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This is the storied fifth album by melodeath pioneers Edge Of Sanity, founded and led by the prolific Dan Swano. EOS were always a good band, pushing the boundaries of Death Metal into more progressive territory without going all wanky and weak. Crimson is widely held as their crowning achievement, and one of Death's finest moments. I have to say it's hard to argue.

Crimson is one song that lasts for 40 minutes. Before I heard it I was sure of two things: A-it would be boring, and B-it would really be like six or eight songs run together. Neither of these things are true. "Crimson", the song, is really a song, not just a bunch of songs mashed together. It has themes, refrains, and dynamics more akin to classical music than Death Metal, without being 'symphonic' in the slightest. There are some more delicate moments and some clean singing, but most of this is Death Metal all the way. Furthermore, "Crimson" is a 40 minute song that holds your attention all the way through, and that is no mean feat. I so loathe proggy indulgence I was ready to hate this album, but I can't, it's too good. It is kind of an investment of time, as you have to listen to the whole thing all at once, but it is a rich album that rewards the attention you pay it.

The story of Crimson is much discussed in other places, so I won't belabor it here. Suffice to say it isn't high drama, and the lyrics are clunky at best, but the story is at least original and not just a barbarian fantasy rehash or a ripoff of some movie or other. But the story isn't the great thing about this album, the great thing is hearing a band of intensely talented players try something really obtuse and ambitious and actually pull it off. A landmark album.