Lonely

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hauntingly melodic "Lonely" by Crimson Glory from their seminal album Transcendence, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this progressive metal gem. This power ballad, a standout track from the 1988 release, was the band’s first hit single and even had a music video that aired back when MTV was the place for such things. According to a post on the Encyclopaedia Metallum, "Lonely" was significant enough to warrant an official music video, a rare and expensive endeavor for a band like Crimson Glory in the late '80s. Lyrically, the song is a poetic exploration of heartbreak and longing, with lines like "She awakens from a dream to a silent room where shadows speak of memories," painting a vivid picture of emotional desolation. Some fans on Reddit have speculated that "Lonely" could be a thematic companion to another track, "Painted Skies," either as a prequel or sequel, given their shared motifs of lost love and yearning for escape.

Another piece of trivia comes from guitarist Jon Drenning, who, in an interview shared on Crystal Logic, explained the meticulous production behind Transcendence. The album, including "Lonely," was crafted with an innovative approach to drum recording, where drummer Dana Burnell’s live performance was sampled into a synclavier without cymbals, which were later re-recorded for perfect separation. This gave "Lonely" its crisp, polished sound, balancing raw emotion with technical precision. Fans on the official Crimson Glory Facebook page, which boasts over 11,000 likes, often praise "Lonely" for its soaring vocals by Midnight and the tasteful guitar work, with one commenter calling it “a masterpiece that builds beautifully.” The song’s inclusion as a bonus single version on some reissues, as noted in a PiercingMetal review, further cements its status as a fan favorite.

Crimson Glory began their journey in Sarasota, Florida, in 1979, initially under the name Pierced Arrow, then Beowulf, before settling on their iconic moniker. As detailed on their official website, the classic lineup featured vocalist Midnight, guitarists Jon Drenning and Ben Jackson, bassist Jeff Lords, and drummer Dana Burnell. This quintet rose to fame in the mid-1980s, becoming pioneers of the American progressive metal movement alongside bands like Queensrÿche and Fates Warning. Their early days were marked by a theatrical flair, with the band donning silver masks to conceal their faces, a gimmick that, while visually striking, proved challenging during live performances due to the heat, as noted in their Wikipedia bio. Their self-titled debut in 1986 put them on the map, but it was Transcendence that solidified their legacy, with "Lonely" as a key track that showcased their ability to blend melody with metal intensity.

The band’s influence endures, with fans connecting on platforms like the Crimson Glory Facebook page and the Crimson Glory Fan Group, where enthusiasts share memories and celebrate the band’s contributions to metal. While the band maintains a presence on Instagram, their activity is minimal, with posts focusing on legacy content. Their X account is similarly quiet, but fan-driven sites like Encyclopaedia Metallum and Progarchives keep the flame alive with detailed discographies and reviews. Despite lineup changes and the tragic passing of Midnight in 2009, Crimson Glory’s music, especially tracks like "Lonely," continues to resonate with Zoo Freaks and metalheads alike, proving their art truly transcends time.