CRIMSON GLORY Bassist Discusses Possibility Of New Studio Album, Reunion With MIDNIGHT

Nikoleta Sarantou of Metalzone.gr recently conducted an interview with CRIMSON GLORY bassist Jeff Lords. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Metalzone.gr: It's been quite a while since we last heard from CRIMSON GLORY. Can you give us an update?

Jeff: To be honest, I haven't been in contact with the rest of the guys recently. Based on what limited information I have, such things as school, families, and various musical side-projects are being pursued at the present. Strangely enough, aside from CRIMSON GLORY, we don't have all that much in common. But who knows, perhaps that fact actually contributes to the chemistry.

Metalzone.gr: I think we are running a "silence era" after Black Lotus Records disbanded. Are you currently looking for a record deal or working on new material?

Jeff: As you and others may know, we had some momentum back when we had the deal with Black Lotus Records, and we had every intention of following through with the plans in the press release as seen on the official website. However, when Black Lotus Records lost its alleged investors that momentum came crashing to a halt. Being as it is that we aren't currently obligated to any label to record a new record, if it happens at all, it won't likely be until we decide, simultaneously, and collectively, to make it happen.

Metalzone.gr: What will the criteria be in order to sign a contract?

Jeff: Well, first and foremost, the above-mentioned scenario would have to happen. Aside from that — and if I understand the question correctly — there would have to be face-to-face meetings with the label providing the contract, and I would have to leave those meetings with an over-all feeling that they'd honor said contract in good faith. This would include such things as being accounted to accurately and according to schedule, as well as mechanical and artist royalties getting paid when/if due. The Black Lotus Records deal seemed very promising, it's a shame they folded.

Metalzone.gr: After the reunion was announced, you did only one show with Midnight. In a very short time the lineup changed and a very few gigs followed back in the States with Wade Black on vocals. Does that mean we won't see the much anticipated reunion album with the original lineup sometime in the near future?

Jeff: Yes, that's pretty much what that means.... at least, as far as I'm concerned. It seems that in the very brief time spent resurrecting the old lineup, some of the old issues resurfaced a little too quickly for comfort. As far as the lineup with Wade, yes, we did some shows in our own area, and then Bay Area Rock fest out in San Francisco, which was very well-received, despite some minor technical problems.

Metalzone.gr: Several names have been brought up from time to time, regarding the singer's place. Daniel Heiman, John K, Lance King, Mark Vanderbilt, to name a few. Which one would fit better in your opinion and why?

Jeff: I couldn't make that determination until/unless I heard them sing the old stuff, and/or, something new. I'll say this — not many established singers are keen on the idea of filling some other guy's shoes. From what I see in this business, such people are quick to become restless, and they don't feel a bond with the rest of the band — kind of a take-it-or-leave-it type of attitude. We considered those factors when we chose Wade. He wasn't really all that established at the time, and he graciously accepted our offer and guidance. Not to mention, he can pick up a mic at pretty much any given time, and belt it out... no excuses; come rain or shine. That is invaluble as a live performer, in my opinion. Yes, there will always be those who want the original vocalist. However, many bands have gone on to be successful after replacing their original vocalist... SABBATH, AC/DC, MAIDEN, just to name a few.

Read the entire interview at Metalzone.gr.

CRIMSON GLORY performing the song "Astronomica" at the Bay Area Rock fest in San Francisco, California on May 5, 2007: