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).
Tracklist:
- March to Glory 03:30
- War of the Worlds 04:09
- New World Machine 04:14
- Astronomica 04:59
- Edge of Forever 05:46
- Touch the Sun 05:56
- Lucifer's Hammer 04:25
- The Other Side of Midnight 04:29
- Cyber-Christ 05:13
- Cydonia 05:47
- Dragon Lady (live) 07:30
- Eternal World (live) 04:10
Time: 01:00:08
Includes a sticker and an extra booklet with Japanese lyrics.
Music and lyrics by:
Jon Drenning, Jeff Lords, Billy Martinez (tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10).
Jon Drenning, Jeff Lords (2, 7, 9).
Recording information:
Recorded and mixed at Dreamland, Anna Maria, Florida.
This CD was recorded and mixed using a Mackie recording console and two Roland VS-880 8-tracks digital recorders.
Track 11, 12 recorded live at Manatee Civic Center, Bradenton, Florida, September 2nd 1989.