Crimson Glory returned to the live stage nearly two years ago, and Chasing the Hydra arrives as a genuine comeback statement. More importantly, it serves as an effective introduction to Travis Wills as the band's new vocalist. Replacing a distinctive frontman is never an easy task, particularly when a band's legacy is so closely tied to its vocal identity, but Wills proves more than capable of carrying the torch. His performance is commanding, versatile, and—most importantly—convincing enough to give both the new material and the band's classic catalog the authority they demand.
Chasing the Hydra also reveals a side of Crimson Glory that has remained largely unexplored throughout the band's history. Whereas Jon Drenning was responsible for much of the songwriting in the past, the instrumental foundation of this album comes primarily from Jeff Lords and Ben Jackson. That shift in the creative dynamic could easily have resulted in a record that felt disconnected from the band's established identity. Instead, the transition works remarkably well. Wills contributes the lyrics and vocal melodies, giving the material its own personality while allowing Lords and Jackson to redefine the instrumental framework.
Musically, the album leans heavily into neo-progressive territory, with an unmistakable affinity for epic songwriting. The arrangements unfold patiently, favoring atmosphere, melody, and gradual development over immediate gratification. There is a deliberate pace to Chasing the Hydra, and once the album establishes its momentum, it rarely deviates from that trajectory. It creates an almost immersive listening experience, drawing the listener into its own world and keeping them there through the closing moments.
Despite the stylistic expansion, the essence of Crimson Glory remains firmly intact. That balance between progression and identity is arguably the album's greatest achievement. The band explores new territory without sacrificing the characteristics that have always made its music distinctive.
The performances are exceptional across the board. Jackson and Borgmeyer, in particular, demonstrate a strong musical chemistry, sharing a common vocabulary and an instinctive understanding of how to complement one another. Their guitar work provides much of the album's muscle, moving seamlessly between melodic passages, progressive textures, and heavier moments. Lords' contributions further reinforce the record's instrumental depth, while Wills delivers a vocal performance that gives the entire production a renewed sense of purpose.
Ultimately, Chasing the Hydra should be judged on its own merits rather than measured exclusively against Crimson Glory's celebrated past. The band's classic albums remain important milestones, but they were created by a different lineup, under different circumstances, and in a different era. Attempting to recreate that history would have been both unnecessary and, quite possibly, counterproductive.
Instead, Chasing the Hydra takes a more sensible approach. It preserves the Crimson Glory identity while allowing the current lineup to establish its own musical voice. The result is an album that feels less like an exercise in nostalgia and more like a legitimate continuation of the band's story.
This is a powerful return to the spotlight—and, more importantly, a confident step forward.
Mark Kadzielawa
