Astronomica (album) explained

Astronomica
Type:studio
Artist:Crimson Glory
Cover:Astronomica_cover.jpg
Released:August 10, 1999
Studio:Dreamland, Anna Maria, Florida
Genre:Progressive metal, heavy metal
Length:69:38
Label:Spitfire (US)
Rising Sun (Europe)
Producer:Jon Drenning
Prev Title:Strange and Beautiful
Prev Year:1991

Astronomica is the fourth studio album by the American progressive metal band Crimson Glory, released in 1999 via Spitfire Records (USA) and Rising Sun (Europe). After a long hiatus following their less-than-successful album Strange and Beautiful, the band reformed with Wade Black on vocals and Steve Wacholz (of Savatage fame) on drums. Although he is pictured in the album artwork (with the intention of being the new drummer), Wacholz never actually played on the record – a drum machine was used. Wade Black's vocal delivery was not appreciated by all fans, who were accustomed to Midnight's voice. Still, the album was greeted as a successful comeback.

"March to Glory" is a re-interpretation of the tune "Boadicea", to be found on Enya by Irish singer and songwriter Enya, which was released in 1987 and re-released in 1992 bearing the title The Celts.

"Cydonia" contains a hidden track which includes 20:15 minutes of recorded police scanner communications that describe alleged U.F.O. sightings (on the 1999 Spitfire Records edition only).

Track listings

All music by Jon Drenning and Jeff Lords – all lyrics by Billy Martinez and Jon Drenning except where noted.A special edition limited to 5000 was released with a second disc, featuring 3 live tracks with Midnight on vocals, recorded at Manatee Civic Center on September 2, 1989.

  1. "Painted Skies" (Drenning, Lord, Midnight) – 7:10
  2. "Queen of the Masquerade" (Drenning, Lord, Midnight) – 6:19
  3. "Lost Reflection" (Drenning, Lord, Midnight) – 6:29

A limited edition remaster from 2008 on the Polish Metal Mind label expanded the second disc with further studio and live material:

  1. "War of the Worlds" – remake
  2. "Astronomica" – demo version
  3. "Touch the Sun" – demo version
  4. "Dragon Lady" – live
  5. "Eternal World" – live
  6. "Painted Skies" – 7:10
  7. "Queen of the Masquerade" – 6:19
  8. "Lost Reflection" – 6:29

Personnel

Astronomica the band

In 2023, Black formed a band named Astronomica[1] that included Luca Caracciolo on drums, Rich Marks on lead guitar, Kyle Sokol of Rude Squad on bass & former Avenging Benji bassist Ryan Bales[2] now on rhythm guitar.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wade Black's Astronomica. Astronomica Official Website.
  2. Web site: Ryan Bales. Encyclopedia Metallum.
  3. Web site: Wade Black’s Astronomica – The Awakening 2024. Melodic Rock International.