Crimson Glory first headliner on Sunday at ProgPower Europe 2024

Crimson Glory first headliners of ProgPower Europe’s final night delivered a performance that clearly hit the nail for many in the audience. Personally, their brand of old-school American progmetal (dramatic vocals, the signature silver masks, and a overly-theatrical vibe)  just isn’t for me. But preferences aside, there’s no denying the progmetaller veterans presented an awesome show and the crowd loved every second of it.

Crimson Glory has been around since the early '80s and is often credited as one of the founding names in the American progressive metal scene, standing alongside the likes of Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, and Dream Theater. Clearly their showmanship experience and long musical history and impact were fully on display, with die-hard fans embracing every minute of it. 

Travis Wills, now fronting the band (after several line-up changes and the tragic loss of original vocalist Midnight) delivered a strong, confident and joyful performance, with both vocal power and presence leading the band perfectly. The band sounded tight and determined to give the festival a proper, high-energy set, and judging by the loud cheers and raised fists, they absolutely nailed it.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or not, their place in prog metal history is clear, and their presence at ProgPower Europe felt like a fitting nod to the genre’s roots.