#dr killdrums

The Dungeons are Calling was recorded the same day as Sirens, and its tracks were meant to ultimately fit onto Savatage’s debut album.  However, vinyl limitations in the early ‘80s resulted in that session being split into one full-length and an EP.  And that turned out to be a blessing, as tracks like “By the Grace of the Witch” felt darker and grimier than the more anthemic and diverse tunes on Sirens, lending credence to Jon Oliva’s claim that the songs on The Dungeons are Calling constituted a loose song cycle about addiction.  From Criss Oliva’s ominous riff to Steve Wacholz’s persistent backbeat, “By the Grace of the Witch” transcended Savatage’s indie origins (and Dan Richardson’s low-budget production actually made the tune sound more dangerous) and made a more stirring case for the band as upstarts than most of Sirens.  In the ensuing years, the Olivas would both enhance and undermine their cause, but this was an early victory.

Astronomica was the comeback that wasn’t quite: Crimson Glory’s first album in 8 years was reasonably well-received, but the band subsequently went on multiple hiatuses and essentially only existed for the occasional festival appearance.  It’s strange- sure, songs like “Astronomica” were woefully out of fashion in 1999, but if the goal was to reactivate the band and reestablish them in the metal community, then the tune was an excellent calling card: the addition of killer ex-Savatage sticksman Steve Wacholz on drums made the musicianship arguably stronger than ever, and even if new singer Wade Black didn’t quite have Midnight’s distinctive presence, his vocals packed a mean punch, growling and howling with fury and fire.  This was a more aggressive sound not only for Crimson Glory, but for progressive metal in general, and really prophesized what was to come for the subgenre.  “Astronomica” had the best of both worlds: it was purely metal in the classic tradition, but added new textures and amped up the intensity.  The song boded well for Crimson Glory’s future, if only they’d committed to having one.