Crimson Glory Chasing The Hydra Review
Crimson Glory
Chasing The Hydra
Bravewords Records
2026
I’m always a bit apprehensive when a band I loved in my younger years returns after years of dormancy. In the case of Crimson Glory, that apprehension was even stronger. The band has long lived somewhere between legendary status and the occasional “what the hell happened there?” moments.
Growing up in the South, Crimson Glory was easily accessible to me as a kid. I picked up their Self-Titled debut within weeks of its release on Roadrunner Records, and my fandom quickly shot through the roof. The band’s look and sound were completely unique at the time, and the masked mystique only added to the allure. But what really pushed me over the edge was the vocal prowess of the late Midnight. His voice was extraordinary, and his presence was a massive part of the band’s identity.
Outside of a few select Progressive Metal acts - most notably Queensrÿche during the Geoff Tate era, my fandom for this style of music pretty much begins and ends with Crimson Glory.
Midnight’s absence on later Crimson Glory material has always been difficult for me to reconcile. He was such a defining element of the band that it never felt the same without him. Because of that, I was never able to fully embrace “Astronomica”. It wasn’t so much the music itself as it was the missing piece at the center. When it was announced that Midnight had returned and the band planned to re-record the album with him back in place, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, that never came to fruition. Midnight eventually passed away, and Todd LaTorre stepped in behind the mic. After hearing a few live clips online, I decided to pass on seeing the band during that era, it just didn’t click for me.
So, when Crimson Glory announced in 2023 that they had recruited a new vocalist in Travis Wills, I didn’t even bother checking it out. At that point, I simply didn’t want to risk another disappointment.
Fast forward to 2026, and the original members of Crimson Glory are finally preparing to release their first album in 26 years, “Chasing the Hydra”, with Wills on vocals. I went into it with minimal expectations, but after a few spins I came away with a tremendous amount of admiration for both the album and the band’s perseverance. The members clearly refused to let Crimson Glory fade away, and in hindsight, they were right to fight for it.
Do I miss Midnight? Of course I do. But Travis Wills brings his own flavor to the band, and his voice fits the material far better than previous attempts at filling those enormous shoes. For me, he’s earned his place in the lineup. It also helps that the band has spent time back on the road, rebuilding their chemistry and momentum. “Chasing the Hydra” feels earned, it’s not a nostalgia grab, and that authenticity comes through in the music.
Musically, the band sounds remarkably close to where it all began. The album delivers well-crafted Progressive, Power, and Traditional Heavy Metal with the dramatic flair that defined their early work. The riffs, lead breaks, and rhythm section performances are every bit as sharp as they were on the debut. In that sense, it almost feels like the band never left.
Wills’ vocals soar high into the stratosphere - exactly where longtime fans expect them to be. There’s also a tonal quality that occasionally echoes Midnight’s style. Whether intentional or not, it works. It feels respectful rather than imitative, and it ultimately pulled me back into the world of Crimson Glory.
Lyrically, the album fits comfortably within the band’s established themes, though I’ll admit I’ve been more focused on the overall sound and atmosphere. Listening to this record brought back the same feeling I had the first time I discovered the band all those years ago.
For the skeptics and longtime fans who might still be on the fence, I strongly encourage giving “Chasing the Hydra” a chance. Yes, Midnight’s absence is still felt - there’s no replacing a voice and presence like that. But his spirit remains deeply woven into the band’s DNA, and Travis Wills has clearly earned his stripes. In many ways, he’s helped give Crimson Glory something they’ve been searching for since Midnight’s departure: renewed meaning and purpose.
“Chasing the Hydra” is about as close to perfect as anyone could reasonably expect from a band releasing its first album in 26 years. The album will be pressed to vinyl and CD, so don’t miss out on that either – the pre-orders are up now!
Standouts – “Chasing The Hydra”, “Angel In My Nightmare”, “Beyond The Unknown” and “Redden The Sun”.