CRIMSON GLORY Bassist Reports On ROCKWAVE FESTIVAL Appearance

Reunited Florida metallers CRIMSON GLORY performed at the Rockwave Festival on July 12 at Terravibe in Malakasa, Greece. The band's bassist, Jeff Lords, has posted the following recap on the band's official forum:

"Firstly, thank you, Greece, and all of our devoted fans there. The view where we stayed was magnificent. The food, as always, was delicious.

"The show: Considering [we had] only 12 rehearsals with the original lineup since 15 years ago, not to mention the show not being our own.... well, the result had its pluses and minuses, as to be expected. From an onstage [point of view], the sound was decent during sound check, but left much to be desired by the time we hit the stage. As for the house sound, unfortunately, we didn't have our own soundman. Enough said. Aside from that, I'll tell you, though, any butterflies of anticipation that may have accumulated over time instantly subsided once 'March to Glory' was being piped through the massive P.A. I knew then that I was there to destroy, and was prepared to do it — I speak for myself.

"Having our new tandum-percussion section and being on stage with the boys was a high like no other. The sea of CRIMSON GLORY fans thrashing about as Ben [Jackson, guitar] played the opening riff of 'Red Sharks' was awesome. Unfortunately, it was all over in the blink of an eye, though. Myself, and newest CRIMSON GLORY member Jesse 'Shadow' Martillo did manage to make our way down to the VIP section and walk in front of the wall of screaming fans, shaking hands and taking pictures, etc. That, alone, made the trip worth while. Speaking of that experience, I will say, I would hate to rely on a second-hand rendering, pictures, recordings, or an Internet recounting of that 'fan-artist' experience. Trust me, it wouldn't do it justice. This brings to mind the difference between live interaction/performing, and recordings. To talk about these differences is not to make excuses, it just shows that there is large grey area of what different people expect out of a live performance. Could things have been better? Of course. As any musically inclined person can figure some things will be missing during a live performance. For instance, this time we didn't bring a keyboard player or use any sequencing. It is the live atmosphere that makes up for these missing elements. And honestly, we sound heavier without the frills, provided the soundman is on it.

"Anyway, there will always be the nay-sayers and critics. It's the nature of the music business. Hell, as long as it's done constructively, criticism can be a useful tool — much in the same way a football team reviews its game as to avoid future mistakes. And I don't mean technical 'faux paus,' as we are all human and prone to that. What I mean is possible mistakes in strategy. That said, criticism shouldn't be shunned entirely, and this is remembering, of course, that a critic is just a person's opinion. Waiting."

CRIMSON GLORY members Jon Drenning (guitar),Jeff Lords (bass),Ben Jackson (guitar) and Midnight (vocals) have announced plans to release a wealth of material through an as-yet-undetermined label (the band's previous record company, Greece's Black Lotus Records, recently closed its doors),including remastered, expanded editions of the band's first two albums, a new version of "Astronomica" CD (which was originally recorded with current LEATHERWOLF frontman Wade Black at the microphone) featuring Midnight on vocals, and a brand new studio album, tentatively due in 2007.

Watch CRIMSON GLORY's classic video for the song "Lonely" at YouTube.com.