Edge Of Sanity Crimson

Tracklist:
1: Crimson - 40:00

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Summary: Even the lyrical theme is superb. A must have for a Gothenburg/melodic death metal fan.


Some people think that a song should not exceed a certain length. That's all bull*** in my opinion. I love Opeth's "Black Rose Immortal/To Bid You Farewell", Burzum's "Det som en gang var", Iron Maiden's "Seventh Son of A Seventh Son". It's obvious that length has nothing to do with quality. In itself, Crimson is a 40 minute song and album by progressive metal band Edge Of Sanity. It's amazing, flawless and classic. I think it is dark, melodic, and chaotic.

Vocalist, keyboardist, and composer Dan Swano out does himself with this masterpiece. His vocals are harsh when he shrieks, and deep with his melancholic clean vocals. In case you have never heard any of Dan's work, Dan Swano sings in clean and growl styles. His growls are strong and well developed. His clean vocals are somewhat deep and low to mid ranged in pitch. Unfortunately, he does not show off his clean singing very much.

Another sky is young...

That is what you hear when Crimson begins. You hear nothing until Dan's powerful growl kicks in! But then as he's sustaining that growl a dark groove comes in. Hear the haunting riff being played. Remember this a progressive album, and that a brutal verse turns into a melodic interlude. Around that part is when the guitarists show their their talent when a black metal riff turns into a classical guitar section.

Another example of how astounding the guitar playing, is that Mikael Akerfelt (Opeth) contributes for a couple of solos. His soloing is distinct and creative. Using hammer-ons, pull-offs, vibrato, trem runs, and string skips make his solos very enjoyable. He even helps out Dan on vocals. Although there are few parts where he does, it can become obvious it's him doubling Dan's clean vocals. His growl vocals are actually identically to Dan's vocals. But overall, Mikael does not sing here very much.

Crimson is chopped full of guitar and vocals. However, the bass rarely cuts through. The rhythm section is superb but the bass is only audible when one or two of the guitars are played. That is usually is clean sections. It even gets the melody in one the breakdowns. Piano and acoustic instruments on the other hand are amazing. Around the four minute mark is when you hear the melody of piano and acoustic guitar working together, when right after, Dan starts singing in clean. He starts out very deep and rises in pitch to the end of the part. One of the best parts of the album!

Drums are another great pro, Benny Larsson, is so good on drums. He is not the kind of drummer that you would think of, in a melodic death metal band. He does not over play like most, he doesn't even have very much to work with on his set. What makes him special is the fact how well he has the drums down. What I mean is that he uses very simple beats and nice fill ins. Notice how there is not a constant double pedal beat throughout the album. But just a mixture of calm and heavy drumming.

There are many elements of how Crimson is a classic. There are quite a few faults in it's concept. A forty minute song is a crazy idea, yet it works with how catchy and melodic the choruses and bridges are. The additions of breaks and bridges really make this interesting. Of coarse I must mention again how amazing the choruses are. There are quite a few choruses and pre choruses. In most of these parts Dan growls. One of them notably in the four minute mark. It makes an appears in Crimson II as a theme for "The Silent Threat". Another one of those themes, one of my favorites of the album, appears on the track "Incantation" also off Crimson II.

Pros:
Guitar riffs
Solos
Acoustic and Piano parts
Arrangement
Strong rhythm section
Detailed Lyrics
Melodies

Con(s):
Keyboards are low in the mix.

Unlike it's other part, Crimson II, the original is a very guitar driven album. Crimson II, as most of you know, is a keyboard orientated album which is heavier and less progressive. Crimson sounds more "complete". Honestly, one of the best albums I have ever heard.