extraordinaire Travis Wills, “Chasing the Hydra” is the natural successor to “Transcendence” bringing back the sound that made them so special from the beginning.  After connecting with Wills, he was nice enough to answer some questions I had about the new record, touring, and other projects.    

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES:  Congratulations on the release of the excellent “Chasing the Hydra”.  Almost three years ago, you released the single “Triskaideka” but it took a long time for the record.  What was the delay?

TRAVIS WILLS:  Hi Colonel, thanks for having me, and thanks for being patient.  So what took so long was we had to write and record, and it was difficult during touring schedules and studio schedules.  Let’s say you book an 8 hour slot…well, there may be 5 other bands in front of you, so you have to wait.  Then the release took about 5 months, the label needs time to prep and prepare everything so the release goes well.

WC:  When you gathered to make the record, was there a conscious effort to make it sound like the self-titled and “Transcendence”?

TW:  I believe everyone was focused on that direction, because the previous albums were so far removed from “Transcendence”, and most of the fans wanted the actual follow up.  So yes, we worked hard to keep things in the vein of “Transcendence”.

WC:  What was the writing process like for the new record?

TW:  Well, everyone had ideas, and Jeff and I mostly wrote everything, but we were able to incorporate the other guys’ ideas into the songs.  There were some exceptions like “Broken Together”, Ben had this amazing guitar melody, and it was so hooky, we knew we had to write something great around it.  Jeff Lords is an amazing writer and he was able to make it work.

WC:  Were any of the ideas for the songs older or did you all start with a clean slate?

TW:  Everything was a clean slate, no rehashing.

WC:  What track are you most proud of off “Chasing the Hydra”?

TW:  It would definitely be “Broken Together”.  I wrote the lyrics about my marriage, and I felt there are lots of people that can relate to being a broken couple but being able to make things work within the brokenness of each other’s spirit.  We’ve all had past traumas that shape us, we all carry some sort of baggage, not every couple is able to make it work, so they keep searching for the perfect puzzle piece partner.

WC:  Were there any extra tracks left over from the sessions?

TW:  Yes, there was one and it will go on the next album. Unfortunately, we were not able to get it recorded in time, but the demo is completed.

WC:  Was there a defining moment for you when you decided that you wanted to pursue music for a career?

TW:  Probably DEF LEPPARD’s “Pyromania” haha….

WC:  Are there any songs in the back catalogue that you find difficult to sing?

TW:  I feel each song carries its own struggles, not one song in particular.

WC:  If you could tour with any band, who would it be and why?

TW:  QUEENSRYCHE, KAMELOT, SAVATAGE, mainly these bands.  They are much bigger than us and have a nice following.  Plus they are from the band’s home state and the guys are all friends with them.

WC:  Switching gears a bit, is there anything going on with your other band,INFIDEL RISING?

TW:  Ahhh, INFIDEL RISING is on hold at the moment. Wayne plays in LILLIAN AXE, A.J. plays in HELSTAR, and everyone’s dates get contested to do much of anything together. However, we have a new song that will be released soon.

WC:  What was the last CD you purchased?

TW:  The last CD I purchased….hmmmmm.  I have no idea haha….. I don’t have a CD player….streaming album probably CIVIL WAR  “Invaders”.  Big fan of Kelly Sundown Carpenter’s vocals.

WC:  What was the last concert you attended as a fan?

TW:  WITHERFALL, I think Joseph has a great voice.

WC:  Have you had any “Spinal Tap” moments in your career?

TW:  Absolutely, falling on stage, forgetting words to a song, singing the wrong words to the song because you got the words online, getting lost in speaking after a song ends…mostly contributed to lack of sleep.  I once tripped on some cabling and fell backwards on stage in front of everyone haha…..

WC:  Any last words for your fans?

TW:  I want to say thank you so much for all of your support, and being loyal fans to CRIMSON GLORY, we missed you all. We look forward to meeting you all, and can’t wait to!! Much love and respect to all of you.

CRIMSON GLORY