Crimson Glory | The Roadrunner Years | Dissonance Productions

 

Formed in Sarasota, Florida, in 1979, initially under the name Pierced Arrow and later Beowulf, Crimson Glory emerged during a fertile era for American metal, ultimately refining their identity by 1983. The band’s final formation included guitarist Jon Drenning, drummer Dana Burnell, bassist Jeff Lords, guitarist Ben Jackson, and the enigmatic vocalist Midnight, whose soaring voice became a central signature of their sound.

Combining theatrical visual presentation—most famously through the use of silver masks—with progressive metal arrangements and a dramatic approach to melody, Crimson Glory stood out amid the growing field of technical and melodic metal acts of the '80s. Their association with Roadrunner Records in the mid-1980s led to the release of three albums that would define their early legacy, culminating in international recognition, worldwide tours alongside major acts, and a cult following that has persisted over decades.

“The Roadrunner Years” is a comprehensive anthology presenting the essential early chapter of Crimson Glory’s evolution, spread across three discs and thirty-one tracks. It maps their transition from the mystique and metal romanticism of the mid-'80s into a more experimental and groove-inflected direction by the early '90s.

The first disc, “Crimson Glory,” originally released in 1986, captures the band’s initial full realization of its conceptual and sonic identity. Combining dual-guitar precision with intricate song structures and high-register vocal work, the debut offers dramatic fantasy-metal stylings rooted in the influence of NWOBHM and early American power metal. Songs like "Azrael" and "Angels Of War" reflect a theatricality both musically and lyrically that positioned them between the cinematic grandeur of Queensrÿche and the technical ambition of Fates Warning.

Disc two contains “Transcendence” (1988), widely viewed as their creative peak. With improved production quality, more dynamic songwriting, and greater cohesion, the album builds on their earlier themes with richer atmospheres and more focused execution. “Lonely” reached a broader audience via MTV rotation, while songs like “Red Sharks” and “In Dark Places” remain strongly associated with their name. The inclusion of the “Lonely” remix offers a slight variation on a familiar track. Midnight’s vocal performances are particularly prominent, and the production (handled by Jim Morris and Tom Morris at Morrisound Studios) supports the band's shift into a more cinematic and melodic structure without sacrificing intensity.

The third disc, “Strange And Beautiful” (1991), diverges significantly from the earlier two. Following lineup changes—most notably the departure of Midnight and the arrival of vocalist David VanLanding—the band leaned into a more hard rock and groove-heavy direction. Tracks like "In The Mood" and "Promise Land" carry traces of funk, blues, and radio rock, marking a departure from the high-concept metal of their earlier years. The aesthetic and lyrical themes take a more earthbound turn, with less emphasis on mysticism and more on introspection and sensuality.

The remastering by J.P. Braddock ensures sonic consistency across the set, with careful adjustments to enhance clarity while respecting the original character of each album. The packaging includes a modest collection of archival material and liner notes by Darren Sadler, offering new insights from Jeff Lords. While the booklet could benefit from expanded visuals, it serves as a thoughtful complement to the music itself. As with all the previous Dissonance Productions compilation releases, there are no lyrics either.

Across these three albums, “The Roadrunner Years” encapsulates a band constantly in motion—first rising with ambition, then refining their vision, and finally shifting course into new territory. Despite the shifts in sound and tone, the anthology remains focused and faithful to the chronology and integrity of Crimson Glory's original Roadrunner legacy.

Score: 8.5